Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Effect of human beings on'

Poor communities already face severe challenges in meeting their basic needs, whether because of poor income opportunities, inadequate service delivery, or degraded ecosystems that can no longer support the needs of people. Non profit organisations who provide support for development are also challenged by financial restrictions and social and political structures that prevent or limit project development. Climate change is understood to have the most severe impact on the most vulnerable communities and sectors of communities by reducing the availability and accessibility of basic resources such as water, food and energy, impacting severely on human health and wellbeing, and further reducing the capacity of ecosystems to support livelihoods. This will add a layer of significant new complications to the ability of poor communities to maintain or improve standards of living, and further challenge non profit organisations that support such communitiesAnticipatory adaptation to climate change can reduce some of the impacts of climate change, and also address some key development stresses. This thesis aims to provide a framework that is relevant for supporting adaptation to climate change within the context of resource poor communities in a developing country. Non profit organisations and donor agencies could support success and autonomy in adaptation processes by making provision for locally defined understanding of adaptation, and locally determined processes and programmes. This can be taken further into implementation of programming that addresses local short term development priorities alongside, or as part of long term adaptation work. The research followed a number of steps involving a multitude of techniques including literature review, interviews, a survey, consultation with an expert group, further consultation with stakeholders, and a final electronic review. Its outcome is a strategy that can be used to support climate change adaptation in resource poor communities. A definition for adaptation is proposed as an interpretation of adaptation that is relevant in this context. The intended end goal of adaptation as defined in this research is a better form of development that : supports a harmonious and respectful relationship between humans and their natural resource base; averts further destructive global change or at the very least prevents it from becoming unmanageable; and manages the impacts of past and ongoing destructive change so that there is lowest possible loss of natural, human, or cultural resources. The term transformative adaptation emerged from the research processes to describe adaptation to climate change that concurrently addresses development challenges, is grounded in community development aspirations, integrates programming work across multiple thematic areas and approaches, and addresses the causes of climate change within adaptation interventions. The following broad guidelines are used to inform programming within the framework of transformative adaptation : Human communities are faced with an enormous challenge resulting from global change and sociopolitical injustices; Well planned anticipatory adaptation can limit exposure and vulnerability to at least some of the projected impacts of climate change; Adaptation to climate change incorporates a reduction of vulnerability to underlying development stresses, alongside a reduction of vulnerability to specific climate change stresses; Existing development work forms the foundation for adaptation interventions, acknowledging the interdependence of social, natural and economic systems and the need to maintain their health; Adaptation decision making is community based, and acknowledges that resource poor communities are best placed to establish their own development needs, drive implementation of interventions in own spaces, and identify own limits to adaptation; Adaptation work incorporates mitigation objectives so that the causes of climate change are addressed as part of the strategy for coping with climate change; Adaptation programming acknowledges the strong interlinkages between, and integrates work across, the thematic areas of water security, food sovereignty, energy security, land security, human wellbeing and livelihood diversity; Adaptation uses a broad set of approaches that spans research, knowledge sharing, advocacy, and investment in technology and infrastructure; There is flexibility in project design and implementation to allow room for experimentation with new concepts, and also to change design as knowledge, understanding, and geophysical, biophysical and sociopolitical conditions change.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms inherent to the interaction between human beings and the natural environment. Using an exploratory approach, the study aimed to uncover conceptual understandings of the Ecotherapy process. As a platform for deeper investigation, the metaphor as a narrative symbol presented by participants was offered for interpretation. Using the transcript of an anonymous participant's experience during an ecotherapy trail, four trained ecotherapy facilitators from the National Peace Accord Trust provided open interpretations of the underlying mechanisms of the process. From an analysis of selected excerpts presented by participating facilitators, key themes are introduced and discussed as source of interest for future research. Predominant themes that emerge from the study are the significance of symbolism, the notion of embodiment, the continuum in the process of connection as well as existence of a spiritual dimensions to the healing process in the natural environment. A number of the shortcomings of previous research, as well as within this investigation are discussed. This study suggests that there is a definite need for further qualitative and emperical investigation of the ecotherapy process as a therapeutic intervention. The findings of this study are intended both as a platform for future research initiatives as well as a resource for ecotherapy facilitators and participants.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die onderliggende meganismes inherent aan die interaksie tussen die mens en die natuurlike omgewing te ondersoek. Die studie het beaag om met 'n eksploratiewe benadering die konseptuele beginsels van die Ekoterapie proses bloot te lê. As vertrekpunt is die metafoer, soss beskrywe deur die deelnemers, as narratiewe simbool beskou vir meer dieperliggende interpretasie. Die transkripsies van die deelnemers se ervarings gedurende die ekoterapeutiese staptog is deur vier professionele ekoterapeutiese fasiliteerders van die "National Peace Accord Trust" geïnterpreteerom die onderliggende meganismes van die proses te identifiseer. As verwysingsbron vir verdere navorsing is die gereduseerde opsommings van die betrokke fasiliteerders geanaliseer, sentrale temas geïdentifiseer en bespreek. Sentrale temas wat uit die studie na vore gekom het, was die betekenisvolheid van simboliek, die besef van liggaamlikheid, die kontinuum in die proses van konneksie-vorming, sowel as die voorkoms van spirituele dimensies geduurende die helingsproses in die natuurlike omgewing. Tekortkominge van vorige, sowel as die huidige navorsing, is ook aangespreek. Dit blyk uit die studie dat In defnitiewe behoefte aan verdere kwalitatiewe en empmese navorsing rondom die ekoterapie proses as terapeutiese intervensie, bestaan. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie behoort te dien as 'n vertrekpunt vir toekomstige navorsing, sowel as 'n verwysingsbron vir ekoterapeutiese fasiliteerders en deelnemers.

This study explores the significance for practitioners of taking their therapeutic work outside of the traditional therapy room, typically into nature spaces, parks or gardens. Attention is paid to the notion of the therapeutic frame and relevant ecopsychology theory. While there is substantial literature around ecotherapy and the benefits of nature to wellbeing, there is relatively little concerning working as a psychotherapist outdoors. The purpose of this research therefore was to address the question of what it is like to take a therapeutic practice out of doors and the potential challenges. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners with experience of working out of doors with clients. Following van Manen’s (1990) hermeneutic phenomenology research methodology, five themes were found: boundaries and new frontiers, fitting in, what ‘they’ think, and who is it for (parts I and II). The research aim, to grasp the meaning of this unconventional practice from the practitioners’ perspective, was mirrored in the analysis which revealed that meaning for the participants is complex and concerns for the client as well as personal concerns were seen as fundamental to the experience. Relationships to and the presence of nature in the work were also recognised as significant and identified a tension around the unquantifiable experience of the ‘soulfulness’ of nature in the work versus the measurable elements of nature that have therapeutic benefit. The scarcity of practitioners working outdoors was attributed to a lack of indoor therapists’ understanding of the processes involved which was seen to impact upon participants’ experiences in their work outdoors. The emergent themes in this research emphasise for counselling psychology an on-going need to review therapeutic dogma, encompass the wider world in the context of therapeutic practice and expand current notions of mental health and psychopathology to engender greater pluralism in theory and practice.

