[EN] Next-generation terrestrial broadcasting targets at enhancing spectral efficiency to overcome the challenges derived from the spectrum shortage as a result of the progressive allocation of frequencies - the so-called Digital Dividend - to satisfy the growing demands for wireless broadband capacity. Advances in both transmission standards and video coding are paramount to enable the progressive roll-out of high video quality services such as HDTV (High Definition Televison) or Ultra HDTV. The transition to the second generation European terrestrial standard DVB-T2 and the introduction of MPEG-4/AVC video coding already enables the transmission of 4-5 HDTV services per RF (Radio Frequency) channel. However, the impossibility to allocate higher bit-rate within the remaining spectrum could jeopardize the evolution of the DTT platforms in favour of other high-capacity systems such as the satellite or cable distribution platforms. Next steps are focused on the deployment of the recently released High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, which provides more than 50% coding gain with respect to AVC, with the next-generation terrestrial standards. This could ensure the competitiveness of the DTT. This dissertation addresses the use of multi-RF channel aggregation technologies to increase the spectral efficiency of future DTT networks. The core of the Thesis are two technologies: Time Frequency Slicing (TFS) and Channel Bonding (CB). TFS and CB consist in the transmission of the data of a TV service across multiple RF channels instead of using a single channel. CB spreads data of a service over multiple classical RF channels (RF-Mux). TFS spreads the data by time-slicing (slot-by-slot) across multiple RF channels which are sequentially recovered at the receiver by frequency hopping. Transmissions using these features can benefit from capacity and coverage gains. The first one comes from a more efficient statistical multiplexing (StatMux) for Variable Bit Rate (VBR) services due to a StatMux pool over a higher number of services. Furthermore, CB allows increasing service data rate with the number of bonded RF channels and also advantages when combined with SVC (Scalable Video Coding). The coverage gain comes from the increased RF performance due to the reception of the data of a service from different RF channels rather that a single one that could be, eventually, degraded. Robustness against interferences is also improved since the received signal does not depend on a unique potentially interfered RF channel. TFS was firstly introduced as an informative annex in DVB-T2 (not normative) and adopted in DVB-NGH (Next Generation Handheld). TFS and CB are proposed for inclusion in ATSC 3.0. However, they have never been implemented. The investigations carried out in this dissertation employ an information-theoretical approach to obtain their upper bounds, physical layer simulations to evaluate the performance in real systems and the analysis of field measurements that approach realistic conditions of the network deployments. The analysis report coverage gains about 4-5 dB with 4 RF channels and high capacity gains already with 2 RF channels. This dissertation also focuses on implementation aspects. Channel bonding receivers require one tuner per bonded RF channel. The implementation of TFS with a single tuner demands the fulfilment of several timing requirements. However, the use of just two tuners would still allow for a good performance with a cost-effective implementation by the reuse of existing chipsets or the sharing of existing architectures with dual tuner operation such as MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). / [ES] La televisión digital terrestre (TDT) de última generación está orientada a una necesaria mejora de la eficiencia espectral con el fin de abordar los desafíos derivados de la escasez de espectro como resultado de la progresiva asignación de frecuencias - el llamado Dividendo Digital - para satisfacer la creciente demanda de capacidad para la banda ancha inalámbrica. Los avances tanto en los estándares de transmisión como de codificación de vídeo son de suma importancia para la progresiva puesta en marcha de servicios de alta calidad como la televisión de Ultra AD (Alta Definición). La transición al estándar europeo de segunda generación DVB-T2 y la introducción de la codificación de vídeo MPEG-4 / AVC ya permite la transmisión de 4-5 servicios de televisión de AD por canal RF (Radiofrecuencia). Sin embargo, la imposibilidad de asignar una mayor tasa de bit sobre el espectro restante podría poner en peligro la evolución de las plataformas de TDT en favor de otros sistemas de alta capacidad tales como el satélite o las distribuidoras de cable. El siguiente paso se centra en el despliegue del reciente estándar HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), que ofrece un 50% de ganancia de codificación con respecto a AVC, junto con los estándares terrestres de próxima generación, lo que podría garantizar la competitividad de la TDT en un futuro cercano. Esta tesis aborda el uso de tecnologías de agregación de canales RF que permitan incrementar la eficiencia