An estimation methodology to deal with fractionally integrated processes of Ornstein- Uhlenbeck type is proposed. The methodology is based on the continuous Whittle contrast. A simulation study is performed by driving this process with a symmetric CGMY background Lévy process.

abstract: Livestock-grazing, in particular cattle grazing, is a common use of public and private lands in western North America. As a result, the effects of grazing on both plants and animals are widely studied. Few studies, however, look directly at the long-term effects that cattle grazing may have on a particular species. The goal of this experiment was to continue research begun in 1988, to determine if the effects of cattle grazing are still seen in the age structure of two populations of saguaros (Carnegiea gigantea [Engelm.] Britton & Rose) at Saguaro National Park - Rincon Mountain District (SNP-RMD). The null hypothesis stated that enough time has elapsed since the cessation of grazing, and there is no difference in the age distribution of the saguaros of the two populations. The study area was comprised of a former fence line where grazing ceased on the western side of the fence in 1958 and the eastern side in 1978. Belt transects were laid on each side of the fence line and height was measured for each saguaro encountered in a transect. Approximate age of the individual was then calculated using an age-height correlation for SNP-RMD. Individuals were then placed into age classes of 10 year increments and a Log-Likelihood test was performed. The resulting calculated P value of 0.12 meant the null hypothesis was not rejected and there was no statistical difference between the age structure of the two populations. After 34 and 54 years rest from grazing, the negative effects of cattle grazing on the retention and recruitment of saguaro seedlings have ended, and replenishment of the populations is now dependent upon factors such as temperature and precipitation. Other factors such as climate change, increasing fire frequency, encroachment by invasive species, and poaching are sources of concern and increased mortality for these and other saguaros. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Applied Biological Sciences 2013

A sepse é responsável por uma alta taxa de internação hospitalar e morbimortalidade. Devido à gravidade do quadro clínico e às limitações dos métodos tradicionais para identificação e isolamento bacteriano, é recomendado o início empírico de antimicrobiano(s) de largo espectro. O desenvolvimento da biologia molecular, particularmente da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), tornou possível o diagnóstico rápido de agentes infecciosos. Entretanto, devido à diversidade dos possíveis agentes etiológicos na sepse, a utilização da PCR com primers específicos para cada agente se torna pouco prática. Com a PCR de largo espectro é possível que em uma só reação se identifique qualquer bactéria, possibilitando um tratamento precoce e direcionado. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o papel da PCR de largo espectro no diagnóstico etiológico de pacientes com sepse e a comparação desta técnica com os métodos tradicionais de cultura. Foram incluídos 74 pacientes com diagnóstico de sepse atendidos na Unidade de Emergência do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto USP e 14 voluntários sadios. Foi realizada a extração do DNA do soro, plasma e buffy-coat dos pacientes, seguida da realização da PCR de largo espectro com dois diferentes pares de primers, e sequenciamento das amostras positivas. Dos 74 pacientes, 39 (53%) eram homens; a média de idade foi 55 ± 19 anos; 37 (50%) tiveram sepse grave e 37 (50%) choque séptico; e a mortalidade foi 51%. A maioria das infecções primárias teve origem respiratória (66%), seguida de infecções gênito-urinárias (20%). A hemocultura foi positiva em 22 (30%) pacientes, e sua positividade foi significativamente maior em pacientes mais velhos (p< 0,05) e com valores mais altos de proteína C reativa (CRP) (p< 0,05). A PCR de largo espectro foi positiva em 44 (59%) pacientes considerando os dois pares de primers, sendo sua positividade significativamente maior que a da hemocultura (p< 0,001). Para o par Bak11W/Bak2 ela foi positiva em 25 (34%) pacientes, e para o par Taf/Tar, em 29 (39%) pacientes. Em relação às frações do sangue, amostras de 24 pacientes foram positivas na fração soro; 22 na fração plasma; e 18 na fração buffy-coat. Nenhuma característica clínica ou demográfica dos pacientes influenciou a positividade da PCR de largo espectro. A PCR de largo espectro foi negativa em todas as frações do sangue dos voluntários sadios. A sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo da PCR foram 59%, 100%, 100% e 32%, respectivamente. Em 40 (54%) pacientes os resultados da PCR e hemocultura foram concordantes. O coeficiente de concordância kappa obtido foi 0,147 (p = 0,131). Em relação ao sequenciamento, em 21 amostras de 16 