The purpose of this study was to assess the social climate of different size churches and the relationship between social climate, member satisfaction, and church size. This study has investigated the extent to which (1) church member satisfaction is affected by social climate and church size and (2) the extent to which social climate is affected by church size. The social climate is the unique "personality" of a setting that gives it clarity and coherence (Moos, 1974b). The data were collected at different size churches. The sample consisted of a random sample for each church of those who completed a "church satisfaction questionnaire," which included demographic information, and the Group Environment Scale (Moos, 1986). There were 50 respondents for each church included in the sample. The sample included 114 men and 136 women. One hundred seventy eight were married and 170 reported having children. Two hundred fourteen considered themselves a member of their church.Previous research indicates satisfaction is influenced by both a setting's social climate and its size. Social climate dimensions that seem to influence member satisfaction are "cohesion," "leader support," "task orientation," "autonomy," and "innovation." Staffing theory suggests that size is also related to satisfaction. Small settings are presumed to be "understaffed" and those in understaffed settings are likely to report more feelings of satisfaction.The results of this study indicated that churches characterized by greater perceived "cohesion," "leader support," "task orientation," and "innovation" tended to have members who were more satisfied. The linear composite of these variables was statistically significant (p < .05) and identified 43.89% of the variance of the satisfaction measure. Results suggest that understanding the church social climate is helpful in understanding its members. Implications of these results relevant for church leaders are discussed.Contrary to what was anticipated, size was not a predictor of church satisfaction. The failure of size to predict church satisfaction is discussed in terms of staffing theory (Wicker, 1979a).The fact that certain social climate dimensions are. related to church member satisfaction is encouraging and justifies further research in this area. Ideas warranted for further research are developed.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The Irwin River catchment, located in the central western region of Western Australia, has been the scene of significant geomorphological change over both historical and geological timescales. This thesis focuses on the most recent of these changes, the anthropogenic imprint, through the development of a catchment-scale understanding of system behaviour. Analysis and modelling of changes in the hydrological behaviour of the system indicates that while the Irwin River has displayed a natural susceptibility to large flood events, these have been exacerbated by the widespread clearing of native vegetation throughout the catchment. As a result, when such events do occur, the catchment response is now larger, more direct and has a greater ability to cause erosion. However, the nature and detail of sediment yield processes and stream channel response varies markedly throughout the system. A series of representative channel reaches, as defined by their planform characteristics, geometry and architecture, are presented to illustrate spatial changes in stream channel behaviour. A distinct variation in river morphotypes is seen both downstream throughout the system as well as across the tributary sub-catchments of the Irwin River, Lockier River and Green Brook. This inter and intra sub-catchment variation in stream channel response can be attributed to changes in the boundary conditions and coupling mechanisms in operation throughout the Irwin River system. The pronounced spatial variability in response to human disturbance and the changing nature of catchment-scale connectivity seen in the Irwin River system differs markedly to that reported elsewhere in the literature. Appreciation of the variability in form, behaviour and evolutionary history throughout the Irwin River catchment not only provides the foundation for effective management but also contributes to a wider understanding of fluvial system behaviour. Unlike the majority of existing literature, which tends to identify and measure channel changes in a single catchment where historical variation to the sediment and discharge regime is well known, this study demonstrates the role of boundary conditions in determining the response of the fluvial system to changing environmental controls.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is an effective anti-mitotic drug. It stops cancer from spreading by interfering with the microtubule dynamics which in turn leads to cell cycle arrest and eventually cell death. Despite the clinical success in treating different types of cancers, resistance to PTX remains a major hurdle for successful treatment in relapse patients. Albendazole (ABZ) is a popular anthelmintic used world-wide for the treatment of various types of helmintic infections. In helminthes, ABZ binds to ??-tubulin and inhibits microtubule polymerisation. It was subsequently found that ABZ has anti-cancer activity. This study was carried out to study the effects of ABZ on PTX sensitive and PTX resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells. Cell growth assays revealed that the anti-proliferative activity of ABZ was not only effective on the PTX-sensitive human ovarian carcinoma cell line lA9, but also on its PTX-resistant sub-line, lA9PTX22. The ICso values of ABZ in lA9 and lA9PTX22 were 205 nM and 322 nM, respectively. Confocal images demonstrated that ABZ disrupted the microtubule network and caused formation of short microtubule bundles in both cell lines. Further analysis using tubulin polymerisation assay showed that the percentage of polymerised tubulin in lA9 and lA9PTX22 was increased by 58.9 % and 20.6 % respectively. Together, these results revealed for the first time that ABZ interacts with microtubules in human cancer cells and causes their polymerisation. It was also demonstrated that ABZ increased the release of cytochrome c, an important component of the intrinsic pathway in apoptosis. It was found that the expression of Bim, a BH-3 only pro-apoptotic protein was not elevated after ABZ treatment. The results presented in this study provide some information on the effect of ABZ on the microtubule network which could relate to its apoptotic effect in human ovarian carcinoma cells.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research literature is increasingly referring to the therapeutic effect of experiences in nature on people. However, no research that evaluates the suitability of nature as an aid in an existential approach to psychotherapy could be found. This paper shows by means of a literature review that nature as an aid can make a significant contribution to this approach. The potential benefits of utilizing nature are integrated with the therapeutic goals of existential psychotherapy. The conclusion reached is that nature can be an important aid for leading a client to self-confrontation, increased selfawareness, acceptance of personal freedom and responsibility, and to find personal meaning in life. Proposals for future research are recommended.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navorsingsliteratuur bevat in 'n toenemende mate verwysings na die terapeutiese effek wat belewenisse in die natuur op mense het. Geen navorsing kon egter gevind word wat die geskiktheid van die natuur as 'n hulpmiddel in 'n eksistensiële benadering tot psigoterapie ondersoek nie. Hierdie studie toon deur middel van 'n literatuuroorsig aan dat die natuur wel as 'n hulpmiddel betekenisvolle bydraes kan lewer tot hierdie benadering, deur die potensiële bydrae van die natuur in verband te bring met die doelwitte van eksistensiële psigoterapie. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat die natuur 'n belangrike hulpmiddel kan wees om die kliënt te lei na selfkonfrontasie, verhoogde selfbewussyn, aanvaarding van persoonlike vryheid en verantwoordelikheid, en die vind van persoonlike betekenis in die lewe. Aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing word ook gemaak.

This study elucidates the underlying relationships for the distribution of oak landcover on bedrock and soil orders in two counties in Texas and one in Oklahoma. ESRI's ArcGis and ArcMap was used to create surface maps for Denton and Coke Counties, Texas and Choctaw County, Oklahoma. Attribute tables generated in GIS were exported into a spreadsheet software program and frequency tables were created for every formation and soil order in the tri-county research area. The results were both a visual and numeric distribution of oaks in the transition area between the eastern hardwood forests and the Great Plains. Oak distributions are changing on this transition area of the South Central Plains. The sandy Woodbine and Antlers formations traditionally associated with the largest oak distribution are carrying oak coverage of approximately 31-32% in Choctaw and Denton Counties. The calcareous Blackland and Grand Prairies are traditionally associated with treeless grasslands, but are now carrying oak and other tree landcover up to 18.9%. Human intervention, including the establishment of artificial, political and social boundaries, urbanization, farming and fire control have altered the natural distribution of oaks and other landcover of this unique georegion.

xvii, 382 p. : ill. (some col.), maps. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
The debate concerning the role of natural versus anthropogenic burning in shaping the prehistoric vegetation patterns of the Willamette Valley of Oregon and Washington remains highly contentious. To address this, pollen and high-resolution charcoal records obtained from lake sediments were analyzed to reconstruct the Holocene fire and vegetation history, in order to assess the relative influence of climate variability and anthropogenic activity on those histories. Two sites provided information on the last 11,000 years. At one site at the northern margin of the Willamette Valley, shifts in fire activity and vegetation compared closely with millennial- and centennial-time scale variations in climate, and there was no evidence that anthropogenic burning affected the natural fire-climate linkages prior to Euro-American arrival. In contrast, the fire and vegetation history at a site in the central Willamette Valley showed relatively little vegetation change in response to both millennial- and centennial-scale climate variability, but fire activity varied widely in both frequency and severity. A comparison of this paleoecological reconstruction with archaeological evidence suggests that anthropogenic burning near the site may have influenced middle- to late-Holocene fire regimes. The fire history of the last 1200 years was compared at five sites along a north-south transect through the Willamette Valley. Forested upland sites showed stronger fire-climate linkages and little human influence, whereas lowland sites located in former prairie and savanna showed temporal patterns in fire activity that suggest a significant human impact. A decline in fire activity at several sites in the last 600 years was attributed to the effects of a cooling climate as well as the decline of Native American populations. The impacts of Euro-American settlement on the records include dramatic shifts in vegetation assemblages and large fire events associated with land clearance. The results of this research contribute to our understanding of long-term vegetation dynamics and the role of fire, both natural- and human-ignited, in shaping ecosystems, as well as provide an historical context for evaluating recent shifts in plant communities in the Willamette Valley.
Advisers: Cathy Whitlock, Patrick J. Bartlein

Thesis (Msc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There has been a growing awareness of nature among psychologists in recent years, both in terms of how psychology can contribute to the preservation of nature, and utilise its benefits for human beings. In this paper both these aspects of the human-nature relationship are explored. The sense of connectedness between people and nature appears to be the common ground between these two approaches, and it is recommended that experiential as well as cognitive elements of the relationship should be recognised. A limited qualitative pilot study was conducted with five participants of a weekend wilderness experience. All the participants were female first year psychology students. Confirming previous research, this study found that the experience of nature is highly individualised, and includes heightened self-awareness, relaxation, social relationships, spiritual elements, and a sense of connectedness to nature.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sielkundiges raak toenemend bewus van die natuur, in terme van die wyses waarop sielkunde kan bydra tot die beskerming van die omgewing, asook waarop die voordele wat dit vir die mens inhou, benut kan word. Beide aspekte van die verhouding tussen mens en natuur word in hierdie studie ondersoek. Die noue verbintenis tussen mens en natuur blyk die onderliggende faktor tot beide benaderings te wees, en dit word aanbeveel dat die eksperiënsiële sowel as kognitiewe elemente van hierdie verhouding in ag geneem moet word. 'n Beperkte kwalitatiewe loods-studie is uitgevoer met vyf deelnemers van 'n wildemes-ervaring, almal vroulike eerste-jaar sielkunde studente. In ooreenstemming met vorige navorsing het hierdie studie bevind dat die ervaring van die natuur hoogs geïndividualiseerd is, en verhoogde self-gewaarwording, ontspanning, sosiale verhoudings, spirituale elemente, en 'n sin van verbintenis aan die natuur, insluit.