espectral de las futuras redes. La tesis se centra en torno a dos tecnologías: Time Frequency Slicing (TFS) y Channel Bonding (CB). TFS y CB consisten en la transmisión de los datos de un servicio de televisión a través de múltiples canales RF en lugar de utilizar un solo canal. CB difunde los datos de un servicio a través de varios canales RF convencionales formando un RF-Mux. TFS difunde los datos a través de ranuras temporales en diferentes canales RF. Los datos son recuperados de forma secuencial en el receptor mediante saltos en frecuencia. La implementación de estas técnicas permite obtener ganancias en capacidad y cobertura. La primera de ellas proviene de una multiplexación estadística (StatMux) de servicios de tasa variable (VBR) más eficiente. Además, CB permite aumentar la tasa de pico de un servicio de forma proporcional al número de canales así como ventajas al combinarla con codificación de vídeo escalable. La ganancia en cobertura proviene de un mejor rendimiento RF debido a la recepción de los datos de un servicio desde diferentes canales en lugar uno sólo que podría estar degradado. Del mismo modo, es posible obtener una mayor robustez frente a interferencias ya que la recepción o no de un servicio no depende de si el canal que lo alberga está o no interferido. TFS fue introducido en primer lugar como un anexo informativo en DVB-T2 (no normativo) y posteriormente fue adoptado en DVB-NGH (Next Generation Handheld). TFS y CB han sido propuestos para su inclusión en ATSC 3.0. Aún así, nunca han sido implementados. Las investigaciones llevadas a cabo en esta Tesis emplean diversos enfoques basados en teoría de la información para obtener los límites de ganancia, en simulaciones de capa física para evaluar el rendimiento en sistemas reales y en el análisis de medidas de campo. Estos estudios reportan ganancias en cobertura en torno a 4-5 dB con 4 canales e importantes ganancias en capacidad aún con sólo 2 canales RF. Esta tesis también se centra en los aspectos de implementación. Los receptores para CB requieren un sintonizador por canal RF agregado. La implementación de TFS con un solo sintonizador exige el cumplimiento de varios requisito temporales. Sin embargo, el uso de dos sintonizadores permitiría un buen rendimiento con una implementación más rentable con la reutilización de los actuales chips o su introducción junto con las arquitecturas existentes que operan con un doble sintonizador tales como / [CAT] La televisió digital terrestre (TDT) d'última generació està orientada a una necessària millora de l'eficiència espectral a fi d'abordar els desafiaments derivats de l'escassetat d'espectre com a resultat de la progressiva assignació de freqüències - l'anomenat Dividend Digital - per a satisfer la creixent demanda de capacitat per a la banda ampla sense fil. Els avanços tant en els estàndards de transmissió com de codificació de vídeo són de la màxima importància per a la progressiva posada en marxa de serveis d'alta qualitat com la televisió d'Ultra AD (Alta Definició). La transició a l'estàndard europeu de segona generació DVB-T2 i la introducció de la codificació de vídeo MPEG-4/AVC ja permet la transmissió de 4-5 serveis de televisió d'AD per canal RF (Radiofreqüència). No obstant això, la impossibilitat d'assignar una major taxa de bit sobre l'espectre restant podria posar en perill l'evolució de les plataformes de TDT en favor d'altres sistemes d'alta capacitat com ara el satèl·lit o les distribuïdores de cable. El següent pas se centra en el desplegament del recent estàndard HEVC (High Efficiency Vídeo Coding), que oferix un 50% de guany de codificació respecte a AVC, junt amb els estàndards terrestres de pròxima generació, la qual cosa podria garantir la competitivitat de la TDT en un futur pròxim. Aquesta tesi aborda l'ús de tecnologies d'agregació de canals RF que permeten incrementar l'eficiència espectral de les futures xarxes. La tesi se centra entorn de dues tecnologies: Time Frequency Slicing (TFS) i Channel Bonding (CB). TFS i CB consistixen en la transmissió de les dades d'un servei de televisió a través de múltiples canals RF en compte d'utilitzar un sol canal. CB difon les dades d'un servei a través d'uns quants canals RF convencionals formant un RF-Mux. TFS difon les dades a través de ranures temporals en diferents canals RF. Les dades són recuperades de forma seqüencial en el receptor per mitjà de salts en freqüència. La implementació d'aquestes tècniques permet obtindre guanys en capacitat i cobertura. La primera d'elles prové d'una multiplexació estadística (StatMux) de serveis de taxa variable (VBR) més eficient. A més, CB permet augmentar la taxa de pic d'un servei de forma proporcional al nombre de canals així com avantatges al combinar-la amb codificació de vídeo escalable. El guany en cobertura prové d'un millor rendiment RF a causa de la recepció de les dades d'un servei des de diferents canals en lloc de només un que podria estar degradat. De la mateixa manera, és possible obtindre una major robustesa enfront d'interferències ja que la recepció o no d'un servei no depén de si el canal que l'allotja està o no interferit. TFS va ser introduït en primer lloc