Thesis (Ph.D.)--Murdoch Unuiversity, 2009. / Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 180-189)

Commercial equipment used by the turkey industry at hatch sterilizes the germinal tissue of the claw with microwave energy and the beak tissue with infrared energy. This effectively claw and beak trims the birds. To test this technique on chickens, one-half of two strains of 1,200 Leghorn chicks were each subjected to the claw reduction (RC) technique at hatch, while one-half retained intact claws (IC). The beaks of one-third of these treatments were reduced at hatch using the infrared technique (1-day), one-third were precision trimmed at 7 d of age (7-day), and one-third were not trimmed (IB). Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, mortality, and fearfulness were measured. Rearing followed standard commercial feeding and husbandry procedures. During the preliminary experiment, heterophil to lymphocyte ratios did not consistently differ significantly between treatments. The RC birds had significantly lower body weight, except from 3 to 6 wk and had significantly lower feed consumption from 8 to 18 wk. The 1-day beak trimmed (BT) birds had significantly lower body weight from 3 to 14 wk and ate less total feed by 4 wk. Subjective evaluation showed that the RC birds exhibited less fearfulness during the growing period than the IC birds. Throughout lay, the body weight of RC and BT birds was significantly affected. Feed consumption was not lessened for RC birds, but was for BT birds throughout lay. Egg production, egg quality, and mortality were not affected by either treatment. / Master of Science

The circovirus Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) causes psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) that is characterised by a chronic disease process associated with feather abnormalities, beak deformities and eventual death in various species of birds in the order Psittaciformes. This disease is seen in captive and wild psittacine species in Australia and several other countries and is a significant threat to the survival of some endangered psittacine species. This thesis reports on genetic studies that have furthered the understanding of the diversity of BFDV present within Australia. These studies have optimised methods of detecting BFDV. They have also resulted in the production of an immunogenic and antigenic recombinant BFDV Capsid protein that could lead to alternate methods of producing viral antigen for serological tests and the development of a BFDV vaccine. To assess the optimal method of the detection of BFDV infection, feather and blood samples were submitted by referring veterinarians throughout Australia from psittacine birds tentatively diagnosed with PBFD or with a history of being in contact with PBFD-affected birds. These samples were examined by 3 procedures commonly used to detect BFDV infection: a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and haemagglutination (HA) for the detection of virus, and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests for the detection of virus antibody in response to infection. Of the samples examined from 623 psittacine birds, the prevalence of BFDV DNA in feather samples detected by PCR was 18.85%. There was a strong correlation between PCR and HA testing of feather samples, although possible false-positive and false-negative PCR and HA results were obtained in some samples. Of the 143 birds that were PCR feather-positive only 2 had detectable HI antibody and these birds were also HA feather-negative, which suggests that they were developing immunity to recent infection. All birds with HI antibody were feather HA negative. Despite the rare occurrence of PBFD in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), 2 of the 13 samples collected from this species were PCR and HA positive indicating that this species can be infected with BFDV. Three studies were undertaken to further our understanding of the genetics of BFDV in Australian avifauna: sequence analysis of the BFDV detected in a grey cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), a species normally considered resistant to infection with BFDV; analysis of the genome of BFDV present in lorikeets (Trichoglossus sp.) in Australia; and analysis of the genome of BFDV detected in endangered swift parrots (Lathamus discolor). Sequence analysis of the entire genome of the cockatiel BFDV isolate revealed that it clustered phylogenetically with 2 other viruses, one from a sulphur crested cockatoo (SCC1-AUS) and one from a Major Mitchell cockatoo (MMC-AUS), which suggests that this isolate from the grey cockatiel was not a cockatiel-specific biotype. Phylogenetic analysis of the ORF V1 of BFDV detected in 7 lorikeets demonstrated these 7 isolates clustered phylogenetically with other BFDV isolates obtained from Loriidae species elsewhere in the world and confirmed the presence of a loriid-specific genotype. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence data generated from ORF V1 of virus detected in 2 endangered swift parrots provided evidence they were also infected with BFDV genotypes derived from other species of birds, one isolate clustering with viruses from a Loriidae genotype and the other with isolates derived from species of Cacatuidae and Psittacidae. As part of this research, a baculovirus expression system was successfully developed for the production of recombinant BFDV Capsid protein. Inoculation of this protein into chickens resulted in the development of HI antibody, which demonstrated its immunogenicity. When used as an antigen in HI tests it detected antibody in virus-infected birds, which demonstrated its antigenicity. This protein offers potential application as an antigen for the development of serological tests and as an immunogen for incorporation into vaccines for control of PBFD.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Murdoch University, 2007. / Thesis submitted to the Division of Health Sciences. Includes bibliographical references (p. 124-143).