There is a long history of visual preferences for natural environments over urban environments, as well as beliefs in the restorative value of time spent in natural environments. Diverse theoretical perspectives, such as information overload, learning and evolutionary theories, can be used to help explain these preferences and beliefs, and early empirical research has found tentative support for them. The present study capitalizes on a recovery-from-stress experimental paradigm developed by Ulrich. Subjects are presented with a brief videotaped stressor followed by a brief videotaped outdoor environment while psychological and physiological indicators of arousal and emotion are monitored. In this study, two stressors and four environments were manipulated between subjects. The environments differed along two dimensions that were derived from visual preference research and theoretical predictions: whether they were natural or urban in character, and the presence or absence of a river. Physiological indicators of arousal included heart rate, skin conductance, respiration rate and salivary cortisol levels. Facial electromyographic (EMG) placements were used to assess the emotional valence of subjects' responding. The Zuckerman Inventory of Personal Responses (ZIPERS) was used to assess psychological responding. Analyses yielded a limited and occasionally inconsistent pattern of results. Many of the inconsistent responses to the environments were found across stressors, suggesting that either arousal level or the particular nature of the arousal generated by the two stressors may have interacted with the recovery environments. Despite these inconsistencies, the tentative conclusions that could be reached were generally consistent with past research and theoretical predictions. Evidence from the arousal variables suggested that the Nature and Water environments elicited less arousal during the recovery phase than did the Urban and Non-Water environments; and, there was corraboration or partial corraboration for each of these findings from the self-report data. Similarly, data from the EMG placements favored the Nature environments over the Urban environments, and in particular suggested that the Non-Water Natural (meadow) environment was less likely to produce negative emotions than the other environments. Again, this finding received some support from the self-report data. Possible explanations for the limited and occasionally inconsistent nature of the findings are offered in the discussion section, with the most likely candidate being the relatively attractive Urban environments used in this study compared to those used in past research.