com un annex informatiu en DVB-T2 (no normatiu) i posteriorment va ser adoptat en DVB-NGH (Next Generation Handheld). TFS i CB han sigut proposades per a la seva inclusió en ATSC 3.0. Encara així, mai han sigut implementades. Les investigacions dutes a terme en esta Tesi empren diverses vessants basades en teoria de la informació per a obtindre els límits de guany, en simulacions de capa física per a avaluar el rendiment en sistemes reals i en l'anàlisi de mesures de camp. Aquestos estudis reporten guanys en cobertura entorn als 4-5 dB amb 4 canals i importants guanys en capacitat encara amb només 2 canals RF. Esta tesi també se centra en els aspectes d'implementació. Els receptors per a CB requerixen un sintonitzador per canal RF agregat. La implementació de TFS amb un sol sintonitzador exigix el compliment de diversos requisit temporals. No obstant això, l'ús de dos sintonitzadors permetria un bon rendiment amb una implementació més rendible amb la reutilització dels actuals xips o la seua introducció junt amb les arquitectures existents que operen amb un doble sintonitzador com ara MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). / Giménez Gandia, JJ. (2015). Improved Spectrum Usage with Multi-RF Channel Aggregation Technologies for the Next-Generation Terrestrial Broadcasting [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/52520 / TESIS

[ES] Los esquemas de antenas de múltiples entradas y múltiples salidas (MIMO) pueden maximizar la eficiencia espectral de los sistemas de Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) para la provisión de contenidos de gran capacidad, como los servicios emergentes de televisión de ultra alta definición (UHDTV), en el cada vez más escaso y limitado espectro radioeléctrico de la TDT debido a la creciente demanda de servicios inalámbricos de banda ancha (4G y 5G). Las tecnologías MIMO han sido desarrolladas inicialmente en la especificación técnica de TDT DVB-NGH (Digital Video Broadcasting Next Generation Handheld) y estandarizadas en el último estándar de TDT, ATSC 3.0 (Advanced Television Systems Committee 3rd Generation). Sin embargo, no hay despliegues comerciales MIMO de TDT. Por otro lado, la industria móvil ha desarrollado una tecnología de radiodifusión móvil, conocida como hoy en día como 5G Broadcast, basado en LTE (Long Term Evolution). Aunque LTE incorpora MIMO para transmisiones unicast punto a punto, 5G Broadcast sólo utiliza una única antenna en transmisión. Esta tesis doctoral tiene como objetivo evaluar el rendimiento de MIMO para radiodifusión (terrestrial broadcast) para sistemas inalámbricos de radiodifusión de nueva generación, tanto TDT como sistemas celulares. Durante la estandarización de los sistemas MIMO TDT, el diseño inicial tiene en cuenta condiciones de recepción perfectas, por ejemplo, demoduladores óptimos, información de estado del canal (CSI) perfecta, estimación perfecta de la potencia del ruido, etc. El objetivo principal de esta tesis doctoral es evaluar y optimizar el rendimiento de las transmisiones de radiodifusión MIMO en escenarios realistas. Esta tesis doctoral propone nuevos modelos de canales de propagación MIMO terrestres basados en medidas de campo que pueden utilizarse para la evaluación del rendimiento del sistema MIMO TDT. Además, también optimiza las diferentes configuraciones de transmisión y recepción MIMO, como la estimación de los canales MIMO en el receptor, y el procesado de señal. El escenario considerado en la tesis son torres de alta potencia con recepción fija, característico de las redes de TDT. Los resultados de esta tesis han contribuido al foro de estandarización ATSC, al sector de radiocomunicaciones de la Unión Internacional de Telecomunicaciones (UIT-R) y al proyecto nacional japonés de investigación sobre el sistema TDT de próxima generación. / [CA] Els esquemes d"antenes de múltiples entrades i múltiples sortides (MIMO) poden maximitzar l"eficiència espectral dels sistemes de Televisió Digital Terrestre (TDT) per a la provisió de continguts de gran capacitat, com els serveis emergents de televisió d"ultra alta definició (UHDTV) , en el cada vegada més escàs i limitat espectre radioelèctric de la TDT a causa de la creixent demanda de serveis sense fil de banda ampla (4G i 5G). Les tecnologies MIMO han estat desenvolupades inicialment en l'especificació tècnica de TDT DVB-NGH (Digital Video Broadcasting Next Generation Handheld) i estandarditzades a l'últim estàndard de TDT, ATSC 3.0 (Advanced Television Systems Committee 3rd Generation). No obstant això, no hi ha desplegaments comercials MIMO de TDT. D'altra banda, la indústria mòbil ha desenvolupat una tecnologia de radiodifusió mòbil, coneguda com avui dia com a 5G Broadcast, basat en LTE (Long Term Evolution). Tot i que LTE incorpora MIMO per a transmissions unicast punt a punt, 5G Broadcast només utilitza una única antena en transmissió. Aquesta tesi doctoral té com a objectiu avaluar el rendiment de MIMO per a radiodifusió (terrestrial broadcast) per a sistemes sense fil de radiodifusió de nova generació, tant TDT com sistemes cel·lulars. Durant l'estandardització dels sistemes MIMO TDT, el disseny inicial té en compte condicions