pacientes foi possível identificar um agente etiológico. As bactérias mais detectadas foram Escherichia coli (3), Enterococcus sp. (2), Staphylococcus sp. (2) e Ralstonia sp. (2). Em apenas dois pacientes as amostras tiveram a mesma espécie bacteriana detectada na hemocultura e PCR de largo espectro (E. coli e Streptococcus pneumoniae). Em resumo, a PCR de largo espectro foi mais sensível do que a hemocultura na identificação bacteriana em pacientes com sepse atendidos em um Hospital de Emergência / Sepsis is responsible for a high rate of hospitalization and mortality. Due to the severity of clinical presentation and limitation of traditional methods for bacterial identification and isolation, it is recommended to initiate empirically broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment. The development of molecular biology, particularly the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enabled to realize a rapid diagnosis of infectious agents. However, due to the diversity of possible etiologic agents in sepsis, the use of PCR with specific primers for each agent becomes impractical. With the broad-range PCR, it is possible, in a single reaction, to identify any bacteria, allowing an early and directed treatment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of broad-range PCR in the etiologic diagnosis of patients with sepsis and compare this technique with traditional methods of culture. Seventy-four patients with sepsis admitted to the Emergency Unit of Clinical Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School USP and 14 controls were included in the study. DNA from serum, plasma and buffy-coat were extracted from all patients and controls. Broad-range PCR was performed in all samples, followed by DNA sequencing of the amplicons. Out of 74 patients, 39 (53%) were male, mean age was 55 ± 19 years old; 37 (50%) patients had severe sepsis and 37 (50%) septic shock; the mortality rate was 51%. Most of primary infections were from respiratory tract (66%), followed by urinary tract infection (20%). Blood culture was positive in 22 (30%) patients, and its positivity was greater in older patients (p< 0,05) and patients with higher levels of C reactive protein (CRP) (p< 0,05). Broad-range PCR was positive in 44 (59%) patients, when considering both pairs of primers, and was significantly increased compared to blood culture positivity (p< 0,001). Broad-range PCR using Bak11W/Bak2 primers was positive in 25 (34%) patients, and using Taf/Tar primers, in 29 (39%) patients. Related to blood fractions, samples from 24 patients were positive in serum; 22 in plasma fraction; and 18 in buffy-coat. None of clinical and demographic characteristics influenced the broad-range PCR positivity. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value and negative predictive value, when considered healthy persons as negative control, were 59%, 100%, 100% and 32%, respectively. In 40 (54%) patients, blood culture and PCR results were concordant. The concordance coefficient kappa obtained was 0,147 (p = 0,131). Regarding to etiologic agents, in 21 samples, from 16 patients, a bacteria was identified by sequencing. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (3), Enterococcus sp. (2), Staphylococcus sp. (2) and Ralstonia sp. (2). In only two patients, the same bacterial species were identified in both, blood culture and broad-range PCR (E. coli e Streptococcus pneumoniae). In conclusion, broad-range PCR was more sensitive than blood culture for bacterial identification in septic patients admitted to an Emergency Unit

O Cerrado é a maior, a mais rica e a mais ameaçada savana tropical do mundo, com aproximadamente 80% da sua vegetação nativa convertida em áreas modificadas, como pastagem e agricultura (Myers et al. 2000, Silva e Bates 2002, Klink e Machado 2005). É considerado um dos 25 hotspots mundiais para a conservação da biodiversidade devido à excepcional concentração de espécies endêmicas, alta riqueza de espécies e, também, por estar sofrendo uma rápida perda de vegetação nativa (Myers et al. 2000). Nele, foram registradas mais de 856 espécies de aves, das quais 4,3% são endêmicas (Cavalcanti 1999, Silva e Bates 2002, Marini e Garcia 2005, Silva e Santos 2005). O Cerrado abriga 78% das espécies de aves de campos naturais que ocorrem no Brasil, e 41% do total relacionado para a América do Sul (Vickery et al. 1999). Apesar dessa importância, grandes áreas de campos nativos foram modificadas pela expansão da agricultura mecanizada de larga escala no Cerrado (Cavalcanti 1999). O desaparecimento dos campos naturais tem causado um declínio alarmante nas populações de aves dependentes destes hábitats (Stotz et al. 1996, Cavalcanti 1999, Vickery et al.1999). A alta diversidade de aves e o considerável impacto humano demandam a priorização de pesquisas para subsidiar as ações conservacionistas no Cerrado (Cavalcanti 1999, Cavalcanti e Joly 2002, Macedo 2002). Entre elas está a geração de conhecimento