Sexual objectification is perpetrated whenever someone is reduced to a thing, thus seen and treated like a sexual object. The body or body parts are separated out from the identity and used for pleasure and consumption of others (Bartky, 1990; Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). According to the literature, when people become objects or instruments for others’ appreciation they can be denied their humanity, inner mental life, and moral standing (e.g., Heflick, Goldenberg, Cooper, & Puvia, 2011; Loughnan, Haslam, Murnane, Vaes, Reynolds, & Suitner, 2010; Vaes, Paladino, & Puvia, 2011). Moreover, previous objectification research suggests that experiences of sexual objectification are translated into problems that undermine psychological well-being, such as increased body shame, appearance anxiety, depression, eating and sexual disorders (Moradi & Huang, 2008). From the perspective of objectification theory, the most insidious way in which objectifying gaze infuses Western culture is through visual media (e.g., magazines, advertisements, television, music video, movies). On a daily basis, we are constantly surrounded by sexually objectified images. Examples are advertising in which male and female bodies are denuded to attract and sell products (Zotos & Tsichla, 2014) and visual media delivering sexual harassment or rape news, in which victims are often portrayed in a sexualised manner (Zanardo, 2010). Given the scarcity of specific research and the serious repercussions of sexual objectification on people’s well-being, the present work sought to expand the objectification theoretical framework by empirically testing the causal role of sexual objectification in the under-investigated areas of sexual harassment and advertising. First, in Chapter 1 we provide a brief overview of previous research grounded in the objectification theoretical framework. In Chapter 2, we present our first set of studies with the general aim to merge sexual objectification and sexual harassment research areas. Our work starts by noticing that these two areas are developed mostly independently to each other. Indeed, although extensive research has investigated the negative consequences of sexual objectification, surprisingly far less research has examined the consequences of sexual objectification in the context of sexual harassment. Specifically, we aimed to examine the effects of victims’ sexualised appearance on bystanders’ reactions to an episode of workplace sexual harassment. Our findings generally support the idea that sexualisation lead to biased perception, providing evidence that sexualised victims (i.e., wearing sexy clothes) are perceived as more immoral and blameful for being sexually harassed than non sexualised victims (i.e., wearing jeans and sweater). More important, we provide novel evidence that these biased perceptions in turn reduce bystanders’ willingness to offer support and help to the sexualised victims of sexual harassment. In addition, we show that endorsement of traditional masculine norms (i.e., ambivalent sexism toward women and non-relational attitudes toward sexuality) further enhanced biased perception of the sexualised than non-sexualised victims. In Chapter 3, we present a set of six studies that have systematically examined how both men and women react to sexually objectifying advertising. The underlying premise governing the use of sexualized images in advertisement is that “sex sells”. Indeed, although it has been shown that advertising acts as catalyst for a multitude of problematic behaviours (e.g., Groesz, Levine, & Murnen, 2002), sex in advertising has long been used to sell just about everything. Surprisingly, even though brand attitudes and purchasing intention are the two crucial antecedents to purchasing behaviour (Shimp & Gresham, 1983), very little research has empirically investigated these antecedents to test whether sex actually works. Therefore, we investigated both female and male participants’ product attractiveness and purchasing intentions after exposure to female or male sexually objectified (versus neutral) ads. Importantly, the overall pattern of results contradicts current sexualising marketing strategies: women negatively reacted to both female and male sexually objectifying ads showing higher negative emotions, that in turn disinclined them to purchase the sexualised product; surprisingly, men were indifferent and did not show any significant increment either on product attractiveness or purchasing intention after exposure to female sexually objectifying than neutral ads. More importantly, our findings suggest that advertising may create an environment that implicitly primes viewers to appraise negatively a sexualised target. For example, sexually objectified ads primed male beliefs that women enjoy being sexualised, and also led to higher benevolent sexism compared to men exposed to neutral ads. Other results showed the effects that exposure to specific female sexualised images may have on the dehumanisation of the whole women category. Importantly, we showed that exposure to female sexually objectified ads increases women body surveillance (i.e., self-objectification) and their internalisation of beauty standards. Thus our findings support the notion that exposure to female sexually objectifying ads not only has negative consequences on how people (specifically men) view women, but also on how women view themselves (i.e., thinking that their look matters). Lastly, both men and women who endorsed traditional beliefs on gender relationships (i.e., men are sex-driven and have trouble being faithful) and men higher in hostile sexism showed higher purchasing intention after viewing sexually objectified than neutral ads. Overall, our findings extend previous research by empirically demonstrating the vicious cycle of sexual objectification. Finally, in Chapter 4 we discuss the implications of the present findings within the objectification theoretical framework and suggest future directions. Our first set of findings suggest that the appraisal of sexual harassment incidents as the result of sexualised women’s appearance, which is also associated with traditional norms on gender roles, may have serious consequences. First of all, this perception may be dangerous for the victims because it decreases significantly the actual probability of receiving support. Furthermore, the present findings are worrisome at the societal level considering the widespread manifestation of both sexualisation and sexual harassment on a daily basis, especially in the workplace (e.g., Page & Pina, 2015). Furthermore, in the second set of studies, our findings show the paradox of sexual objectification in advertising: not only it has negative outcomes for women, but it is also questionable regarding the main purpose of advertising, that is selling products. These findings should be a stimulus to reflect on alternative marketing strategies, possibly more effective and less harmful than using sexually objectifying images.
L’oggetivazione sessuale si presenta tutte le volte in cui una persona è pensata e trattata come un oggetto, strumento, merce che serve scopi specifici dell’osservatore. Le parti del corpo o le sue funzioni sessuali sono separate dal resto della persona, ridotte allo status di mero strumento utile per l’uso e il piacere sessuale altrui (Bartky, 1990; Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). In accordo con la letteratura, quando le persone diventano oggetti o strumenti per il raggiungimento di fini altrui, vengono percepite come meno umane, meno competenti e meno morali (e.g., Heflick, Goldenberg, Cooper, & Puvia, 2011; Loughnan, Haslam, Murnane, Vaes, Reynolds, & Suitner, 2010; Vaes, Paladino, & Puvia, 2011). Inoltre, secondo il modello teorico dell’oggettivazione, le esperienze di oggettivazione sessuale si traducono in problemi che minano il benessere psicologico (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). In accordo, precedenti studi dimostrano come esperienze sessualmente oggettivanti siano collegate a maggiore vergogna per il proprio corpo, all’ansia legata all’apparenza e all’insorgenza di depressione, disordini alimentari e sessuali (Moradi & Huang, 2008). Dal punto di vista della teoria dell'oggettivazione, il modo più insidioso in cui lo sguardo oggettivante infonde la cultura occidentale è attraverso i mass media (e.g., riviste, pubblicità, televisione, video musicali, film). Di fatto, ogni giorno, siamo costantemente circondati da immagini sessualmente oggettivate, per esempio, nella pubblicità in cui corpi maschili e femminili sono denudati per attirare e vendere prodotti (Zotos & Tsichla, 2014) oppure nei media che riportano notizie di molestie sessuali o stupri, in cui le vittime sono spesso ritratte in modo sessualizzato (Zanardo, 2010). Pertanto, il presente lavoro si propone di ampliare il quadro teorico dell’oggettivazione, analizzando empiricamente il ruolo causale dell'oggettivazione sessuale sia nel contesto della pubblicità sia in quello delle molestie sessuali. In primo luogo, nel primo capitolo è fornita una breve rassegna delle ricerche precedenti che hanno indagato il processo di oggettivazione sessuale. Nel secondo capitolo, sono presentati due studi che avevano come obiettivo generale quello di unire empiricamente l’area di ricerca dell'oggettivazione sessuale e quella delle molestie sessuali. Il nostro lavoro è iniziato notando che le due aree si sono sviluppate per lo più in modo indipendente l’una dall’altra. Infatti, sebbene in letteratura siano presenti numerose ricerche che hanno indagato le conseguenze negative dell'oggettivazione sessuale, molto meno numerose sono le ricerche che ne hanno indagato le conseguenze nel contesto della molestia sessuale. In particolare, abbiamo esaminato come l’aspetto sessualizzato della vittima possa influenzare le reazioni di potenziali testimoni a episodi di molestie sessuali in ambito lavorativo. I due studi hanno fornito forti evidenze a sostegno dell'idea che la sessualizzazione causa percezioni distorte, mostrando che la vittima sessualizzata (i.e., fotografata con abiti succinti) è percepita come più immorale e colpevole per essere stata sessualmente molestata rispetto alla vittima non sessualizzata (i.e., fotografata con jeans e maglione). Inoltre, i risultati hanno dimostrato, per la prima volta, che queste percezioni distorte riducono a loro volta la disponibilità dei testimoni a offrire il proprio aiuto e sostegno alla vittima sessualizzata (rispetto alla vittima non-sessualizzata). Successivamente, abbiamo dimostrato che l'approvazione di norme tradizionali maschili (i.e., sessismo ambivalente nei confronti delle donne e atteggiamenti non relazionali verso la sessualità) ha ulteriormente rafforzato la percezione distorta della vittima sessualizzata rispetto a quella non sessualizzata. Nel terzo capitolo, è presentata una serie di sei studi che hanno sistematicamente esaminato come uomini e donne reagiscono alla pubblicità sessualmente oggettivata. La premessa sottostante all'uso di immagini sessualizzate in pubblicità è che "il sesso vende". Infatti, benché sia stato dimostrato che la pubblicità sessualizzata agisce come catalizzatore di una moltitudine di comportamenti problematici (e.g., Groesz, Levine, & Murnen, 2002), il sesso è da tempo utilizzato nella pubblicità per vendere qualsiasi tipo di prodotto. Nonostante sia stato dimostrato che gli atteggiamenti verso il prodotto e l'intenzione di acquisto siano i due antecedenti cruciali del comportamento d’acquisto (Shimp & Gresham, 1983), un numero sorprendentemente esiguo di ricerche li ha analizzati empiricamente per testare se il sesso effettivamente vende. Pertanto, nei nostri studi, abbiamo esaminato sia l'attrattiva del prodotto sia l'intenzione di acquisto manifestate dai partecipanti (uomini e donne) dopo l'esposizione a pubblicità sessualmente oggettivate (sia maschili sia femminili) oppure neutre. Nel complesso, è interessante notare che i risultati ottenuti contraddicono le attuali strategie di marketing focalizzate sulla sessualizzazione. Infatti, le donne hanno reagito negativamente alle pubblicità sessualmente oggettivanti (indipendentemente dal genere del target), mostrando maggiori emozioni negative che, a loro volta, hanno diminuito le loro intenzioni di acquisto rispetto alle pubblicità neutre. Inaspettatamente, gli uomini si sono mostrati indifferenti, vale a dire che dopo l'esposizione a pubblicità femminili sessualmente oggettivate (anziché neutre) non hanno manifestato alcun incremento significativo né sull'attrazione verso il prodotto né sull'intenzione di acquisto. Ancora più importante, abbiamo mostrato risultati che suggeriscono che la pubblicità può creare un ambiente che induce implicitamente alla categorizzazione negativa di un target sessualizzato. I risultati dimostrano che l’esposizione a pubblicità femminili sessualmente oggettivate (anziché neutre) ha innescato negli uomini la credenza che alle donne piaccia essere sessualizzate. Inoltre, gli uomini esposti a pubblicità femminili sessualmente oggettivanti hanno mostrato livelli più alti di sessismo benevolo rispetto agli uomini esposti a pubblicità neutre. Altri dati hanno mostrato gli effetti che l’esposizione a specifiche immagini femminili sessualizzate può avere sulla deumanizzazione dell’intera categoria delle donne. Inoltre, mostriamo evidenze a sostegno dell’idea che l'esposizione a pubblicità femminili sessualmente oggettivanti non solo ha conseguenze negative su come le persone (in particolare gli uomini) percepiscono le donne, ma anche su come le donne percepiscono se stesse (i.e., pensando che l’aspetto fisico le rappresenti come persone). I risultati mostrano come l'esposizione a pubblicità femminili sessualmente oggettivate (anziché neutre) abbia portato le donne a monitorare maggiormente il proprio corpo (i.e., auto-oggettivazione) e ad interiorizzare maggiormente i canoni di bellezza socio-culturali. Infine, gli uomini con livelli più alti di sessismo ostile e gli uomini e le donne che hanno maggiormente interiorizzato credenze tradizionali sulle relazioni di genere (i.e., gli uomini sono guidati dal sesso e hanno difficoltà a essere fedeli) hanno mostrato maggiore intenzione d'acquisto nella condizione di oggettivazione sessuale rispetto alla neutra. Più in generale, i nostri risultati estendono i risultati delle ricerche precedenti dimostrando empiricamente il circolo vizioso dell’oggettivazione sessuale. Infine, nel quarto capitolo, discuteremo le implicazioni dei risultati ottenuti e le direzioni di ricerca future all'interno del quadro teorico dell'oggettivazione. I risultati dei nostri primi studi suggeriscono che la valutazione di episodi di molestia sessuale sulla base dell’aspetto sessualizzato delle vittime può avere gravi conseguenze. Conseguenze che sono state corroborate dal risultato sull’ulteriore aumento dell’interiorizzazione di norme tradizionali sui ruoli di genere. In primo luogo, le percezioni distorte causate dalla sessualizzazione possono essere pericolose per le vittime, diminuendo significativamente la probabilità reale di ricevere sostegno. In secondo luogo, i risultati sono preoccupanti a livello sociale, considerando la diffusa e quotidiana manifestazione sia della sessualizzazione che delle molestie sessuali, soprattutto in ambito lavorativo (e.g., Page & Pina, 2015). Inoltre, nella seconda serie di studi, i risultati mostrano il paradosso dell’oggettivazione sessuale in pubblicità: non solo ha conseguenze negative sulle donne, ma anche su quello che dovrebbe essere il suo fine ultimo, vale a dire vendere prodotti. I nostri risultati dovrebbero essere uno stimolo per riflettere su strategie di marketing alternative, forse più efficaci sul piano economico e sicuramente meno nocive sulle donne, rispetto all'utilizzo di immagini sessualizzate.

The endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) has been the focus of much research in the past 40 years, primarily with respect to the summer habitat requirements for the species. Recent advances in radio telemetry have allowed researchers to learn about the specific activity patterns for roosting bats. Torpor is an energetic process that bats use to conserve energy through the day. We used an equation that gives a threshold for when the animal enters torpor to quantify the amount of energy conservation among Indiana bats, northern long-eared bat (M. septentrionalis) and little brown bat (M. lucifugus) and their reproductive stage. Additionally, we used the torpor threshold to determine if researchers were causing disturbances to roosting female Myotis bats in the summer.
Department of Biology

It is unclear whether accounting for the number of rare taxa or differentiating live (cells with visible chloroplasts) and dead (empty cells) diatoms would enhance the accuracy and precision of diatom-based stream bioassessment. My dissertation research examines whether the number of rare taxa and percentage (%) live diatoms can be used as indicators of human disturbance in streams/rivers. To address my objectives, I analyzed two datasets collected at different spatial scales. The large scale dataset was collected over the course of five years and included more than 1300 sites and over 200 environmental variables from 12 Western US states (US EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program). The small scale dataset included 25 streams from the Oregon Coast Range. My findings revealed that rarity definition is important in bioassessment. Rural taxa richness (number of taxa with high occurrence and low abundance) was the only rarity metric that distinguished least disturbed (reference) sites from the most disturbed (impacted) ones. Neither of the other two rarity metrics, satellite (taxa with low occurrence and abundance) and urban (taxa with low occurrence and high abundance) taxa richness, was able to do that. Results from regression tree analysis revealed that rural taxa richness increased with human disturbance, but it was significantly higher at impacted sites only in the Mountains ecoregion (t-test, p0.05). Percentage live diatoms distinguished reference from impacted sites only in the Mountains ecoregion (t-test, p=0.02) and somewhat in the Plains (t-test, p=0.05). However, % live diatoms exhibited opposite patterns in the two ecoregions. They increased with disturbance in the Mountains and decreased in the Plains. The results from the small scale study in the Oregon Coast Range revealed similar species compositions between live and live+dead diatom assemblages (non-metric multidimensional scaling) and similar relationships with their environmental variables (linear fitting). Both assemblages correlated well with in-stream physical habitat conditions (e.g., channel dimensions, substrate types, and canopy cover). Both rural taxa richness and % live diatoms can be used as indicators of human disturbance in streams/rivers, especially in the Mountains ecoregion, dependent on specific assessment objectives.

Manual lifting tasks are the predominant means of transporting materials in industry with many of these tasks being performed in confined spaces. Research has tended to focus on the biomechanical implications of working in small spaces with a decided lack of information about the physiological and perceptual responses in these environments. This holistic study therefore investigated the manner in which the human operator responded to conditions where the ceiling height was lowered and reach demands increased. Thirty-two young physically active male subjects (age: 21.55yr; stature: 1810mm) were recruited to complete a 2-way repeated measures experiment during which four lifting protocols where different combinations of ceiling height (‘normal’ or reduced to 1460mm in height) and reach demands (400mm or 800mm) were tested. A crude postural analysis was conducted while physiological responses were detailed and continuously monitored. Perceptual responses were also assessed. The tasks with a ‘normal’ ceiling height (mean compression forces: 2615N; mean shearing forces: 388N) and the greatest reach distance (mean compression forces: 3655N; mean shearing forces: 386N) placed individuals under the highest strain. Mean heart rate (HR) responses were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the URN condition when compared to the RF condition. Furthermore, HR responses were statistically significantly affected by the height of the ceiling and the reach depth. Statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) in mean tidal volume (VT) occurred in the least (URN) and most (RF) restrictive conditions. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean VE were evident between URN and URF, between URN and RF and between RN and RF. Ceiling height and reach demands had a statistically significant effect on all respiratory responses. There was a statistically significant difference in mean oxygen consumption (VO2) between the URN and all other conditions, and between the most restricted task (RF) and all other conditions. Both the effect of ceiling height and reach demands had a statistically statistically significant impact on VO2. Respiratory quotient (RQ) was significantly higher when loads were moved over 800mm compared to 400mm yet ceiling height did not have a statistically significant effect on RQ. Mean energy expenditure was significantly higher in the RF condition compared to the two least restrictive conditions (URN and RN). Statistically significant differences in EE were also evident between URN and RN, and between URN and URF. EE was significantly affected by reductions in ceiling height and increases in reach demands. Perceptually, the RF task (mean ‘Central’ RPE of 11) was perceived to place significantly greater cardiorespiratory demands on the operator compared to the URN (CRPE: 10) and RN (CRPE: 10) conditions. Statistically significant differences in perceived musculoskeletal strain only occurred between URN and RF. The effect of reach was perceived to have a statistically significant effect on both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal demands whereas ceiling height only had a statistically significant effect on musculoskeletal demands. The greatest discomfort was experienced in the lower back with the most intense discomfort occurring in the RN condition.

This present study seeks to determine the bases of our attitudes toward environmental issues. Is it what we think and believe (cognition) about the environment that determines our attitudes or is it what we feel (affect) that informs us. Previous literature indicates that in some areas affect may be a better predictor of attitudes than cognition. Furthermore the environmental education literature suggests that affect may be a key entry point for environmental education Using Zanna & Rempel's (1988) attitude structure model, the present study seeks to replicate and extend the work of Eagly, Mladinic and Otto (1994) using a free response method to elicit beliefs and affects to three environmental issues. Sixty six participants (N=66) were asked to rate their attitudes, and elicit their own beliefs and emotions about the environmental issues. Results from standard regression analyses confirmed that beliefs and affects significantly predicted attitudes toward logging of native forests, emotions predicted attitudes toward restriction of vehicle emissions and beliefs predicted attitudes toward urban development. Hierarchial regression results indicate that even after taking into account the role of cognition, affect significantly contributes to the amount of variance explained in attitudes toward the restriction of vehicle emissions and the logging of native forests. The results indicate that attitudes can be differentially predicted from beliefs and affects and that overall affect and beliefs play an equally important role in the prediction of attitudes toward environmental issues. Directions for future research are highlighted and discussed in light of the specific results obtained by the present study.

Human wildlife conflict is a considerable conservation challenge that threatens many carnivore species worldwide and is a result of complex socio-economic and ecological processes. An understanding of the drivers of conflict is essential for any efforts to achieve coexistence. This study investigated the levels of conflict, livestock management and tolerance amongst the farming communities of the Southern and Western Kalahari in Botswana. A questionnaire survey was completed with 310 farmers throughout the region. The majority of respondents regarded coexisting with carnivores as a challenge, with losses due to depredation perceived as the greatest problem facing farmers. Conflict was widespread throughout the study area, with some spatial variations for certain species. Cattle management levels were low and while smallstock management was better, the use of improved levels of management could reduce current levels of conflict. Tolerance levels were generally low with few respondents seeing the benefits of coexistence with carnivore species. The results indicated that farm type, gender, education level, source of income, livestock numbers, location and land use all have an effect on perceived conflict and tolerance levels and strongly interact with each other. In general cattleposts were characterised by higher proportions of females, lower education levels, more benefits derived from wildlife and veld products and fewer livestock than fenced ranches. They also experienced more conflict, carried out more management and had better tolerance levels. It could be that closer connections to the land and deriving benefits from natural resources resulted in more tolerance and this is certainly worth further investigation. An improvement in the use of effective methods of livestock management, targeted environmental education programs to develop a greater awareness for the conservation value of carnivores and a diversification of livelihoods to include benefits from natural resources have the potential to reduce conflict and improve tolerance in the Kalahari region.

There is now substantial literature directly attributing what is commonly described as the global environmental crisis to a crisis within human beings themselves. Ecologically alienated and restricted consciousness is proposed as substantially causative of decisions and behaviours that lead to environmental degradation. As an environmental professional, community activist, concerned parent and citizen, I share with others the view that an ecologically affective, respectful and relational consciousness, or ‘ecological consciousness’, is to be encouraged in order to not only improve environmental behaviours but meet the challenges posed by a global environmental crisis. This thesis explores my experience of developing ecological consciousness. An interpretive phenomenological approach was brought to consideration of the research questions: ‘What is my experience and understanding of ecological consciousness?’ and ‘What is my experience and understanding of developing ecological consciousness?’ In order to evoke ecological consciousness, I developed structured experiential exercises that incorporated sensorial, mindful and affective approaches to engaging with nonhuman ‘other’. This experiential approach was supplemented by heuristic inquiry in which I maintained personal journals of my experiences, reflections and feelings in dwelling upon the research questions. These three activities were undertaken in a range of natural settings, from urban bushland to wilder mountain terrain. In thematically analysing my journal entries and exercise worksheets, as well as being informed by relevant literature, I arrived at a more thorough and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon of ecological consciousness. I found that for me, there are two aspects to ecological consciousness. The first, which I describe as heightened ecological consciousness, is a transitory state consisting of highly relational, restorative and meaningful experiences. The second aspect I refer to as durable ecological consciousness. This involves an overall level of ecological awareness during normal waking consciousness, characterised by: (1) a sense of connectedness with, respect for, and appreciation of nonhuman nature, (2) a deep concern about the consequences of industrial modernity, and (3) responding to a perceived global ecological crisis in pre-rational, affective and psycho-spiritual ways. I discovered that there is a mutual connection between these two forms: heightened states can be recalled in suburban, busy living to strengthen durable ecological consciousness, while the durable aspect provides the motivation and the foundation from which a heightened state can grow. Significantly, I also learned that undertaking experiential ‘nature’ exercises provided respite from negative states of mind, such as anxiety, despair and anger, and increased my emotional resilience regarding news of environmental degradation, particularly evidence of climate change. Consistent with interpretive phenomenology, I identified potential uses for ecological consciousness development to the broader social context. If my experience of ecological consciousness has commonalities with the experiences and concerns of others, future applications of my approaches to eco-consciousness development have the potential to (1) offer individuals a structured way of deepening connection with nonhuman nature, and (2) provide a practical, psychological coping tool for helping people, as I experienced, in managing negative states of mind such as anger, stress, anxiety, powerlessness and despair, especially in regard to perceived threats of a global ecological crisis, including climate change.

