No description available.

The design of waiting areas in Malaysia's health centres appears to ignore human feelings and behaviour. This was observed by the present researcher; similar concerns about waiting areas in health centres in the U.K. have been voiced by other authors such as Beales (1978) and Cammock (1973, 1975. 1983). 'Proxemics' or the interpersonal distance relationship between people in conducting their daily activities within their cultural domain is broadly categorised under the study of human spatial behaviour. There is in abundance of studies on human spatial behaviour. but few have focussed on the cross-cultural aspects. Results from those few studies have not been consistent. the reason being methodological (see Hayduk (1983); Aiello (1987); Bell, et. al., (1996)). However, those studies that can be categorised as 'truly' crosscultural, that involved natives of the country when the study was conducted, and which used the field/naturalistic unobtrusive observation method - that is in conducting the research at the actual setting rather than in laboratories, and making the observations in an inconspicuous manner, have all supported the hypothesis that there are cross-cultural differences. This method, together with a new technique of measurement, was adopted for the present research. It was used to examine differences in proxemics behaviour between people of Western and Eastern cultures, specifically between the British and the Malaysians in health centre waiting areas. This research is intended to uncover the basis on which subjects made their choices about where they would sit in a waiting room. The factors break down into three main classes: those about the subjects themselves, those that relate to the properties of the seating, and those which relate to the presence of other people. Following a literature review it was hypothesised that the observed behaviour of the British subjects would demonstrate a tendency to maintain interpersonal space in their choice of seats, whereas the Malaysian subjects would demonstrate an interest in using the opportunity for social intercourse. Within the limitations of the present research and the Eastern cultural background of the present researcher, the findings from the present study however remained inconclusive. While several of the fmdings seemed to suggest that the British subjects demonstrated a tendency to maintain inter-personal space in their choice of seats, there were also other findings that suggested otherwise.

<p> The central theme of this paper is territoriality. Essentially, I am concerned with the part that territoriality plays in determining spatial behaviour. Part One introduces the subject and demonstrates the need for geographers to examine territoriality more thoroughly. The newly developed field of behavioural geography is assessed, the importance of scale being a fundamental consideration. Part Two deals with definition of territoriality in animal and human populations. The problems encountered in definition and delineation of human territories are discussed. Part Three poses two important questions. 1. What function does territoriality serve? 2. Is territory innate or a cultural acquisition? Although the answers to these questions are subject to further research, the importance of these considerations is demonstrated. Part Four considers dominance and leadership. The spatial implications of these concepts are developed. Part Five centres about territorial encroachment and the subsequent reaction. Essentially territorial encroachment (or intrusion) is conceived as a violation of regular spacing patterns. Possible reactions to encroachment are considered. Part Six deals with typology. Two levels of study are distinguished those being Micro territories (personal space) and macro territories (larger units of territory). These two concepts are differentiated by scale. Studies conducted at each of these levels are discussed. Part Seven puts forth a hypothetical construct which integrates the work of several researchers. The "interaction distance" equation is a model which, hopefully, assists the researcher in understanding and possibly predicting the space maintained between interactants. Briefly, the model consists of the subject, the object and the situation. These components determine the interaction distance. Although quantification of the components is not included in this paper, problems in calibration are considered. The utility of the model is also discussed. Part Eight applies a methodological construct, of field theory, to spatial behaviour. The essential concepts of field theory, (the life space, boundary zones, and space of free movement), are discussed in a conceptual and physical sense. Finally, the life space concept is conceived as a territorial range or orbit in which the spatial behaviour of the individual is conducted. In fact, the field theory might greatly assist geographers in understanding and predicting spatial behaviour.</p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Offenders who target children are a negative phenomenon in our society. These offenders are often seen as the worst of the worst of criminals and are therefore a priority for investigators trying to solve these crimes as fast as possible. The purpose of this thesis is to see if there are common denominators among these offenders in their modus operandi (MO) and their spatial patterns. If similar patterns emerge amongst these offenders, that would be of investigative importance for those who work with crimes against children. In Study I, a group of child molesters and their MO were studied in order to see how they found their victims and where they committed their crimes. The results were consistent with previous studies on child molesters in that they all committed their crimes at home or close to their homes. In Study II, a geographical profiling tool was tested in order to see if such a program could be used to find an offender who made obscene phone calls (OPC) to children. The results showed that the geographical software based on spatial behaviour, was able to narrow down the search area in which the offender actually lived when he committed his crimes. In Study III, the focus was on the potential witnesses/victims and how much a child could remember correctly of a staged event simulating a potential child molester looking for new victims. The results showed that the children’s event memory were comparable with an adult control group. The combined results could be summarized as follows: offenders who target children usually commit their crimes at home or close to home (or base), they tend to lure children to go with them by using bribes or the recruitment of former victims. Girls seem to be the preferred sex over boys. Children could be used as accurate witnesses in these types of crimes.