sobre aspectos da história natural das espécies, informações consideradas essenciais para o desenvolvimento de medidas apropriadas para a conservação (Macedo 2002, Podulka et al. 2004, Sutherland et al. 2004, Lopes e Marini 2005). Numerosas espécies de aves que ocorrem no Cerrado ainda têm sua biologia pouco conhecida (Macedo 2002). Como exemplo têm-se Coryphaspiza melanotis e Cistothorus platensis, espécies habitantes de campos naturais no Cerrado (Tubelis e Cavalcanti 2001, Macedo 2002), esta última, inclusive, considerada espécie ameaçada de extinção (IUCN 2009). As informações disponíveis são, principalmente, de caráter geral, descritas brevemente em livros de ornitologia abrangentes, como guias de identificação de espécies (Ridgely e Tudor 1994, Stotz et al. 1996, Sick 1997, Sigrist 2006), ou em trabalhos sobre comunidades de espécies de aves (e.g. Tubelis e Cavalcanti 2001). Assim, publicações específicas e detalhadas sobre a biologia de C. melanotis e C. platensis são importantes para se compreender a biologia das espécies, assim como para disponibilizar informações importantes para estratégias de conservação e manejo (Pyke et al. 1977, Develey e Stouffer 2001, Lopes e Marini 2006). A presente pesquisa visa trazer informações pioneiras sobre a área de vida destas espécies de aves. Pesquisas sobre áreas de vida e territórios têm sido realizados em todos os continentes, principalmente com aves e mamíferos (Laver e Kelly 2008). Sherril e Case (1980) notaram que os termos área de vida e território costumam ser usados de maneira similar pela maioria dos autores, embora tenham sentidos diferentes. A área de vida é a área total na qual um indivíduo de uma espécie particular vive, buscando alimento, parceiros sexuais e abrigo (Pyke et al. 1977, Rose 1982). Por outro lado, o território é a porção da área de vida defendida contra outros indivíduos da mesma espécie (Odum e Kuenzler 1955, Podulka et al. 2004). Apesar de diversos aspectos dos estudos de áreas de vida e territórios já terem sido revisados (Schoener 1968, Worton 1987, Harris 1990, Lawson e Rodgers 1997, Powell 2000, Laver e Kelly 2008) nenhum estudo revisou publicações sobre aves de um determinado continente ou região biogeográfica. Além disso, nenhuma revisão abrangeu aspectos gerais das metodologias de estudos sobre áreas de vida e territórios de aves. Ao reunir informações de estudos de área de vida e territórios de aves realizados na região Neotropical, este trabalho pretende apontar lacunas de conhecimento e sugestões para pesquisas futuras. / In the Cerrado, native grasslands have been rapidly destroyed, leading to alarming declines in the populations of birds that rely on these habitats. Grassland species such as Coryphaspiza melanotis and Cistothorus platensis remain poorly known. The study of home ranges and territories of birds is important to understand their biology and for their conservation. The objective of this study was to study home ranges of C. melanotis and C. platensis at Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, central Brazil. Ten males of C. melanotis were studied between February and December 2008. The mean sizes of home ranges were 4.47 ± 1.49 ha (Minimum Convex Poligon) and 3.48 ± 1.44 ha (Kernel 95%) and varied between the studied seasons. The home ranges of all studied individuals were overlapped to those of at least three co-specifics. Small and highly overlapped home ranges can be considered a positive aspect for the conservation of C. melanotis. This is because grassland fragments and small reserves could contribute substantially for the conservation of populations through the Cerrado extension. Fourteen males of C. platensis were studied between February and December 2008. However, only five individuals were observed during all the study period. The mean sizes of their annual home ranges were 6.10 ± 2.09 ha (Minimum Convex Poligon) and 4.57 ± 1.92 ha (Kernel 95%) and varied between the seasons. These birds were quite territorial, holding territories similar to their home ranges and with low overlap with male neighbors. Our results highlight the existence of great differences between populations of C. platensis found in temperate and tropical regions. Other objective of this thesis was to review studies of home ranges and territories of birds conducted in the Neotropical region. A total of 130 scientific articles published between 1960 and 2011, with study areas in 23 countries, were revised. Home ranges were examined in 64% of the studies, while 36% of them studied territories. In 95% of the revised publications, information essential for the conduction of data collection and analyses is lacking, making impossible the replication of the studies. The study of home ranges and territories was not among the main results of numerous publications, that investigated other aspects of the biology of neotropical birds. Among the suggestions for future studies is a better description of the methodologies.