Murdoch University (Ph.D.)--Murdoch University, 2008. / Contains three published journal articles at back of thesis. Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 196-231)

Objetivou-se estudar a relação biomecânica da aderência de sistemas adesivos sobre o estrato córneo do bico de tucanos-toco (Ramphastos toco), por meio de nove diferentes tipos de adesivos, em áreas pré-estabelecidas de 16,0 mm. Cada sistema foi biomecanicamente testado três vezes, totalizando 27 ensaios biomecânicos. Os ensaios consistiram na análise das forças perpendiculares necessárias para descolar os variados tipos de resina. Após cada ensaio biomecânico, a superfície dos bicos era avaliada em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), que permitiu mensurar a quantidade de resina remanescente e o eventual rompimento das camadas superficiais de queratina. Os resultados obtidos até a completa ruptura da amostra foram, em média: 2,48 N com o uso de cimento resinoso; 23, 80 N com o uso de cianocrilato cirúrgico; 26,17 N com o uso de prime e bond fotoativado combinado com cimento resinoso; 48,75 N com o uso de resina composta nanoparticulada; 53,86 N com o uso de metil-metacrilato; 55,56 N com o uso de prime e bond fotoativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada; 61,11 N com o uso combinado de cianocrilato cirúrgico e metil-metacrilato; 104, 21 N com o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada; e 110,48 N com o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com cimento resinoso. Estes últimos, estatisticamente mais eficientes. Microscopicamente observou-se que o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada e com o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com cimento resinoso, apontou efetiva aderência a ponto de extrair as camadas superficiais das camadas de queratina após os ensaios, cuja maior aderência atribuiu-se à micro-retentividade do material adesivo às camadas de queratina, obtida pelo uso de primer e bond quimicamente ativados. Concluí-se que os sistemas de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada e cimento resinoso apresentam melhor propriedades de aderência e, portanto, indicação clínico-cirúrgica na confecção de próteses e no reparo de bicos de tucano-toco (Ramphastos toco). / The objective was to study the biomechanics of the adherence of adhesive systems to the horny stratum of the toucan beak (Ramphastos toco). Nine different types of adhesives were used, in pre-established areas of 16,0 mm. Each system was studied three times, totaling twenty-seven biomechanical essays. The essays consisted of the analysis of the necessary perpendicular forces to remove the adhesives. After each essay, the surface of the beaks was evaluated in electronic microscopy (MEV), which allowed to measure the amount of remaining resin and eventual breaking of the superficial layers of keratin. The results obtained until complete rupture of the sample were, on average: 2,48 N with the use of resinous cement; 23, 80 N with the use of surgical cyanocrylate; 26,17 N with the use of photoactived primer and bond combined with resinous cement; 48,75 N with the use of composite nanoresin; 53,86 N with the use of methyl-metacrylate; 55,56 N with the use of photoactived primer and bond combined with composite nanoresin; 61,11 N with the combined use of surgical cyanocrylate and methyl-metacrylate; 104, 21 N with the use of primer and bond chemically activated combined with composite nanoresin; and 110,48 N with the use primer and bond chemically activated combined with resinous cement. The microscopy evidenced that the use of primer and bond chemically activated combined with composite nanoresin and resinous cement, showed effective adherence to the point of extracting the superficial layers from the keratin layers after the essays. The largest adherence is attributed to the micro-retentivity of the adhesive material to the keratin layers, obtained by the use of primer and bond chemically activated. It was concluded that the systems of primer and bond chemically activated combined with resin and resinous cement present better properties of adherence and, therefore, clinical-surgical indication in the prostheses construction and in beak repair of toucans (Ramphastos toco).