The bottlenose dolphins of Fiordland, New Zealand, live at the southern limit of the species' worldwide range. They are exposed to impacts from tourism and habitat modification, particularly in Doubtful Sound, and their conservation requirements are presently unclear. Dolphin abundance was estimated in Doubtful Sound using photo-identification census and capture-recapture techniques (56 individuals; 95% CI: 55-57), detecting a decline of 34-39% over 12 years among adults and sub-adults (>3 years old). The cause of this decline was investigated via demographic modelling in Doubtful Sound and a comparative assessment of population status in Dusky Sound. Capture-recapture modelling of photo-identification data compiled since 1990 yielded a constant adult survival rate marginally lower than prior estimates for wild bottlenose dolphins ([phi]a(1990-2008) = 0.9374; 95% CI: 0.9170-0.9530). Survival of calves (<1 year old) declined to an unsustainable level that is thought to be the lowest recorded for wild bottlenose dolphins ([phi]c(2002-2008) = 0.3750; 95% CI: 0.2080-0.5782) coincident with the opening of a second tailrace tunnel for a hydroelectric power station. Reverse-time capture-recapture modelling detected declines in recruitment (f(1994-2008) = 0.0249; 95% CI: 0.0174-0.0324) and population growth ([lambda](1994-2008) = 0.9650; 95% CI: 0.9554-0.9746) over time consistent with the decline in calf survival (<1 year old) and a separate reduction in juvenile survival (1 to 3 years old) reflecting cumulative impacts. Dolphin abundance was estimated in Dusky Sound using photo-identification census and capture-recapture techniques (102 individuals, 95% CI: 100-104) providing no evidence of interchange with Doubtful Sound. A comparative assessment of health status between Doubtful and Dusky Sounds revealed skin lesioning was more severe in Doubtful Sound, particularly among females, and newborn calves appeared to be smaller and were born over a shorter period: factors that may contribute to the low levels of calf survival in Doubtful Sound. The Fiordland bottlenose dolphins were assessed under IUCN Red List regional criteria. The small size of the population (205 individuals, 95% CI: 192-219) combined with the projected rate of decline in stochastic matrix models (average decline 31.4% over one generation) resulted in a recommended classification of Critically Endangered.

It is widely believed that Australian Aboriginals utilised fire to manage various landscapes however to what extent this impacted on Australia???s ecosystems remains uncertain. The late Pleistocene/Holocene fire history from three sites within the Sydney Basin, Gooches Swamp, Lake Baraba and Kings Waterhole, were compared with archaeological and palaeoclimatic data using a novel method of quantifying macroscopic charcoal, which is presented in this study. The palynology and other palaeoecological proxies were also investigated at the three sites. The Gooches Swamp fire record appeared to be most influenced by climate and there was an abrupt increase in fire activity from the mid-Holocene perhaps associated with the onset of modern El Ni??o dominated conditions. The Kings Waterhole site also displayed an abrupt increase in charcoal at this time however there was a marked decrease in charcoal from ~3 ka. Lake Baraba similarly had displayed low levels of charcoal in the late Holocene. At both Kings Waterhole and Lake Baraba archaeological evidence suggests intensified human activity in the late Holocene during this period of lower and less variable charcoal. It is hence likely that at these sites Aboriginal people controlled fire activity in the late Holocene perhaps in response to the increased risk of large intense fires under an ENSO-dominated climate. The fire history of the Sydney Basin varies temporally and spatially and therefore it is not possible to make generalisations about pre-historic fire regimes. It is also not possible to use ideas about Aboriginal fire regimes or pre-historic activity as a management objective. The study demonstrates that increased fire activity is related to climatic variation and this is likely to be of significance under various enhanced Greenhouse scenarios. There were no major changes in the composition of the flora at all sites throughout late Pleistocene/Holocene although there were some changes in the relative abundance of different taxa. It is suggested that the Sydney Sandstone flora, which surrounds the sites, is relatively resistant to environmental changes. Casuarinaceae was present at Lake Baraba during the Last Glacial Maximum and therefore the site may have acted as a potential refugium for more mesic communities. There was a notable decline in Casuarinaceae during the Holocene at Lake Baraba and Kings Waterhole, a trend that has been found at a number of sites from southeastern Australia.

One major area of forensic science is to provide identifications of previously unidentifiable individuals. Many of these techniques rely on the accurate interpretation of the morphology of the facial form. An individual's facial form is the result of a complex interaction of their genetic ancestry and the many environmental factors they are exposed to throughout their lives. Facial studies to date have primarily focused on single populations, or on comparing different populations residing in different areas. Very few have looked at the relationships between the facial forms of different populations living in the same area of individuals of mixed population ancestry. In this study the facial morphology of 431 West Australian young adults was analysed, and the relationship between their self reported population affinity and their facial form investigated. The impact of factors such as sexual dimorphism and body mass on facial form were also considered. The relationship between the facial morphology of individuals of mixed population heritage and their parent populations was studied, as was the effect that migration can have on facial form. Strong relationships between self-reported population affinity and facial form were demonstrated over the range of populations in the study. Sex and body mass were seen to have an impact on the morphology of the face; but they did not eclipse the influence of the genetic population affinity. Individuals with ancestry derived from more than one population were seen to resemble one population over another in different areas of the face rather than demonstrating an equal combination of both parent populations. A migration effect was seen in the facial forms of even the first generation offspring of migrants.

The major focus of this study is to identify the potentials and obstacles involved in establishing a permaculture in an existing suburban community in Muncie, Indiana.Permaculture is, briefly, a design concept of human settlements which strives to bring about an attitude of ecology and humanity in society as a whole. The physical of the earth by involving design stresses energy conservation and production of renewable natural resources, ecological food production techniques, and the recovery of a genuine sense of community and a sense of the sacredness of the earth by involving people with people and people with the landscape.The First Presbyterian Church site and congregation in Muncie has been chosen for this study. A permaculture proposal has been developed for and presented to the community. Initial reactions to this proposal have been obtained in order to identify the potentials and obstaclespresent toward implementing the permaculture proposal in this unique suburban setting.
Department of Landscape Architecture

The research hypothesis of this study states that when individuals are asked to rank order certain places (environments) in terms of preference, then relationships can be measured between that rank ordering and relevant contextual adjective descriptors that indicate a person's perception of those places. These adjectives include beauty, excitement, distinction, naturalness, security, mystery, tradition, complexity, and familiarity (Canter, 1977; Ganmore, 1975; Ley, 1983; Lynch, 1981; Steele, 1981). After critical sites had been identified in a sketch map study, a sample of community members of the town of Blacksburg, Virginia were asked to respond to the sites along adjective dimensions that represent a sense of place. It was found that positive linear relationships existed in varying degrees of strength between the adjectives and place preference. Statistical significant relationships were found, in descending order of strength, between preference and beauty, excitement, distinction, naturalism, security, and mystery. No linear relationships were found between preference and tradition, complexity and familiarity. It has been concluded that places are perceived on other criteria beside just aesthetic appreciation. Furthermore, this thesis supports the argument that places are experienced on a symbolic and emotional level. Places are not merely a composition of physical elements. This deeper experience is the basis for the concept of a sense of place.
M.L. Arch.

I described recreational use in mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) habitat in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness (PRW), Tucson, Arizona. I also examined human attitudes held by PRW recreationists and homeowners within 1 mile (1.6 km) of PRW boundary towards several mountain sheep management options. I used geographic information system modeling and social science survey methodology. Recreational use along two trails that traverse mountain sheep habitat was frequent (66 individuals/day use Pima Canyon trail, 26 individuals/day use Romero Canyon trail) and primarily limited to the lower 3 miles (4.8 km) of the trails. Compliance with existing dog leash regulations is low (41.8% on Pima Canyon trail, 62.8% on Romero Canyon trail). Recreationists and homeowners within 1 mile (1.6 km) of PRW support the elimination of dogs within PRW and support planned burns of PRW to improve mountain sheep habitat. Recreationists and homeowners also support closing all or parts of PRW to protect the long term viability (>100 years) of the sheep population. Homeowners within 1 mile (1.6 km) of PRW primarily enjoy passive recreational use of PRW (i.e, viewing the wilderness).