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Estudos empíricos [1],[2] demonstraram que o trafego das redes Internet Protocol (IP) possui propriedades fractais tais como impulsividade, auto-similaridade e dependência de longa duração em diversas escalas de agregação temporal, na faixa de milissegundos a minutos. Essas características tem motivado o desenvolvimento de novos modelos fractais de teletráfego e de novos algoritmos de controle de trafego em redes convergentes. Este trabalho propõe um novo modelo de trafego no espaço de estados baseado numa aproximação finito-dimensional do processo AutoRegressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average (ARFIMA). A modelagem por meio de processos auto-regressivos (AR) também é investigada. A analise estatística de series simuladas e de series reais de trafego mostra que a aplicação de modelos AR de ordem alta em esquemas de previsão de teletráfego é fortemente prejudicada pelo problema da identificação da ordem do modelo. Também demonstra-se que a modelagem da memória longa pode ser obtida as custas do posicionamento de um ou mais pólos nas proximidades do circulo de raio unitário. Portanto, a implementação do modelo AR ajustado pode ser instável devido a efeitos de quantização dos coeficientes do filtro digital. O modelo de memória longa proposto oferece as seguintes vantagens: a) possibilidade de implementação pratica, pois não requer memória infinita, b) modelagem (explícita) da região das baixas freqüências do espectro e c) viabilização da utilização do filtro de Kalman. O estudo de caso apresentado demonstra que é possível aplicar o modelo de memória longa proposto em trechos estacionários de sinais de teletráfego fractal. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a dinâmica do parâmetro de Hurst de sinais de teletráfego pode ser bastante lenta na pratica. Sendo assim, o novo modelo proposto é adequado para esquemas de previsão de trafego, tais como Controle de Admissão de Conexões (CAC) e alocação dinâmica de banda, dado que o parâmetro de Hurst pode ser estimado em tempo real por meio da aplicação da transformada wavelet discreta (Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT)). / Empirical studies [1],[2] demonstrated that heterogeneous IP traffic has fractal properties such as impulsiveness, self-similarity, and long-range dependence over several time scales, from miliseconds to minutes. These features have motivated the development of new traffic models and traffic control algorithms. This work presents a new state-space model for teletraffic which is based on a finite-dimensional representation of the ARFIMA random process. The modeling via AutoRegressive (AR) processes is also investigated. The statistical analysis of simulated time series and real traffic traces show that the application of high-order AR models in schemes of teletraffic prediction can be highly impaired by the model identification problem. It is also demonstrated that the modeling of the long memory can be obtained at the cost of positioning one or more poles near the unit circle. Therefore, the implementation of the adjusted AR model can be unstable due to the quantization of the digital filter coefficients. The proposed long memory model has the following advantages: a) possibility of practical implementation, inasmuch it does not require infinite memory, b) explicit modeling of the low frequency region of the power spectrum, and c) forecasts can be performed via the Kalman predictor. The presented case study suggests one can apply the proposed model in periods where stationarity can be safely assumed. The results indicate that the dynamics of the Hurst parameter can be very slow in practice. Hence, the new proposed model is suitable for teletraffic prediction schemes, such as CAC and dynamic bandwidth allocation, given that the Hurst parameter can be estimated on-line via DWT.