Objetivou-se estudar a relação biomecânica da aderência de sistemas adesivos sobre o estrato córneo do bico de tucanos-toco (Ramphastos toco), por meio de nove diferentes tipos de adesivos, em áreas pré-estabelecidas de 16,0 mm. Cada sistema foi biomecanicamente testado três vezes, totalizando 27 ensaios biomecânicos. Os ensaios consistiram na análise das forças perpendiculares necessárias para descolar os variados tipos de resina. Após cada ensaio biomecânico, a superfície dos bicos era avaliada em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), que permitiu mensurar a quantidade de resina remanescente e o eventual rompimento das camadas superficiais de queratina. Os resultados obtidos até a completa ruptura da amostra foram, em média: 2,48 N com o uso de cimento resinoso; 23, 80 N com o uso de cianocrilato cirúrgico; 26,17 N com o uso de prime e bond fotoativado combinado com cimento resinoso; 48,75 N com o uso de resina composta nanoparticulada; 53,86 N com o uso de metil-metacrilato; 55,56 N com o uso de prime e bond fotoativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada; 61,11 N com o uso combinado de cianocrilato cirúrgico e metil-metacrilato; 104, 21 N com o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada; e 110,48 N com o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com cimento resinoso. Estes últimos, estatisticamente mais eficientes. Microscopicamente observou-se que o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada e com o uso de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com cimento resinoso, apontou efetiva aderência a ponto de extrair as camadas superficiais das camadas de queratina após os ensaios, cuja maior aderência atribuiu-se à micro-retentividade do material adesivo às camadas de queratina, obtida pelo uso de primer e bond quimicamente ativados. Concluí-se que os sistemas de prime e bond quimicamente ativado combinado com resina composta nanoparticulada e cimento resinoso apresentam melhor propriedades de aderência e, portanto, indicação clínico-cirúrgica na confecção de próteses e no reparo de bicos de tucano-toco (Ramphastos toco). / The objective was to study the biomechanics of the adherence of adhesive systems to the horny stratum of the toucan beak (Ramphastos toco). Nine different types of adhesives were used, in pre-established areas of 16,0 mm. Each system was studied three times, totaling twenty-seven biomechanical essays. The essays consisted of the analysis of the necessary perpendicular forces to remove the adhesives. After each essay, the surface of the beaks was evaluated in electronic microscopy (MEV), which allowed to measure the amount of remaining resin and eventual breaking of the superficial layers of keratin. The results obtained until complete rupture of the sample were, on average: 2,48 N with the use of resinous cement; 23, 80 N with the use of surgical cyanocrylate; 26,17 N with the use of photoactived primer and bond combined with resinous cement; 48,75 N with the use of composite nanoresin; 53,86 N with the use of methyl-metacrylate; 55,56 N with the use of photoactived primer and bond combined with composite nanoresin; 61,11 N with the combined use of surgical cyanocrylate and methyl-metacrylate; 104, 21 N with the use of primer and bond chemically activated combined with composite nanoresin; and 110,48 N with the use primer and bond chemically activated combined with resinous cement. The microscopy evidenced that the use of primer and bond chemically activated combined with composite nanoresin and resinous cement, showed effective adherence to the point of extracting the superficial layers from the keratin layers after the essays. The largest adherence is attributed to the micro-retentivity of the adhesive material to the keratin layers, obtained by the use of primer and bond chemically activated. It was concluded that the systems of primer and bond chemically activated combined with resin and resinous cement present better properties of adherence and, therefore, clinical-surgical indication in the prostheses construction and in beak repair of toucans (Ramphastos toco).