de recepció perfectes, per exemple demoduladors òptims, informació d'estat del canal (CSI) perfecta, estimació perfecta de la potència del soroll, etc. L¿objectiu principal d¿aquesta tesi doctoral és avaluar i optimitzar el rendiment de les transmissions de radiodifusió MIMO en escenaris realistes. Aquesta tesi doctoral proposa nous models de canals de propagació MIMO terrestres basats en mesures de camp que es poden utilitzar per a l'avaluació del rendiment del sistema MIMO TDT. A més, també optimitza les diferents configuracions de transmissió i recepció MIMO, com l'estimació dels canals MIMO al receptor, i el processament de senyal. L'escenari considerat a la tesi són torres d'alta potència amb recepció fixa, característic de les xarxes de TDT. Els resultats d"aquesta tesi han contribuït al fòrum d"estandardització ATSC, al sector de radiocomunicacions de la Unió Internacional de Telecomunicacions (UIT-R) i al projecte nacional japonès de recerca sobre el sistema TDT de propera generació. / [EN] Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna schemes in Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) systems aim to maximize the spectral efficiency for the provision of large capacity contents in the scarce and limited DTT Radio-Frequency (RF) channel. The delivery of the emerging Ultra-High Definition TV (UHDTV) services as well as the continuous broadcast spectrum shortage due to the rapidly growing demand for wireless broadband services (4G and 5G) are the motivations for this proposal. MIMO technologies have been firstly developed in the DTT technical specification DVB-NGH (Digital Video Broadcasting Next Generation Handheld) and standardized in the latest DTT standard, ATSC3.0 (Advanced Television Systems Committee 3rd Generation). However, MIMO broadcasting has not been commercialized due to the additional investment for both service providers and receivers. On the other hand, mobile industry has developed mobile broadcast technologies known today as 5G Broadcast based on LTE (Long Term Evolution). Although LTE incorporates MIMO for point to point unicast, 5G Broadcast only uses a single antenna in transmission at the moment. The Ph.D. aims at assessing the performance of MIMO for broadcasting (terrestrial broadcast) for next-generation wireless broadcasting systems, including next-generation wireless broadcasting systems, both DTT and cellular system. During the standardization of MIMO DTT systems, the initial design accounts for perfect reception conditions, e.g., optimal demodulators, perfect Channel State Information (CSI), perfect noise power estimation. The main goal of this PhD is to assess and optimize the performance of MIMO wireless broadcast transmissions in realistic scenarios. This PhD proposes new models of terrestrial MIMO propagation channels based on field measurements which can be utilized for the evaluation of MIMO DTT system. Furthermore, it also optimizes the different MIMO transmission and reception configurations, such as broadcast MIMO channel estimation and signal processing. The scenarios considered in the thesis are high-power high-tower transmitter with fixed reception and characteristics of DTT networks. The results of the PhD have contributed to the ATSC standardization forum, International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), and the Japanese national research project on next generation DTT system. / Shitomi, T. (2023). Evaluation and Optimization of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Antenna Schemes for Next-Generation Wireless Broadcasting [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/202598

Master of Science / Department of Entomology / Brian P. McCornack / Robert J. Whitworth / No-till management of soybean benefits producers by lowering input costs and retaining soil moisture, but may also provide optimal conditions for increasing populations of soil-inhabiting pests. For Kansas soybean, damaging populations of soil-inhabiting isopods (Malacostraca: Isopoda) have been observed in fields under no-tillage management. To control damage to soybean stands from feeding isopods, current management strategies need to be evaluated. The objectives of my research were to evaluate the effects of chemical and cultural control combinations (seed treatment and planting date, planting date and seed size, seed treatment and natural crop residue removal, and seeding rate and seed treatment) on soybean stand densities exposed to natural isopod populations, and to evaluate the effects of burning crop residue on isopod populations and emergence rates in soybean under no-tillage management. Field studies were conducted in consecutive years (2009 and 2010) in two separate soybean fields within each year. All fields were under no-till management and had a history of damaging isopod populations. In the second chapter, we demonstrated that seed treatment with an insecticide is not a reliable strategy. Doubling normal seeding rates can potentially reduce the number of trips a grower makes across a field (single, high-density versus multiple, low-density plantings). In doing so, growers may save time and money (e.g., fuel). A high seeding rate (563,380/ha), along with a low rate (50 g a.i. / 100 kg seed) of neonicotinoid seed treatment, appears to improve soybean stands (P < 0.05). No other combinations of control methods appeared to affect stand density. In the third chapter, we show burning to be an effective strategy to directly influence isopod populations but its overall effect on soybean stands needs further investigation.