M.Tech. / Soccer is the most widely played sport in the world and, of all the skills required to participate, the instep soccer kick is considered to be the primary offensive action within the game of soccer. Biomechanical analysis of the instep soccer kick has revealed that the action of kicking is characterised by a proximal to distal series of multi-articular movements with distal segmental movements being predetermined by more proximal ones (Kellis and Katis, 2007). According to Smith, Gilleard, Hammond and Brooks (2006), the lower spine and pelvis play a pivotal role in determining the placement and actions of distal segmental motion during the action of the instep soccer kick. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments in soccer players with lumbar facet and sacroiliac joint dysfunctions by assessing the resultant speed of a soccer ball once kicked with an instep soccer kick. By correcting the lumbar facet and sacroiliac joint dysfunction of the affected soccer players, it was postulated that with restoration of joint motion and reduction of pain, the speed of the soccer ball, when kicked, would improve. When kicked the resultant ball speed is indicative of biomechanical kicking success. Thirty male professional soccer players from the Jomo Cosmos football establishment who met the study’s selection criteria were selected and randomly divided into one of two groups. The study group received chiropractic adjustments of dysfunctional lumbar facets and sacroiliac joints and the control group received a placebo treatment in form of a de-tuned stationary ultra-sound head over the effected facets joints for five minutes. Treatment for both groups occurred over a two week period with treatment being administered twice a week, totalling of four treatments per participant. Data capture was collected 3 times over the 2-week period; 1st reading done before the 1st treatment, the 2nd reading before the 3rd treatment and the final reading taken after the 4th and final treatment. Data capture consisted of both subjective and objective readings. The subjective data consisted of the measurements of pain experienced by the participants in the form of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Objective data involved the measurement of ball speed once kicked, with the use of a radar speed gun as well as lumbar spine range of motion measurements by means of a Digital Inclinometer. In executing the group comparisons, it was found that both groups would present with contrasting results. The group undergoing the chiropractic adjustments would show an improvement in their ball speed, reduction in their overall pain and increased lumbar spine extension and rotation ROM; where as the group undergoing the placebo treatment experienced a decrease in their ball speed, an increase in their overall pain and decreased lumbar spine ROM. The results obtained from the study demonstrated that the majority of the data was not statistically significant in either of the groups however, from a clinical perspective there was a definite effect on the lumbar spine range of motion, ball speed and pain reduction as a result of the Chiropractic adjustments that would warrant further investigation. There is a definite link with the negative effects that lumbar facet and sacroiliac joint dysfunctions have on the proximal to distal sequence of events that take place during the instep soccer kick. Therefore, treating the lumbar facet and sacroiliac joint dysfunction with chiropractic adjustments allows for better transfer of energy between segments and for greater resultant ball speed. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that chiropractic adjustment of lumbar facet and Sacroiliac joint dysfunctions showed good improvement in the resultant ball speed, reduction in lower back pain and improved lumbar spine extension and rotation ROM. From these results, it would be prudent to incorporate more chiropractic treatment into mainstream soccer and encourage further research into the advantages that chiropractic treatment has in better understanding the biomechanics involved in the instep soccer kick.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Purpose: This study aims to ascertain the extent Chiropractic manipulative therapy increases ROM beyond the joint-separation induced ROM initially experienced via the cavitation phenomenon in the absence of neck pain. Method: Sixty participants between eighteen and thirty-five years of age, thirty male and thirty female whom met the inclusion of no neck pain and perceived decreased ROM were selected for participation. There was a single group with each participant‟s pre-adjustment readings acting as a baseline. Procedure: Participants were assessed for hypomobility and joint dysfunction. Those who met the inclusion criteria underwent a detailed history, physical and cervical spine regional examination on the initial consult. A pre-adjustment objective measurement was acquired using a cervical spine range of motion (CROM) device. Once the consent form was signed participants received Chiropractic cervical spine manipulative therapy to the area/s of the cervical spine found to be restricted on motion palpation by the researcher. Post-adjustment objective measurements were taken at one, twenty, forty and sixty minutes using the CROM device. Participants were required to remain in the researcher‟s examination room for 60 minutes post-adjustment with continuation of regular day to day activity and no strenuous activity during the twenty-four hour period of the study. The participant was required to return for a single follow up visit within a time frame of twenty-four hours of the initial visit. The follow-up visit required no treatment. At twenty-four hours, the participant was objectively measured for cervical spine ROM using the CROM. The results were based on objective data in the form of cervical spine ROM measurements. Results: Clinical analysis of the percentage change in cervical spine ROM values revealed that clinically and statistically significant improvement was seen in all ranges of motion post-adjustment. General consensus showed that a peak value of improved ROM was seen post-adjustment at the one minute interval for all ranges of motion except flexion. Flexion demonstrated a peak ROM value at the twenty minute post-adjustment interval.

