This study shows how the feeding behaviour of the increasing number of geese impacts their fragile breeding grounds in the Arctic region of Svalbard and, ultimately, may affect the geese themselves.  On arrival in their breeding grounds in spring, pink-footed geese, in common with other goose species, forage for below-ground plant parts.  This grubbing behaviour disturbs tundra ecosystems.  This thesis investigates the extent and distribution of grubbing on Svalbard, its impact on tundra ecosystems and feedbacks to the goose population in the long term. Grubbing geese reduce the abundance of plants, including moss, in tundra vegetation and cause the loss of substantial quantities of soil carbon.  A multi-habitat field manipulation experiment demonstrated that the impact of grubbing varies between communities; wetter communities with high moss cover are less negatively affected, but these are more likely to be grubbed by geese, particularly in valley bases and low lying coastal areas.  Using data collected in this project, the long-term effect of geese on tundra was simulated.  This resulted in predictions that geese will cause substantial degradation of their habitat if the population increases by another 50% to 75,000. Due to the negative effect of grubbing on vegetation, the long-term sustainable size of the population of pink-footed geese breeding on Svalband is estimated to be 95,000, less than 30% of the number expected based on the tundra’s productivity.  Pink-footed geese are therefore “ecosystem engineers” of the tundra, as they affect resource availability and “carrying capacity engineers”, as by degrading their own habitat they reduce the size of the goose population that it can support.

Background: The pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the world's most important pests of cotton. Insecticide sprays and transgenic cotton producing toxins of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are currently used to manage this pest. Bt toxins kill susceptible insects by specifically binding to and destroying midgut cells, but they are not toxic to most other organisms. Pink bollworm is useful as a model for understanding insect responses to Bt toxins, yet advances in understanding at the molecular level have been limited because basic genomic information is lacking for this cosmopolitan pest. Here, we have sequenced, de novo assembled and annotated a comprehensive larval midgut transcriptome from a susceptible strain of pink bollworm. Findings: A de novo transcriptome assembly for the midgut of P. gossypiella was generated containing 46,458 transcripts (average length of 770 bp) derived from 39,874 unigenes. The size of the transcriptome is similar to published midgut transcriptomes of other Lepidoptera and includes up to 91 % annotated contigs. The dataset is publicly available in NCBI and GigaDB as a resource for researchers. Conclusions: Foundational knowledge of protein-coding genes from the pink bollworm midgut is critical for understanding how this important insect pest functions. The transcriptome data presented here represent the first large-scale molecular resource for this species, and may be used for deciphering relevant midgut proteins critical for xenobiotic detoxification, nutrient digestion and allocation, as well as for the discovery of protein receptors important for Bt intoxication.