Mountaintop removal mining (MTR) is a notorious stressor of stream ecosystems in the Central Appalachians. Valley fills (VF) lead to reduced occupancy, abundance, and species richness of stream salamanders. Multiple factors may be responsible for these reductions, but specifically habitat fragmentation and degradation may reduce colonization rates and increase local extinction rates. From 2013-2015, repeated counts of salamanders were conducted in stream reaches impacted by MTR/VF and compared to counts in reference reaches to answer the question: do stream salamander population dynamics differ between stream reaches impacted by MTR/VF and reference stream reaches? I also investigated dynamics of stream habitat using measures relevant to stream salamander persistence. Accordingly, I examined number of cover objects, percent detritus, hydroperiod, and specific conductance. From the salamander capture data, colonization and survival probabilities were lower in MTR/VF reaches than reference reaches. MTR/VF reaches also had fewer cover objects, higher percent detritus, constant stream flow, and elevated specific conductance. Although specific conductance was increased in MTR/VF reaches, it was not strongly correlated with colonization and survival. I suggest reduced rates of colonization and survival in MTR/VF stream reaches are driven by inhibited dispersal and reduced individual survival due to degraded terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Terrestrial carbon-isotope stratigraphy has proven a promising tool for stratigraphic correlation between the different exchangeable carbon-isotope reservoirs, as well as a powerful approach to reconstructing the evolution of δ13C of atmospheric CO2, which is closely associated with the evolution of palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate. However, the limited understanding of pitfalls in specific application potentially restricts the method’s utility for stratigraphic correlation and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. This thesis takes advantage of three case studies at two vital geological intervals which are both characterized by the significant carbon-isotope perturbation in the exchangeable reservoirs, to explore the nature of terrestrial carbon-isotope stratigraphy. Two of the case studies focus on the late Early to Middle Miocene, the period of the so called Monterey Event that is marked by remarkable positive carbon-isotope excursions in benthic and pelagic marine carbonate records. There are few terrestrial carbon-isotope records for the Monterey Event. In the present study, shallow marine sediments were collected from boreholes in the New Jersey margin, USA (IODP, Expedition 313) and North Sea Basin, Denmark. Phytoclasts are concentrated from palynological residues as the basis for a terrestrial carbon-isotope stratigraphy from the two locations. The carbon-isotope curves obtained can be correlated in detail locally, and correlated crudely on a global scale. However, there are no definite positive carbon-isotope excursions observed in the terrestrial isotopic stratigraphic records through the biostratigraphically determined Langhian interval equivalent to the Monterey Event. The reasons for the absence of relatively positive carbon-isotope excursions in terrestrial carbon-isotope stratigraphy might be caused by the reworking deposits of woody phytoclasts from older strata or some other process related to reworking. Another case study centres on the Triassic-Jurassic boundary and Early Jurassic fluvial and lacustrine succession in the Kuqa section, Tarim Basin, NW China. Macrofossil wood samples were collected to generate the terrestrial carbon-isotope stratigraphy. On the basis of the biostratigraphy and potential Stage/Age (sub-) boundaries implied by biological overturns, the terrestrial carbon-isotope stratigraphy in the Kuqa section can be well correlated with both terrestrial and marine carbon-isotope stratigraphic records from UK through the Early Jurassic. For the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, more precise correlation was made globally and an exact the position of Triassic-Jurassic boundary is proposed in the Kuqa section. In light of the biostratigraphy and the carbon-isotope stratigraphy obtained in the present study, an updated age assignment of the lithostratigraphic units is proposed to Age/Stage level in the Early Jurassic across the Northern Tarim Basin. The carbon-isotope stratigraphy thus significantly improves the terrestrial stratigraphic resolution. Terrestrial carbon-isotope stratigraphy is a powerful tool for global stratigraphic correlation and unifies stratigraphic correlation over marine and non-marine strata in cases when potential biasing factors are excluded.