Humans are inherently drawn to places of naural scenic beauty. Alone in Australia's national parks; the demand on these locations is increasing because of increased population plus increasing regional domestic travel. It is important to understand how tourists are utilising nature-based tourism resources to ensure that tourist attractions, facilities and services provided in parks are not exposed to loss events. Environmental and human losses, when combined with their likelihood of occurrence, will constitute risk. Heavy use of popular sites in particular times of the year, beyond the carrying capacity, may result in an irreparable environmental loss. Besides, human risks in terms of becoming lost in the wilderness or falling down from the cliff are significant factors that park managers are considering. It is becoming utmost important to investigate how these visitors are interacting with the natural environment, in what ways at highly vunerable sites. Park managers are now required to understand the needs, demands, preferences and motivation of visitors to vist the parks. A proactive planning to manage potential risk particularly in relatively more fragile and vulnerable environments is needed. This thesis documents a study of visitors to Loch Ard Gorge Site within the Port Campbell National Park, Victoria. Visitors were monitored for their spatial behaviour using the GPS receivers. Visitor's attitude, interests, opinions and motives to travel to the study location is surveyed using onsite self-administrated questionnaire. Total 102 individuals were surveyed to determine their preferences and to obtain their socio-demographical profiles.These were latter coupled with their GPS track movements in order to derive their elicited spatial behaviour. It is well-established fact that visitors' attitude, preferences, and socio-demographical profiles are important factors to identify risk taking spatial behaviour. Hence, this research underpins the exhibited spatial behaviour of tourist to deliver their associated spatial behavioural risk typologies. Statistical classifications of visitors, based on survey responses were categorised using K-means Cluster Analysis. As a result, six different tourist types were obtained. They are; • Mid-Allocentics possibly Risk Takers. • Allocentrics and confirmed Risk Takers. • Mid-Psychocentrics and Risk Averters. • Allocentrics and Dependent Risk Takers. • Psychocentrics and confirming Risk Averters. • Psychocentrics and Risk Averters Mass Tourists. The mean values of all clusters (cluster centroids) are interpreted to understand tourist's risk taking and/or risk averting preferences. Visitors' actual spatial behavioural were spatially analysed using movement pattern maps. The typologies subsequently were verified using Discriminant Function Analysis and in this process tests of equality of group means (Significance of F-test), ANOVA classification are discussed. The final part of Discriminant Function Analysis is to determine the linear regression equations for prediction of group membership of data points in future using classification Function Matrix (Fisher's Linear Disceriminant Function). The developed tourist typologies may help park managers to regulate and mitigate human risk prior to its occurrence by understanding the visitors personality and preferences and their risk taking probabilities.

