Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Males can influence current reproductive success in one of two ways: by caring for offspring or by seeking additional mates. Models for the evolution of paternal care predict increasing parental investment by males as their ability to contribute to offspring survivorship increases and as the probability of attracting additional mates decreases. I tested the assumptions and predictions of these models for polygynous Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus). The results of field observations and experiments indicate that male Yellowheads are capable of assessing the fitness returns associated with parental care and sexual advertisement and will increase parental investment as their ability to enhance offspring fitness increases and the probability of acquiring additional mates decreases. Thus, paternal investment is greater in unproductive marshes, on days when the insect emergence is low, when the arrival rate of unmated females is low, and for males with poor-quality territories. Current reproductive success also depends on the ability of individuals and their mates to raise young. In theory, males should be capable of assessing the parental competence of mates and adjusting their parental investment with mate quality so as to maximize the fitness return on their investment. To test this hypothesis, fitness-investment curves for nests belonging to competent and incompetent mates were derived using empirical data and, on the basis of the slopes, preferences for nests predicted. Field observations were consistent with the predictions. Males preferentially cared for young of competent mates and fed them at greater rates than young of incompetent mates; care at the latter nests occurred only when preferred nests were unavailable. Yellowheads often breed in colonies. In theory, colonies can act as information centers and facilitate the exploitation of spatially unpredictable food resources. I tested this hypothesis for Yellowheads by analyzing the pattern of (1) colony departures and (2) recruitment to an experimental foraging area. The results of the experiment and departure analysis indicate that Yellowhead colonies do act as information centers; birds can locate productive foraging areas more efficiently than in the absence of information by monitoring the success of neighbors and following them on foraging trips.

Thesis (M.S.)--Wisconsin. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-41).

Thesis (doctoral)--Radboud Universitiet Nijmegen, 2008 / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Mar. 11, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 261-272).

A thesis submitted in partial fumllment ofthe requirements for the degree of Masters in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, South Africa, 2009. / Children who grow up in child-headed families often face numerous challenges such as bereavement, discrimination and financial burdens. This study in particular was concerned with the psychological empowerment of child-headed families as there is an increasing number of child-headed homes in black poverty stricken communities. There were eight black males who participated in the study. The age range of the participants was 6 to 14 years. With regards to the efficacy of the empowerment program the results indicate that there was a general (majority) increment across the board and that the psychological empowerment program was a success.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Community Work) in Social Work at the University Of Zululand, South Africa, 2009. / The changing structures of families and the increase in numbers of child-headed families are progressively becoming noticeable both nationally and internationally. Due to the number of families and parents being affected by HIV/Aids, a growing number of children in South Africa are left without parents who can provide them with basic needs and emotional care and support As a result older siblings become caregivers to the younger siblings, as extended family are no longer, due to straining social-economic circumstances, able to take these orphans under their care. In order for the silent voices of children from child-headed families in Mahlabathini to be heard, the inquiry aimed at determining what their challenges and coping mechanisms are. In doing so the information may enable educational psychologists to support Site Based Support Teams and schools to enhance their care and supportive strategies to the benefit of learners from child-headed families. By means of an interpretivist qualitative inquiry, descriptions of these children intentions, beliefs and meaning making were obtained. The data collection methods, included questionnaires completed by five learners from child-headed families. Some of the recommendations discussed included the development of community support centres in order to support learners from child-headed families with after-school care for their younger siblings, meals and recreational activities. Community forums would need to prioritize the safety of their neighborhoods in order for all children to feel appreciated and safe in their environments. School Based Support Teams will need to be trained in counselling skills and especially in bereavement counselling.

No description available.

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MPH)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) / MPH / Unrestricted

Thesis (M.S. - Renewable Natural Resources) - University of Arizona. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-148).

No description available.