Population structure is influenced by extrinsic factors, such as landscape architecture and dispersal barriers. Lotic network architecture is known to constrain ecological, demographic and evolutionary processes, including population genetic structure. I assessed the population structure of a widespread aquatic salamander, Necturus maculosus, across three river basins in central and eastern Kentucky. I examined the role of network architecture, anthropogenic barriers, and spatial scale on patterns of population structure. I also provided a review of N. maculosus capture methods and offer an improved trap design. I identified significant structuring between the combined Licking/Kinniconick basin and the Kentucky River basin, with further structure within each basin. I found evidence for both hierarchically organized populations structure (e.g. Stream Hierarchy Model), as well as population structure unaffected by network hierarchy (e.g. Death Valley Model). These results highlight the importance of scale when examining population structure. Whereas one model may suffice to explain population structure at a local scale, a second model may be necessary to accurately describe the population structure across larger spatial scales. These results suggest that local factors affect population structure uniquely across a species’ range, and support a multi-model approach for assessing population structure.

Bat populations in the eastern United States are currently declining at unprecedented rates as a result of habitat loss, commercial wind energy development, and white-nose syndrome. Effective conservation of these declining populations requires knowledge of several aspects of summer and winter ecology, including daytime habitat use (day-roost selection and social behaviors), nocturnal habitat use (foraging habitat selection, prey selection, and prey abundance), and winter hibernation (torpor) patterns. This dissertation addresses these questions for Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii), a species of conservation concern in the southeastern United States. Kentucky represents the northern edge of the range of Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, and summer and winter behaviors in Kentucky are likely to differ from what has been observed in southern portion of the range, where available habitats and climate are different. My research occurred in two study areas in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park in central Kentucky, and the Ballard Wildlife Management areas in western Kentucky. This dissertation includes all of the work done in western Kentucky, where I radio-tagged 48 adult big-eared bats and documented daytime and nighttime habitat use. Also included is a portion of the work done in central Kentucky, focusing on hibernation patterns of 14 adult big-eared bats radio-tagged during the winter at Mammoth Cave. Data disseminated in this dissertation provide insights into the summer and winter ecology of Rafinesque’s big-eared bat in Kentucky, and can be used to manage populations threatened by habitat loss and white-nose syndrome.