During 2015 South Africa, a single country with far fewer resources than the EU, had to provide refuge for approximately 72,000 asylum seekers. This global infl ux of people has been classifi ed as a crisis, placing extreme pressure on the economical, social and urban systems of many cities. Threatened by xenophobia and a bureaucratic legal process, many of these international visitors are treated to a reluctant welcome upon entering South Africa. In a context such as Marabastad, characterised by urban sprawl, singleuse territories and reduced density, exceedingly migratory populations are forced to contend for informal opportunities and sources of survival, often to the detriment of the existing urban fabric. In spite of this, mobile individuals have found a way to situate themselves and organise their surroundings without fi gurative representation within an urban context scattered with 'ruins' of past utopian ideologies. Through a recombination of the contradictory facets of architecture, namely fetish and fossil, utopia and ruin, the Vulnerable Asylum investigates the ability of heritage architecture to accommodate new migrant citizens. The resultant architecture off ers possibilities in providing an architectural platform for the economies, communities and potentials brought into South Africa by international visitors, incorporating rather than excluding them. / Mini Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Architecture / MArch (Prof) / Unrestricted

De nombreux dispositifs visent à orienter les comportements de déplacement vers des alternatives à l’automobile. Parmi eux, le pédibus correspond à un ramassage scolaire bénévole pour accompagner les enfants à l’école à pied. Son institutionnalisation et sa médiatisation illustrent les mécanismes de prise en charge des problèmes publics et la capacité du gouvernement des conduites à fabriquer des discours. Ainsi, le pédibus est présenté comme bénéfique en tout point alors que les études restent parcellaires et nuancées, quand sa pratique est marginale et éphémère. Nous avons proposé une analyse transversale franco-suisse romande compréhensive, associant approches qualitatives et quantitatives, qui repose sur trois pieds : discours, déploiement et pratiques. Nos analyses ont montré que le pédibus s’inscrivait dans une stratégie de communication basée sur la logique du choix modal, mettant l’accent sur la responsabilité individuelle en recourant à la morale, la culpabilité et la pédagogie. Si les promoteurs suisses sont aisément identifiables, en France ils sont plus erratiques et les actions restent isolées. Plus encore, le déploiement du pédibus était soumis à des caractéristiques urbaines et sociales spécifiques. Il est surtout présent dans les espaces résidentiels aisés, ceinturés par des voies de circulation, questionnant sa définition comme solution alternative à l’automobile. Un profil spécifique d’usagers a été mis en évidence, suggérant qu’il existerait des dispositions sociales en faveur du pédibus. Ce dernier est davantage perçu comme pratique, éducatif et rassurant pour pallier certaines défaillances politiques, que comme un déplacement sanitaire et écologique / Many objects aim to guide spatial behaviours towards alternative to the car. Among them, the walking school bus (WSB) is a school transport under the supervision of volunteers to escort children to school on foot. Its institutionalisation and its media coverage illustrate the mechanisms of handling contemporary public problems and the capacity of actors of the government of behaviour to make up the discourse. Thus, the WSB is presented as beneficial in every way whereas research remains fragmented and nuanced, when the practice is marginal and short-lived. It is in this context that we suggested a comprehensive analysis of both France and French-speaking Switzerland combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, based on three elements: promotional speeches, effective deployment and WSB usages. Our analyses showed that the WSB was inserted in a communication strategy based on the logic of modal choice, emphasising individual responsibility, referring to morality, guilt and pedagogy. While Swiss promoters are easily identifiable, in France they are more erratic and their actions remain isolated. Our results also showed that the practice of the WSB was dependent on specific urban and social characteristics. On the one hand, it is especially present in wealthier urban neighbours, cordoned off by roads, questioning the definition of WSB as an alternative solution to car use. On the other hand, a specific user profile was highlighted, suggesting that there exists social provisions in favour of collective commitments such as WSB. It being perceived more as a practical, educational and reassuring mean to remedy policy failures, than as a healthy and green mode of travel

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