<p> Traditional production system has exhausted natural resources and depleted soil nutrients reducing farm productivity and forcing farmers to expand farm lands, which, increases deforestation and pollution. Global warming and an increasing global population pose additional strain to the already fragile global food security, making it urgent for innovative production systems to be developed. Such systems, adapted to local circumstances and designed to reduce deforestation and increase food production, must emerge to provide an expanding global food demand while enabling preservation of natural resources. </p><p> A five-year research project, derived from a national initiative has proposed a silvopastoral model for the Tepalcatepec valley, as an alternative to conventional livestock ranching in the tropics. The primary objective for this research project was to characterize the advantages and disadvantages of an alternative livestock farming model, the silvopastoral system. One hundred and fifteen farmers in the Tepalcatepec valley were surveyed to characterize their farms, their family demographics, main cattle breed, crops farmed, cattle diet, measures of animal performance (productivity) commercialization (marketing practices) and animal health management practices. An analysis of the progress of the various national SPS initiatives was also performed in order to identify gaps in research, collaboration, stakeholder education, and application of SPS farming in Mexico. </p><p> A systems analysis was conducted on the research project using the information compiled from the team of scientists surveyed. Components related to carbon capture, biodiversity, soil quality, nutrient recycling, and larger-scale cycles such as water cycle need to be incorporated into future research. An accurate measure of the true economic and ecological impact of SPS farming is an essential goal. Improved communication among scientists, government agencies, and stakeholders is also essential for successful research into SPS farming. </p><p> The animal health component of the five-year Mexican national SPS project is the focus of this dissertation. Traditional livestock health practices on participating small farms were characterized, and common health problems of cattle were identified. A community based livestock syndromic surveillance system was developed, implemented, and observed for two years on five selected farms. Observations from farmers and veterinarians were triangulated to validate data on animal health collected by laypeople. For each farm under study, monthly cumulative incidence per animal category (calf, grower or adult), the most frequent disease syndrome, and the syndrome that carried the greatest economic impact were calculated. Most Rho correlation coefficients for farmer&rsquo;s and veterinarian&rsquo;s observations were high. </p><p> Farmers that implemented the silvopastoral model were considered typical of those who practiced this farming method elsewhere within the region. Because participating farms shared production system, husbandry, livestock health status, disease preventive measures, products, and commercialization channels, they were considered an epidemiological compartment for quantitative risk analysis. Six different scenarios were created and analyzed using the software @Risk&trade; to measure the risk of introduction of bovine tuberculosis into this epidemiological compartment. The Mexican national program for control and eradication of bovine tuberculosis norm, regional prevalence on bovine tuberculosis, and current cultural practices in Tepalcatepec valley were considered for this analysis. The introduction of replacement heifers or sires into the farms, and the probability of the introduction of at least one infected animal was estimated. The least probable scenario for the introduction of tuberculosis into this compartment was the introduction of at least one infected animal, despite the prevalence of source herd, after applying tuberculin caudal fold test and cervical comparative test in parallel. </p><p> Although some farmers are aware that the silvopastoral system is profitable, environmental friendly, and socially acceptable, initial investment appears to be the first barrier for adoption. Alternatives for funding SPS development are needed such as preferable interest rates, credit, and loans; notably, an accurate assessment of the costs for establishment of SPS should be more thoroughly studied. The initial three years of SPS implementation have the highest amount on investment; for those years, special attention should be placed on recording the contributions of timber and/or fruit to financial returns, since these products may be the key for offsetting the cost of SPS implementation. </p><p> Further research is needed to more accurately measure the economic, ecological, animal health, and human health impact of the silvopastoral model of farming in the tropics. An ample variety of species combinations, suitable for silvopastoral production, should be studied and different arrays proposed to encourage scaling up the model. Research funding is scarce; however, public awareness of the need for a change in production practices and the allure of environmental friendly-produced animal products can produce a market-driven change in these small-scale food production operations. This could engender greater research support from industry and government sources, as well as non-governmental organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices in a changing global environment. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.)</p><p>