<p>In the scope of future population support, agricultural productivity, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, has to increase drastically to meet the UN’s millennium development goals of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. Water availability in the root-zone limits crop production in large parts of the developing world. As competition for fresh water increases, water of lower quality, for example saline or polluted water, is often used for irrigation. Low-cost drip systems are suitable for saline water irrigation because they effectuate a minimisation of salt accumulation, leaf burn and peaks in salt concentration. Nonetheless, all types of saline water irrigation contain the risk for causing soil salinisation. Thus, in order to achieve long-term sustainability of these systems, appropriate management strategies are needed. The choice of management practices may be influenced by local conditions such as climate, soil and irrigation water salinity. A litera-ture review showed that there is a potential for saline water irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa in water scarce areas. Low-cost drip irrigation with saline water (6 dS m-1) was successfully used to irrigate two consecutive crops of tomato in semi-arid South Africa. An integrated ecosystems model was developed to simulate long-term yield and salt accumulation in a drip-irrigated agricultural system for a range of salinities, climates and management techniques. Crop, salt and water balance data from two field experiments conducted in Israel and South Africa, respectively, were used to parameterise and test the model. Emphasis was placed on testing the usability of the model as a tool for evaluating the importance of certain plausible management options of low-cost, drip-irrigation systems. Therefore, particular focus was directed towards correctly describing soil salinity stress on plant growth and soil evaporation from a distributed (wetted and dry) surface. In addition, the model was developed to function for different climates without having to change any other parameters or variables except for the actual climatic data. Simulations were subsequently run over a 30-year period to study long-term yield and salt accumulation in the soil profile for two sites in South Africa, demonstrating the applicability of the model. Model simulations showed that high soil salinities reduced crop growth and thus increased both drainage and soil evaporation. Further, covering the soil with a plastic sheet led to a reduction of soil evaporation and a subsequent increase in both transpiration and drainage. Rainfall was crucial for the leaching of salts from the soil, and thus in regions with low levels of rainfall, a higher leaching fraction of supplied saline irrigation water has to compensate for the lack of rain. However, a high leaching fraction also causes large amounts of salt leaching, which could potentially pollute underlying groundwater and downstream ecosystems. This risk can be mitigated using mulching, which minimises non-productive water losses, thereby lowering irrigation water needs. The choice of irrigation water salinity, frequency of irrigation and soil coverage may differ between the farmer and the regional water manager due to different preferences. Furthermore, the study highlighted how environmental variables such as water use efficiency and radiation use efficiency can be used as indicators of system performance. Whereas the latter is first and foremost a general stress indicator, water use efficiency more precisely describes specific factors such as plant size, allocation patterns and evaporative demand, which will affect the exchange of carbon dioxide and water through the stomata.</p>

<p>During the last few decades, coral reefs have become a disappearing feature of tropical marine environments, and those reefs that do remain are severely threatened. It is understood that humans have greately altered the environment under which these ecosystems previously have thrived and evoloved. Overharvesting of fish stocks, global warming and pollution are some of the most prominent threats, acting on coral reefs at several spatial and temporal scales. Presently, it is common that coral reefs have been degraded into alternative ecosystem regimes, such as macroalgae-dominated or sea urchin-barren. Although these ecosystems could potentially return to coral dominance in a long-term perspective, when considdering current conditions, it seems likely that they will persist in their degraded states. Thus, recovery of coral reefs cannot be taken for granted on a human timescale. Multiple stressors and disturbances, which are increasingly characteristic of coral reef environments today, are believed to act synergistically and produce ecological surprises. However, current knowledge of effects of compounded disturbances and stress is limited. Based on five papers, this thesis investigates the sublethal response of multiple stressors on coral physiology, as well as the effects of compounded stress and disturbance on coral reef structure and function. Adaptive responses to stress and disturbance in relation to prior experience are highlighted. The thesis further explores how inherent characteristics (traits) of corals and macroalgae may influence regime expression when faced with altered disturbance regimes, in particular overfishing, eutrophication, elevated temperature, and enhanced substrate availability. Finally, possibilities of affecting the resilience of macroalgae-dominaed reefs and shifting the community composition towards a coral-dominated regime are explored.</p>

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by high voltage (HV), submarine transmission cables leading from offshore wind energy generation facilities could affect foraging or migratory behaviors of electro-receptive fishes, including endangered Atlantic Sturgeon. However, no published studies have quantitatively evaluated the possible behavioral effects of EMF exposure on sturgeon during residence in coastal waters. This study evaluated behavioral responses by sub-adult Atlantic Sturgeon to electromagnetic and magnetic fields under controlled laboratory conditions. Fabricated EMF generators were used to emulate a range of field EMF conditions that migratory fishes could encounter in proximity to submarine HV sources. Sensor arrays and digital video recorders synoptically quantified EMF conditions and fish behaviors during experimental trials. This thesis will describe the unique, experimental EMF generator/sensor array, present results of the behavior study, and suggest implications of the findings for Atlantic Sturgeon management and conservation. 45 trials were conducted over the course of the study. Study fish were subjected to 3 different field strengths (5µT, 100 µT, 1000 µT), generated using both AC and DC current. Time spent in generated field area, number of passes through the field area, and swimming speed were used to quantify behavioral changes in test subjects. From the data collected and analyzed there was no evidence indicating a change in fish behavior due to the influence of field strengths, field orientations, or field types used during the study.