In general Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus numbers in South Africa appeared to have recovered after persecution and eradication attempts during the last century. Within the last decade, however, the future of South Africa’s Nile Crocodiles seems ominous yet again, as they are faced with renewed threats including habitat destruction and/or degradation. The primary Nile Crocodile populations in South Africa, Kruger National Park, Lake St Lucia and Ndumo Game Reserve are all currently threatened as a result of anthropogenic actions. The vulnerability of South Africa’s major Nile Crocodile populations has highlighted the need for further studies on and assessment of other populations in the country. This study was conducted from April 2009 to July 2010 on the Nile Crocodile population found in Pongolapoort Dam. The aim of the study was to obtain baseline data on the ecology of this previously unstudied population, which included obtaining an estimate of population size and structure, the reproductive dynamics and success of the population, general distribution of the population in the dam and seasonal changes in their distribution. The impact of the impoundment on this population was also discussed. Initial surveys from 1981 and 1989 described few crocodiles in the system. Currently Pongolapoort Dam contains a significant Nile Crocodile population that was previously not considered as substantial. A conservative estimate of 273 Nile Crocodiles was determined for Pongolapoort Dam in 2009-2010. A combination of survey methods allowed for a population structure to be gauged and identified as having 116 juveniles (< 1.2 m), 75 sub-adults (1.2 - 2.5 m), and 82 adults (> 2.5 m). Currently the population has a high percentage of juveniles (42 %), suggesting a growing population, with the proportion of adults (30 %) able to sustain a viable population into the future. From the construction of the Pongolapoort impoundment in 1972 the water level has fluctuated and the surrounding landscape has been altered. As a result the Nile Crocodiles residing in the area had to adapt to the ever changing environment. Their general distribution changed after dam wall completion, when the dam began to fill. First distributional change was a movement out of the gorge section into the newly flooded areas. After the Domoina floods (1983) the dam level rose by over 70 % and the crocodiles moved into the current inlet section. The majority of the crocodile population is now found in the inlet section of the Pongolapoort Dam, utilizing the Phongola River in summer months and residing in the inlet section as historical basking sites during the winter months. Investigating reproductive ecology is essential in order to access the population dynamics of an unstudied population, as reproductive output can be a measure of population health. Reproduction and nesting of Nile Crocodiles in Pongolapoort Dam, and in particular determining the effects of the impoundment on these were investigated. No previous reproductive effort had been documented prior to this study. Crocodiles congregated at a major basking site, where the Phongola River entered the dam, during August 2009 with a 576 % increase in numbers. This signalled the commencement of the breeding season. Females with transmitters made short trips upstream during this time. In November, with the first rains, the river rose and the majority of crocodiles moved up the inlet, and females established nests. Three major nesting areas were identified, two of which were located in the river inlet to the dam. Approximately 30 nesting females were identified during the 2009/2010 nesting season. All nesting areas identified had been used in prior nesting seasons. Nests were located on a variety of substrate types, from clay formed through culluvial and fluvial deposits to course river sand. Several of the nests were predated by Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus). Although the number of nesting females was greater than expected, during the study period there was a total recruitment failure of nests along the river due to a flash flood of the Phongola River in January 2010, destroying all nests prior to hatching. As several juvenile crocodiles were found during surveys, this preliminary study suggests that the Pongolapoort Dam Nile Crocodile population has a relatively high potential reproductive out-put, although their annual successes may vary greatly because of loss of nesting sites because of water level fluctuations and predation. It appears that the impoundment has generally had a positive impact on this Nile Crocodile population recruitment although suitable nesting sites may become limited. There appear to be no current threats to the Nile Crocodile Pongolapoort Dam population, however illegal gill-netting and poaching on the dam and surrounding reserves is on the rise and if not prohibited can result in future problems. A second concern is the high abundance of alien invasive plants that dominate the area, most notably in the river inlet section, the Nile Crocodiles main nesting area. The water quality entering the system is unknown at present and should be tested in future studies to assess whether there may be any reason for concern. In general the Nile Crocodile population in Pongolapoort Dam appears to be one of the least vulnerable and most reproductively successful in South Africa at present. The population has increased dramatically as a result of successful reproductive output even with the ecosystem changes as a result of the impoundment of the Phongola River. It is unlikely that the population increase was as a result of immigration from surrounding areas as the dam wall is a substantial barrier between the dam and the lower crocodile population of Ndumo Game Reserve some 70 km downstream. The high number of crocodiles found through all size classes, juveniles to large adults, also suggests that this population has been stably increasing for a number of years and has a sustainable breeding population. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

In der Dissertation werden Fragen zur Populationsbiologie des neozonalen Nordamerikanischen Waschbären (Procyon lotor) behandelt. Die knapp sechsjährigen Freilanduntersuchungen fanden im Rahmen eines umfangreichen Waschbärenforschungsprojektes (www.projekt-waschbaer.de) in einem naturnahen Tieflandbuchenwald im Müritz-Nationalpark (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) statt. Das Nationalparkgebiet wird nachweislich seit Ende der 1970er Jahre vom Waschbären besiedelt und stellt aufgrund seines Gewässerreichtums und seiner alten Laubbaumbestände einen idealen Lebensraum für Waschbären dar. Die Dissertation schließt die populationsbiologischen Arbeiten des Gesamtprojektes ab und stellt die Ergebnisse in fünf separaten Themenschwerpunkten vor (I. Raumverhalten, II. Sozialverhalten, III. Reproduktionsbiologie, IV. Populationsstruktur, V. Populationsdynamik). Übergeordnetes Ziel der Arbeit war die Erhebung valider populationsbiologischer Daten, um eine grundlegende ökologische Charakterisierung des Waschbären unter dem Aspekt des Natur- und Artenschutzes vornehmen zu können. Dazu wurden zwischen 2006 und 2011 in einem 1.114 ha großen Fallennetz im Serrahner Teilgebiet des Nationalparks an 53 verschiedenen Fallenstandorten 145 verschiedene Waschbären (62 ♀♀, 83 ♂♂) insgesamt 489 Mal gefangen, genetisch beprobt, vermessen und individuell markiert. 51 adulte Waschbären (23 ♀♀, 28 ♂♂) und 18 Jungtiere (10 ♀♀, 8 ♂♂) wurden darüber hinaus mit einem UKW-Halsbandsender ausgestattet und im Rahmen der telemetrischen Arbeiten insgesamt 31.202 Mal geortet (≙ im Mittel 452 Lokalisationen pro Tier). Im Kernuntersuchungsgebiet wurde an 36 beköderten Standorten ein Fotofallenmonitoring durchgeführt. Bei einer Überwachungsdauer von 5.365 Fotofallennächten entstanden dabei 18.721 Aufnahmen von 183 verschiedenen Waschbären. 82 % aller Waschbärenbilder zeigten individuell markierte Individuen. Alle 145 gefangenen Waschbären wurden im Rahmen eines separaten Teilprojektes mit hochvariablen Mikrosatelliten erfolgreich genotypisiert, so dass die Verwandtschaftsverhältnisse sowie der individuelle Reproduktionserfolg der Untersuchungstiere bekannt sind. Für die Analysen zur Populationsstruktur wurden unter anderem von 120 verendet aufgefunden Waschbären (Totfunden) aus dem unmittelbaren Umfeld des Nationalparks klassische morphometrische und phänotypische Merkmale sowie die Mortalitätsursachen erfasst. / This study considers questions concerning the spatial and social behaviour, reproduction, population structure and dynamics of the alien North American raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Germany. The investigations took place within the framework of a comprehensive raccoon research project (www.projekt-waschbaer.de) over a period of nearly six years in a close-to-nature lowland beech forest in the Müritz National Park (Mecklenburg-West Pomerania). The National Park has been verifiably colonized by raccoons since the end of the 1970s, and due to its abundance of water and its old deciduous tree population it represents an ideal habitat for this mammal. Between 2006 and 2011, 145 individual raccoons (62 ♀♀ and 83 ♂♂) were captured, genetically sampled, measured and individually tagged. Sampling took place within a 1,114 hectare area of the National Park, at 53 trap sites and with 489 trappings. 51 adult raccoons (23 ♀♀, 28 ♂♂) and 18 juveniles (10 ♀♀, 8 ♂♂) were also fitted with radio collars and located a total of 31,202 times as part of the telemetric survey (=452 localisations per individual). Camera trap monitoring was carried out at 36 baited locations of the main investigation area (1,628 ha): 18,721 camera trap pictures were taken of 183 different raccoons over a monitorring period of 5,365 nights. 82 % of all the raccoon pictures showed individually tagged ani-mals. All 145 of the trapped raccoons were successfully genotyped as part of a subproject with highly polymorphic microsatellites. Both the familial relationships and the individual reproductive success of the subject animals could be determined with the genotyping results. For the analyses of the population structure, classic morphometric and phenotypical characteristics, as well as the cause of mortality of 120 raccoon carcasses in the immediate vicinity of the National Park, were recorded.