Stream channelization is a common form of anthropogenic disturbance, whose impacts on cold water salmonid communities have received little attention in comparison to the body of work demonstrating its negative effects on low land, warm water systems. Here, I compared the effects of stream channelization on fish and invertebrate communities and their habitats in disturbed and undisturbed cold-water mountain streams in southern Alberta. I demonstrate that stream channelization has imposed significant alterations to stream habitat, most notably a loss of deep habitat, and that these alterations have led to a statistically significant decline in abundance and biomass of Rainbow Trout and Mountain Whitefish, as well as a significant decline aquatic invertebrate biomass. Because of the importance of monitoring fish abundance in deep pools, I used snorkel surveys instead of electrofishing. In shallow, disturbed streams, however, snorkel surveys may be less effective and should be used with caution.
ix, 104 leaves : col. ill., col. maps ; 29 cm

Thesis (MScFor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Free-ranging lions (Panthera leo) in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) have been subject to persecution by farmers following livestock depredation in adjacent grazing areas. In recent years at least one adult female was killed annually from a sub-population of five boundary prides that have home ranges adjoining these livestock grazing areas. While no long-term records of human-caused mortality are available, the impact of current rates of human-caused mortality is uncertain. Female-based, age-structured models were thus used to estimate the long-term viability of the KTP lion sub-population subjected to human-caused mortality under deterministic and stochastic environmental conditions. Population parameters incorporated in the models included age-class specific natural mortality, female fecundity and birth sex ratio. In so doing sustainable threshold rates of persecution were established, so that effective conservation measures can be taken, if required, to ensure the continued survival of boundary prides in the park. Sensitivity analyses of natural survival rates indicated that adult female survivorship is the most important population parameter with respect to maintaining population viability, compared to younger female age-classes, fecundity or birth sex ratio. Hence adults were also the most sensitive age-class with respect to human-caused mortality, as adult survival repeatedly acts upon individuals with the highest reproductive value. In the deterministic model, with the most optimistic survival parameter values, fecundity and birth sex ratio (female-biased) estimates, the sub-population is only able to sustain an annual persecution of three adult females, before the sub-population exhibits a sustained decline. In the worst-case scenario, where fecundity and sex ratio estimates are at their lower extremes, the maximum sustainable age-class specific persecution rate is zero, for all age-classes. Whilst these hypothetical scenarios are unrealistic, they do highlight the extreme thresholds of potentially sustainable persecution rates. Under the most optimistic scenario using the stochastic model, the highest achievable survival probability of the sub-population, when subjected to a persecution rate of one adult annually, was 78%. Although increased fecundity and birth sex ratio biased towards females may increase the survival probability, these parameters are generally at their mean values in the long-term, and may thus not necessarily prevent a sustained population decline. The models therefore suggest that the current persecution rate of one adult annually (or 4% of the adult sub-population), appears unsustainable in the longterm. To ensure the survival of existing boundary prides and to maintain a viable subpopulation, adult lionesses should, as far as possible, be afforded protection from persecution.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vrylewende leeus (Panthera leo) in die Kgalagadi Oorgrenspark (KTP) is onderworpe aan vervolging deur boere as gevolg van predasie op vee in aangrensende weidingsgebiede. In onlangse jare is ten minste een volwasse wyfie uit ‘n subpopulasie van vyf troppe met loopareas wat aan die weidingsgebiede grens, jaarliks uitgewis. Geen langtermyn rekords van vrektes as gevolg van menslike oorsake is beskikbaar nie, en die impak van vrektes wat deur mense veroorsaak word, is dus onseker. Wyfie-gebaseerde, ouderdomgestruktureerde modelle is daarom gebruik om te voorspel wat die langtermyn lewensvatbaarheid is van die KTP leeu subpopulasie wat onderworpe is aan vrektes deur menslike invloede onder deterministiese en stogastiese omgewingsfaktore. Bevolkingsfaktore wat deur die modelle in ag geneem is, sluit ouderdomsgroep-spesifieke natuurlike vrektes, aanwas van wyfies en geboorte geslagsverhouding in. Sodoende is volhoubare uitwissingstempos bepaal sodat, indien nodig, effektiewe bewaringsmeganismes toegepas kan word om die voortbestaan van troppe in die grensgebiede van die park te verseker. Sensitiwiteitsanalises van natuurlike oorlewingstempos het aangetoon dat volwasse wyfies se oorlewing die belangrikste bevolkingsfaktor is om die bevolking se lewensvatbaarheid te volhou vergeleke met jonger wyfie ouderdomsgroepe, aanwas of geslagsverhouding by geboorte. Daarom was volwassenes ook die sensitiefste vir vrektes as gevolg van menslike invloede, omdat die oorlewing van volwassenes herhaaldelik inwerk op individue met die hoogste reproduktiewe waarde. In die deterministiese model met die mees optimistiese oorlewing, aanwas en geboorte verhouding (wyfie-gebasseerde) beramings, is die subpopulasie slegs in staat om ‘n jaarlikse uitwissing van drie volwasse wyfies te onderhou, voordat die sub-populasie ‘n volgehoue afname toon. In die uiterste geval waar aanwas en geslags verhouding skattings op die laagste is, is die maksimum volhoubare ouderdomsklasspesifieke beramings nul vir alle ouderdomsklasse. Terwyl hierdie hipotetiese senario’s onrealisties is, onderstreep dit die uiterste vlakke van potensiële volhoubare uitwissingstempos. Onder die mees optimistiese senario – ‘n uitwissingstempo van een volwassene jaarliks – met die gebruik van die stogastiese model, was die hoogste haalbare oorlewingswaarskynlikheid van die sub-populasie 78%. Alhoewel ‘n toename in aanwas en geboorte geslagsverhouding (met oorhelling na wyfies), ‘n toename in oorlewingswaarskynlikheid tot gevolg kan hê, is hierdie faktore oor die algemeen gemiddeld oor die langtermyn en sal dit nie noodwendig ‘n volgehoue afname in die populasie verhoed nie. Die modelle dui daarop dat die huidige uitwissingstempo van een volwassene (of 4% van die volwasse sub-populasie) op ‘n jaarlikse grondslag onvolhoubaar is oor die langtermyn. Om die oorlewing van bestaande troppe in die grensgebiede, asook ‘n lewensvatbare subpopulasie, te verseker, moet volwasse leeuwyfies so ver as moontlik teen vervolging beskerm word.

Many of the anticipated increased occurances of natural hazards are not only a consequence of climate change, but rather of rapid and widespread land cover change and the subsequent loss of the buffering capacity provided by healthy ecosystems against natural hazards. Unplanned and unmanaged developments in informal settlements limit government’s ability to mitigate and manage, pointing towards natural resources as being integral for vulnerable communities in developing countries to cope with and mitigate flood disasters. There is a lack of understanding on how natural resources contribute to resilience of vulnerable populations in the Eastern Cape and how they are impacted by these populations before, during and after a flood shock. There also exists a gap in knowledge on how natural resources can mitigate the physical impacts of flooding in South Africa, more so in the Eastern Cape province. Using household questionnaires and GIS techniques, the strategies that households used to recover from the October 2012-February 2013 flood shocks were investigated in informal settlements of three towns (Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Port St Johns). Within the vulnerability paradigm and the sustainable livelihood framework, the study also quantified and evaluated the relative contribution of natural resources to recovery strategies, and lastly, the study investigated how patterns of land use, state of natural vegetation and household topographical location exacerbated or diminished the physical impacts of flooding. This study found that natural resources contributed up to 70 percent to recovery of households from the flood shock, most of this being to reconstruction of housing structures after the flood, less so to economic recovery. It was also found that at a settlement scale the buffering effect of vegetation, although variable amongst settlements, was significant. Settlements that were dominated by dense bush and small trees experienced up to 46 percent less impacts on their property than those surrounded by bare gravel and impervious roofs with degraded environments. The main findings of the research show that natural resources reduce the vulnerability of households in informal settlements to flooding in two significant ways; by physically mitigating against damage to shelters and by also providing an emergency-net function that substitutes financial capital in households. Their inclusion in disaster management has the potential to encourage the sustainable livelihoods of the urban poor in the Eastern Cape

In June of 2010, two permanent research plots were established in Forest Park, based on their differing proximities to downtown Portland, Oregon. As part of a long-term ecological research project that seeks to explore the ecological status and human thumbprint on this 5,100 acre forested reserve, the 2010 tree data was investigated for emergent compositional and spatial patterns. Stand composition, tree size, growth rates, and spatial patterns were analyzed, along with ecological and land use histories. Results indicate that the Balch plot, more closely located to the urban center, has different stand composition, condition, and vegetation growth rates, compared to the more rural Miller site. This study supports findings from a study done by Broshot in 2009, where more urban plots demonstrate a different stand composition and recruitment pattern than rural sites. The study is an initial step for exploring questions regarding the ecological status of Forest Park and how land use and disturbance, past and present, shape Portland's forested reserve.

