Magister Legum - LLM

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It is generally accepted that the Marginal Value Theorem (MVT) describes optimal foraging strategies. Some research findings, however, indicate that in natural conditions foragers not always behave according to the MVT. To address this inconsistency, in a series of computer simulations, I examined the behaviour of four types of foragers having specific foraging efficiencies and using the MVT and alternative strategies in 16 simulated landscapes in an ideal environment (no intra- and inter-species interactions). I used data on elk (Cervus elaphus) to construct the virtual forager. Contrary to the widely accepted understanding of the MVT, I found that in environments with the same average patch quality and varying average travel times between patches, patch residence times of some foragers were not affected by travel times. I propose a mechanism responsible for this observation and formulate the perfect forager theorem (PFT). I also introduce the concepts of a foraging coefficient (F) and foragers hub (), and formulate a model to describe the relationship between the perfect forager and other forager types. I identify situations where a forager aiming to choose an optimal foraging strategy and maximize its cumulative consumption should not follow the MVT. I describe these situations in a form of a mathematical model. I also demonstrate that the lack of biological realism and environmental noise are not required to explain the deviations from the MVT observed in field research, and explain the importance of scale in optimal foraging behaviour. I also demonstrate that smart foraging, which is a set of rules based on key ecological concepts: the functional response curve (FRC), satisficing, the MVT, and incorporates time limitations, should allow for fitness maximization. Thus, it should be an optimal behavior in the context of natural selection. I also demonstrate the importance of the FRC as a driver for foraging behaviors and argue that animals should focus more on increasing the slope of their FRC than on choosing a specific foraging strategy. Natural selection should, therefore, favor foragers with steep FRC. My findings introduce new concepts in behavioural ecology, have implications for animal ecology and inform wildlife management.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-11T13:52:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 renato.pdf: 918334 bytes, checksum: c22232e1466b4c7d89bbbe00975b8a09 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-15 / Understanding the intricacies of the production structure of a given region or country is as important as the planning and action phases, and as complex in terms of implementation and deepening processes. It was with this kind of motivation that this project examined in some detail the production structure of the Amazon state, choosing as time reference the year 2006. To reach the main objective of this project, it was left aside the technique of Regional Social Accounting to be able to order in a more coherent and consistent manner the necessary information that resulted in macroeconomic aggregates. The main tool used was the construction of some quadrants as of production (A1), intermediate consumption (B1) and value added components (C), all of those components of the Table of Uses and Resources of goods and services of the Amazon. The results generated tabulations producing levels of aggregation in ranges of 110 products by 56 activities, 17 products by 17 activities and 12 products by 12 activities, respecting in all cases statistical confidentiality due to imposition of non-identification in some specific cases. Furthermore, the project followed with analysis and discussions, in which were always presented comparisons that refer to the information contained in the Brazil´s TRU. Finally, the results point out to several future possibilities of use of this project, and also of its future developments, aiming mainly at its application in planning activities and public policy making. / Entender os meandros da estrutura produtiva de determinada região ou país é importante como instrumento de planejamento e de ação, assim como complexo em sua efetivação e aprofundamento. Foi com essa motivação que este trabalho buscou analisar com certo nível de detalhe a estrutura produtiva do estado do Amazonas, escolhendo como referência temporal o ano de 2006. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, apropriaram-se das técnicas da Contabilidade Social para ordenar com coerência e consistência as informações necessárias que resultem em agregados macroeconômicos. O principal ferramental utilizado foi a construção dos quadrantes de produção (A1), consumo intermediário (B1) e componentes do valor adicionado (C), todos eles elementos da Tabela de Recursos e Usos de bens e serviços do Amazonas (TRU-AM/2006). Os resultados gerados produziram tabulações de agregação em níveis de abertura de 110 produtos por 56 atividades, 17 produtos por 17 atividades e 12 produtos por 12 atividades, respeitando em todos os casos o devido sigilo estatístico por imposição da desidentificação em casos específicos. Seguiram-se as análises e discussões, apresentando sempre comparações referenciadas às informações contidas na TRU do Brasil. Por fim, o estudo aponta para diversas possibilidades futuras de utilização e aprofundamento do ferramental visando, principalmente, a sua aplicação nas atividades de planejamento e políticas públicas.

This qualitative study views international students as information-using learners, through an information literacy lens. Focusing on the experiences of 25 international students at two Australian universities, the study investigates how international students use online information resources to learn, and identifies associated information literacy learning needs. An expanded critical incident approach provided the methodological framework for the study. Building on critical incident technique, this approach integrated a variety of concepts and research strategies. The investigation centred on real-life critical incidents experienced by the international students whilst using online resources for assignment purposes. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and an observed online resource-using task. Inductive data analysis and interpretation enabled the creation of a multifaceted word picture of international students using online resources and a set of critical findings about their information literacy learning needs. The study’s key findings reveal: • the complexity of the international students’ experience of using online information resources to learn, which involves an interplay of their interactions with online resources, their affective and reflective responses to using them, and the cultural and linguistic dimensions of their information use. • the array of strengths as well as challenges that the international students experience in their information use and learning. • an apparent information literacy imbalance between the international students’ more developed information skills and less developed critical and strategic approaches to using information • the need for enhanced information literacy education that responds to international students’ identified information literacy needs. Responding to the findings, the study proposes an inclusive informed learning approach to support reflective information use and inclusive information literacy learning in culturally diverse higher education environments.