A vida útil do filé de salmão fresco é em grande parte limitada pela deterioração microbiana, proteolítica e oxidativa. Esse trabalho visou estudar o efeito do filme de quitosana adicionado ou não do extrato de resíduo agroindustrial de pimenta rosa (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) sobre a vida útil e qualidade de salmão do Atlântico (Salmo salar) fresco, embalado em atmosfera modificada (AM, 100% CO2), durante 28 dias. Os filés de salmão (± 300 g) com 11 dias post mortem sem pele e sem ossos foram embalados em 100% de dióxido de carbono (CO2), submetidos aos tratamentos: sem filme (TC), com filme de quitosana (TFQ) e com filme de quitosana adicionado do extrato de resíduo agroindustrial de pimenta rosa (TFQPR), armazenados a 2 ± 1° C e sem exposição à luz por 0 (11 dias), 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias. Após cada período de armazenamento, nove bandejas de cada tratamento foram analisadas de acordo com parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, cor, capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), perfil de textura (PT), bases voláteis totais (BVT), trimetilamina (TMA), estabilidade oxidativa, perfil de ácidos graxos (PAG), degradação de ATP e seus catabólitos), microbiológicas (microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos e psicrotróficos, bactérias láticas, coliformes totais e termotolerantes) e sensoriais. O estudo foi conduzido por um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial (3 tratamentos x 5 tempos de armazenamento), considerado como parcela o filé de salmão embalado em atmosfera modificada, com 3 repetições. Os dados foram analisados no ambiente R, a fim de verificar o efeito de tempo, tratamento e tempo x tratamento. Durante o armazenamento, o pH oscilou para os três tratamentos. Observou-se a descoloração dos filés de salmão devido à oxidação dos carotenoides astaxantina e cantaxantina, presentes no músculo do pescado. Ao longo do armazenamento, CRA foi reduzida, influenciando no perfil de textura das amostras. Os filés de salmão tornaram-se mais macios devido à proteólise muscular e a ação de microrganismos deteriorantes presentes. Os dados de oxidação lipídica foram baixos e não influenciou no PAG do salmão - considerando que o salmão é uma boa fonte de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados da série ômega-3. Os microrganismos deteriorantes analisados aumentaram ao longo do armazenamento, porém não ultrapassaram os limites recomendados pela ICMSF, bem como a contagem dos microrganismos patógenos. A análise sensorial permitiu verificar as mudanças nos filés de salmão ao longo do armazenamento, porém não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos. Em conclusão, o filme ativo foi eficiente na manutenção da qualidade e vida útil dos filés de salmão embalados com AM durante 28 dias de armazenamento, em comparação com o grupo controle (TC). / Shelf-life of the fillet of fresh salmon is greatly limited by microbial, proteolytic and oxidative deterioration. This research aimed to study the effect of chitosan active films and the addition of agro-industrial residue of pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) on this film on fresh Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) shelf-life and quality packaged in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, 100% CO2) during 28 days. Skinless and boneless salmon fillets (± 300 g) with 11 days post mortem were packaged in 100% carbon dioxide (CO2) MAP according to three treatments: without chitosan film (TC), with chitosan film (TFQ) and with chitosan film added with agro-industrial residue of pink pepper (TFQPR), stored at 2 ± 1° C and under dark condition for 0 (11 days),7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After each retail day, 9 trays of each treatment were analyzed according to physical-chemical (pH, color, water holding capacity (WHC), texture profile (TP), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA), oxidative stability, fatty acid profile (FAP), and ATP and ATP-catabolites quantification), microbiological (the content of mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lactic, thermotolerant bacteria and total coliform), and sensory parameters. This research used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement (3 treatments x 5 five storage time), considering the packaged salmon fillet as a research unity, with 3 repetitions. Data was analyzed on R environment, in order to verify time, treatment and time x treatment effects. During storage, pH oscillated for the three treatments. The salmon fillets discolored due to the carotenoids astaxanthin and canthaxanthin oxidation, which are present in fish muscle. Along storage time, WHC reduced, influencing on sample texture profile. Salmon fillets softened, which is possibly resulting from muscle proteolysis and from spoilage bacteria action. Lipid oxidation data were low and did not influence on salmon FAP - considering that salmon is a good source of omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acid. Fish spoilage bacteria increased along storage, but it was not higher than the legal limit established by ICMSF, as well as pathogen bacteria. Sensory analysis revealed overall changing on salmon fillets during storage. In conclusion, active film was efficient in the maintenance of quality and shelf-life of MAP-packaged salmon fillets during 28 days of storage, compared to control group (TC).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / The Flesh Browning (FB) disorder of ‘Cripps Pink’ apples presents a significant threat to the established market identity of the ‘Cripps Pink’ apple in Australian and export markets. Climatic conditions during fruit growth and development predispose ‘Cripps Pink’ apples to developing the FB disorder during storage. The FB disorder can be classified into two distinct disorders based on their physiological and structural differences and by seasonal climatic conditions. The diffuse type of FB (DFB) is a chilling injury, occurring in districts or seasons accumulating less than 1100 growing degree days (GDD) above 10oC between full bloom and harvest. In these climatic conditions, ‘Cripps Pink’ apples have delayed postharvest ethylene production. Diffuse FB effects fruit cortex tissue and is characterised as cellular collapse. Storing fruit at 3oC can reduce the incidence of DFB. The radial type of FB (RFB) is primarily a senescent disorder, occurring in districts or seasons accumulating greater than 1400 GDD above 10oC between full bloom and harvest. In these climatic conditions, postharvest ethylene production is not delayed. Radial FB affects the cells adjacent to the vascular tissue of the fruit and is characterised by damaged cell walls. Storing fruit at 1oC can reduce the incidence of RFB. Harvest maturity and the level of CO2 in the storage atmosphere are additive influences on the development of RFB. Seasons or districts accumulating more than 1700 GDD have a very low risk for developing RFB. Seasonal climatic conditions can provide a guide for predicting the risk of developing RFB and DFB during storage.