Esta tese é resultado de pesquisa que teve o objetivo de compreender o processo de desenvolvimento do Território Bico do Papagaio, no estado do Tocantins (TBP-TO), com base na implantação de projetos PROINFs, vinculados aos Programas PRONAT e PTC, visando explicitar efeitos, avanços e limites das políticas públicas territoriais em regiões com baixos índices de desenvolvimento. Nesta pesquisa utilizou-se de múltiplas estratégias para a coleta e análise de dados, seguindo os princípios e técnicas da triangulação, que constitui uma das formas de combinar métodos qualitativos entre si e de articular métodos quantitativos e qualitativos. Foi realizada, por meio de estudo de caso, em sete projetos implantados no TBP-TO. Uma questão importante, do ponto de vista metodológico, foi a oportunidade de fazer uma imersão no contexto investigado, observando e participando diretamente com os atores envolvidos na implantação e execução dos projetos PROINFs no referido território. Lançou-se mão de informações obtidas por observações, entrevistas, participação em reuniões, seminários, conversa com diferentes atores territoriais, moradores e membros do colegiado, gestores e beneficiários destes projetos. Os resultados levaram a uma compreensão das diferentes dimensões do desenvolvimento territorial e seus efeitos na vida dos beneficiários e na região. Os indicadores de desenvolvimento territorial, do ponto de vista econômico, foram avaliados entre ruins e críticos, dando a entender que a operacionalização da política territorial no TBP-TO reflete a própria história das relações de poder e dominação já existentes. Por outro lado, do ponto de vista social, foi observado o empoderamento da sociedade civil, especialmente nos casos das duas Escolas Família Agrícola (EFAs). Nesse sentido, esta tese contribuiu, não só para entender as dimensões do desenvolvimento territorial, seus desafios e possibilidades, mas para demonstrar que se não houver maior diálogo entre poder público (nas esferas municipal, estadual e federal), sociedade civil e os beneficiários dos projetos, o desenvolvimento territorial pode ficar comprometido. Diante dos resultados da pesquisa conclui-se que, nesse momento de retrocesso da política de desenvolvimento territorial, é necessário repensá-la, especialmente em relação ao exercício do poder e à autonomia dos Colegiados Territoriais. A organização dos colegiados territoriais e a união de seus membros em torno de objetivos comuns podem ser consideradas o motor propulsor da consolidação das EFAs, possibilitando a educação profissional de seus jovens. Esta organização é o maior indicador de desenvolvimento, na dimensão social, observado na pesquisa. / This thesis is the result of research that aims to understand the development process of the Parrot´s Beak Territory in the State of Tocantins (PBT-TO), based on the implantation of PROINFs projects, linked to PRONAT and PTC programs with the goal of clarifying effects, advances and limits of territorial public policies in regions with low levels of development. In this research, it was used multiple strategies for data collection and analysis, following the principles and techniques of triangulation, which is one of the ways to combine qualitative methods among themselves and to articulate quantitative and qualitative methods. The research was done through the case study in seven projects implanted in PBT-TO. An important thing, from the methodological point of view, was the opportunity to do an immersion in the context investigated by observing and participating directly with the actors involved in the implementation and execution of the projects PROINFs, in that territory. It was used the information obtained by observations, interviews, participation in meetings, seminars, talking with different territorial actors, residents and members of the board, managers and beneficiaries of these projects. The results led to an understanding of the different dimensions of territorial development and its effects on the lives of beneficiaries and in the region. The indicators of territorial development, from an economic point of view, were evaluated between bad and critical, implying that the operationalization of territorial policy in the PBT-TO reflect the history of the relationships of power and domination that exists. On the other hand, from the social point of view, it was observed the empowerment of civil society, especially in the cases of the Escolas Família Agrícola (EFAs). In this sense, this thesis has contributed not only to understand the dimensions of territorial development, its challenges and opportunities, but to demonstrate that if there is no greater dialogue between public authorities (in all spheres: Municipal, State and Federal), civil society and the beneficiaries of the projects, the territorial development may be compromised. On the research results it is concluded that, in this moment of backsliding of territorial development policy, it is necessary to rethink it, especially in relation to the exercise of power and the autonomy of Territorial governance bodies. The Organization of territorial governance bodies and the Union of its members around common goals, can be considered the impeller motor on consolidation of EFAs enabling professional education of their young. This organization is the greatest indicator of development in the social dimension, observed in the survey.

Some seabirds (such as Northern Gannets and Brown Boobies) can dive from heights as high as 30 m reaching speeds of up to 24 m/s as they impact the water surface. It is perceived that physical geometry, particularly of the beak, allows them to endure relatively high impact forces that could otherwise kill non-diving birds. Acceleration data from simplified models of diving birds agree with simulated data for one species (Northern Gannet), however, no reliable experimental data with real bird geometries exist for comparison purposes. This study utilizes eleven 3D printed diving birds (five plunge-diving, five surface-diving and one dipper) with embedded accelerometers to measure water-entry impact accelerations for impact velocities ranging between 4.4 - 23.2 m/s. Impact forces for all bird types are found to be comparable under similar impact conditions and well within the safe zone characterized by neck strength as found in recent studies. However, the time each bird requires to reach maximum impact acceleration and its effect represented here by the derivative of acceleration (i.e., jerk), is different based on its beak and head shape. We show that surface diving birds cannot dive at high speeds as the non-dimensional jerk experienced exceeds a safe limit estimated from human impact analysis, whereas those by plunge divers do not.

Abstract: Archosauria, the "ruling reptiles," characterized along their stem by relatively large, macrocarnivorous animals, are today represented by two enormously successful but divergent extant clades: Aves, the birds, and Crocodylia, the crocodiles and alligators. This thesis seeks to characterize major transformations in the cranial region of archosaurs, a prominent theme in their evolution.