This study arose from a conservation dilemma between the need to conserve a population of the endangered pink tailed legless lizard, Aprasia parapulchella and crucial upgrading of Canberra's sewerage treatment plant. The study focused on conservation biology and how it could be applied to the management of A. parapulchella. As little biological information was available on A. parapulchella, research was focused on obtaining data that would be beneficial in the conservation management of the species. This included the dietary and habitat requirements, population status and structure and population relocation and habitat restoration. A. parapulchella was found to occur in low relative densities at all sites (maximum 9.1 lizards per 1000 rocks turned, Mt Taylor). Populations of the species appear to be larger than has been considered previously, however numbers are still below 500 individuals per site. Sexual dimorphism is present in the species with females achieving longer snout-vent lengths than males. Sex ratios were equal in all sites, however average size of lizards was different at the four main study sites, indicating differences in population structure. The life history of A. parapulchella can be summarised as long-lived, late maturing (3rd or 4lh year of life) with a low reproductive rate (single clutch of two eggs per year). A. parapulchella is a dietary specialist feeding on about 11 different species of ants. Interestingly, the lizards also live with the same species that they feed upon. By far the most important species in the diet and homesite requirements of A. parapulchella is the ant Iridomyrmex rufoniger. A. parapulchella shows positive selection towards the species in homesite choice, is found most commonly in the nests of this ant, and selects its brood over the brood of other ant species in diet experiments. In addition this ant was represented in the diet of A. parapulchella more commonly than any other ant. The relationship between ants and A. parapulchella appears to be unique and the mechanisms of this specialisation require further investigation. The vegetation associations where A. parapulchella occur are different across the range of the species. Sites at Bendigo and West Wyalong support mallee communities, while in the ACT region, Bathurst and Tarcutta, A. parapulchella appears to be a habitat specialist, being found most commonly in sites dominated by grass species, both native and introduced. A. parapulchella lives beneath rocks in grassland sites. Rocks that the species uses for homesites are commonly between 100 and 150 mm wide, 120-220 mm long and 50 and 150 mm thick. There were significant differences between the sizes of rocks used at different sites and between different seasons. Rocks used by females were significantly larger than rocks used by juvenile lizards. Twelve other species of reptile were found to use rocks in grassland sites, with rocks partitioned within the community on the basis of size and shape. An experimental relocation of A. parapulchella was conducted to try to determine ideal habitat conditions for the survival of relocated individuals. Unfortunately of the 114 lizards released, only 15 were recaptured. Although recaptures were low, trends indicated that treatments of Themeda triandra and very high rock densities had the highest survival rates. Key habitat variables were reinstated at the Lower Molonglo Dam site however restoration is preliminary with more time needed for the habitat to be suitable for occupation by A. parapulchella. What started as a situation that was likely to have a deleterious impact on A. parapulchella has been turned into a conservation success story. Without the involvement of ACT Electricity and Water, much of the basic biology of A. parapulchella would still be unknown. The findings will now form a solid basis from which to effectively conserve A. parapulchella. The project provides an example of the conservation success that can be achieved between industry and conservation partnerships.

In the steel industry, laser triangulation based measurement systems can be utilizedfor evaluating the flatness of the steel products. Shapeline is a company in Linköpingthat manufactures such measurement systems. This thesis work will present a series ofexperiments on a Shapeline measurement system in a relatively untested environment, thehot rolling mill at SSAB in Borlänge.The purpose of this work is to evaluate how the conditions at a hot rolling mill affectsthe measurement performance. It has been anticipated that measuring in high temperatureenvironment would introduce difficulties that do not exist when measuring in cold environments.A number of different experiments were conducted, where equipment such as laserand camera bandpass filter were alternated. Via the experiments, information about noisedue to the environment in the hot rolling mill was gained. The most significant noise wascaused by heat shimmering. Using the presented methods, the magnitude and frequencyspectrum of the heat shimmering noise could be determined. The results also indicates thatheat shimmering cause large errors and is quite troublesome to counter. In addition to this,the quality of the line detections under the hot rolling mill circumstances was examined. Itcould be observed that the line detections did not introduce any significant errors despitethe harmful conditions.

No description available.

The purpose of this qualitive content analysis is to examine and analyse how children are visualized in toy catalogs, depending on their gender, 2014 - 2015.   It is important to observe how advertisement maintains the gender stereotypes norms of our society, since it has a major impact on our self-image and identity. Especially when it comes to children, who absorb everything and also because it is during the childhood the socialization process begins.   It is common that toy stores and toy catalogs distinguish boy toys from girl toys, based on the toy’s colour, form and function. This phenomena has become a topic of public discussion in recent years. Therefore, the two large toy companies, BR-leksaker and Toys “R” Us, claim to have published gender neutral toy catalogs by changing the gender roles and letting boys and girls play together with the same toys.   In order to gain more knowledge of toys impact on gender roles, we studied previous research by scientist in the field of gender, e.g. Almqvist, Butler and Connell. By using a qualitative method with a semiotic perspective, we found recurrent underlying aspects in the advertisements, by the selection of twelve pictures. The studies result implies that the studied toy catalogs are not yet equal, although a certain level of progress can be ascertained. Not even the three most equal advertisements visualized girls and boys equally, because of details such as stereotypical hairstyles, accessories and clothing. Furthermore, the study shows that girls are portrayed with boy toys than vice versa, which implies that boys are to a greater extent regarded as abnormal.

No description available.

No description available.