River systems, such as the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, USA have been influenced by human activities, resulting in changes to the physical processes that drive landform evolution. This work describes an inventory of landforms along the Columbia River estuary between the Pacific Ocean and Bonneville Dam in Oregon and Washington. Groupings of landforms are assigned to formative process regimes that are used to assess historical changes to floodplain features. The estuary was historically a complex system of channels with a floodplain dominated by extensive tidal wetlands in the lower reaches and backswamp lakes and wetlands in upper reaches. Natural levees flank most channels in the upper reaches, locally including areas of ridge and swale topography and crevasse splays that intrude into backswamps. Other Holocene process regimes affecting floodplain morphology have included volcanogenic deltas, tributary fans, dunes, and landslides. Pre-Holocene landforms are locally prominent and include ancient fluvial deposits and bedrock. Historical changes to streamflow regimes, floodplain isolation by flood-control systems, and direct anthropogenic disturbance have resulted in channel narrowing and limited the amount of floodplain that can be shaped by flowing water. Floodplain isolation has caused relative subsidence of tidal floodplains along much of the lower estuary. Most extant landforms are on trajectories controlled by humans and new landforms are mostly created by humans.

On the Columbia Plateau, the origin of the Winter Village Pattern has long been a focus of research. Intensification of resources such as salmon, roots, and local aquatic resources is often cited as the cause of declining mobility. To address this question in the middle Snake River region, I have re-analyzed fish remains from the Hetrick site (10WN469; Weiser, ID), with occupations spanning the Holocene. Expectations from foraging theory and paleoclimate data are used to address whether salmon and other fish use changed over time and if such changes are correlated with the development of the Winter Village Pattern. The results of my research indicate that there is no correlation between the timing of increased salmonid use at the Hetrick site and paleoclimatic change or the earliest evidence for the Winter Village Pattern. Further, these results are very similar to patterns of fish use seen at other sites on the Snake River, particularly those from the Early and Middle Holocene.

Changes in postural stability following sensory manipulation were investigated among Parkinson's disease patients and healthy older adults. Sixteen Parkinson's disease patients (PD; mean age 68.2 + 2.7 years) and sixteen older adults (control; mean age 67.6 + 2.6 years) performed quiet standing trials that progressed through baseline, sensory manipulation, and reintegration. Postural control following visual deprivation was assessed following alternate removal and reinsertion of visual information. Postural recovery following sensory incongruence was assessed following the termination of visual, somatosensory, and visuosomatosensory incongruence. PD patients' balance was disrupted following visual deprivation, and was initially disrupted when visual information was returned. PD patients' pstural recovery was comparable to control subjects when sensory incongruence ended. These findings indicate that situations of visual deprivation in particular are initially disruptive for PD patients, and imply initial difficulty for sensory reorganization in these patients. Our results provide insight into environmental situations imposing greater fall risk among the parkinsonian population.
xii, 81 leaves ; 29 cm.

Pacific salmon populations in Johnson Creek, Portland, Oregon have been adversely impacted by urbanization, and by residential and agricultural land development. f Ecological impacts include loss or depletion of riparian vegetation features which directly influence stream and associated salmonid ecology. This research examines the nearstream riparian zone's contribution to instream habitat complexity for anadromous salmonids in Johnson Creek. Visual surveys were conducted on over half the stream length. Five features were assessed to determine the extent of riparian influenced stream habitat including, overhead enclosure, overhanging vegetation, undercut banks, and large and small woody debris and root wads. The stream survey showed that areas of riparian-influenced habitat are spatially intermittent and present in areas of the least stream disturbance. Suitable riparian habitat is limited to locations where there is minimal riparian disturbance, property management, and channelization. I Although salmonid populations have been reduced, insufficient riparian influenced salmonid habitat features are not the primary limiting factor on salmon populations. Other factors such as pollution, sedimentation, hatchery fish introduction, low flows, inadequate food supplies, high stream temperatures, repress wild salmon populations.

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Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-09T11:21:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Homero Jorge Mazzola.pdf: 6715257 bytes, checksum: 0ca8ade2e27bf06bea8cc8e5da6d6b4d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-27
To build a sustainable future is humanity's great mission in a world characterized by deep social inequalities and environmental changes. Saint-Exupéry said: "The future is not a place where we are going, but a place we are creating. The path to it is not found but built and the act of doing so transforms both the creator and his destiny". Man has the competence to begin its construction, however, must transform himself to make it happen. The purpose of this thesis, elaborated in the form of an essay, is to explore possibilities to build this auspicious future, committed to future generations without under valuating the forces that defend the continuity of our way of life. Three fundamental questions ground this work: where do we come from, what are we and where are we going to, that are structured in three human journeys: past, present and future. In the first we find the lessons and learnings of the evolution process, essential for understanding the present and planning the future. The second journey depicts both the human capacity to transform the planet, adapting it to its needs and desires, as the resistance of those who stand against the continuity of the capitalist world system and defy humanity to metamorphose into a meta system rich in possibilities or to sink in a generalized insignificance. On the last journey, the future, it is approached a vision of the complexity of the world and the human psychic nature, which feed discussions about the individual and collective transformations that must occur to generate a desired future. Man has before him uncertainties, bifurcations and dilemmas, which can result in catastrophe or well-being. The social and climatic deterioration, perverse by itself, can also be good, taking the humanity off passivity, leading it to an overall transformation. A plausible path is a new civilizing context grounded in holistic and ecological educational reform, and structured through a truly global society: the World-Society. There is a great challenge ahead. What will happen, however, only the future will show
Construir um futuro sustentável é a grande missão da humanidade em um mundo assinalado por desigualdades sociais enraizadas e mudanças ambientais profundas. Saint-Exupéry disse: “O futuro não é um lugar para onde estamos indo, mas um lugar que estamos criando. O caminho para ele não é encontrado, mas construído e o ato de fazê-lo transforma tanto o realizador quando o destino”. O homem tem competência para iniciar sua construção, mas deverá se transformar para concretizá-lo. Com esta tese, elaborada na forma de um ensaio, exploram-se possibilidades para se construir esse futuro auspicioso, comprometido com as gerações futuras, sem desprezar as forças que defendem a continuidade do nosso modo de vida. Três questões fundamentais a embasam: de onde viemos, quem somos e para onde vamos, que na tese são abordadas na forma de jornadas humanas: passada, presente e futura. Da primeira extraem-se as lições e aprendizados da história evolutiva, imprescindíveis para se compreender o presente e planejar o futuro. A segunda jornada retrata tanto as profundas transformações que o homem produziu no planeta, adequando-o às suas necessidades e desejos, como as reações dos se posicionam contra a continuidade do sistema mundo capitalista e convidam a humanidade a metamorfosear-se em um metassistema rico em possibilidades ou sucumbir no abismo da insignificância generalizada. Na última jornada, a futura, são abordados conhecimentos sobre a complexidade do mundo e sobre a natureza psíquica humana, que alimentam discussões sobre as transformações individuais e coletivas que devem ocorrer para que se possa engendrar um futuro desejado. O homem tem diante de si incertezas, bifurcações e dilemas, que podem conduzi-lo à catástrofe ou ao bem-estar. A deterioração social e climática, perversa por si, pode ser também um bem e tirar a humanidade da passividade, conduzindo a uma mudança abrangente. Um caminho plausível é um novo contexto civilizatório embasado em uma reforma educacional holística e ecológica, e estruturado através de uma sociedade realmente global: uma Sociedade-Mundo. Há um grande desafio à frente. O que acontecerá, entretanto, só o futuro dirá

In the Midst of Spoils is a setting, for SATB choir and small instrumental ensemble, of the poem "Blight," by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson's poem contrasts modern man's exploitative attitude toward nature with the more reverent attitude assumed by ancient or primitive cultures. This setting is in a single movement, approximately twenty minutes in duration, consisting of fifteen distinct sections.

The effect of concurrent music on gait was investigated amongst Parkinson‟s disease (PD) patients and age-matched control subjects. Ten people (mean age 66.6 ± 6.5 years) with idiopathic Parkinson‟s disease and ten healthy age-matched (mean age 65.4 ± 6.3 years) control subjects completed steady state gait, dual task and obstacle negotiation trials in two differing test conditions; no music and whilst listening to music. Testing conditions were counterbalanced between subjects. The gait performance of PD patients was detrimentally affected by concurrently listening to music during steady state gait and obstacle negotiation, an effect that was further compounded in the dual task context. These findings imply that listening to music concurrent to gait may increase the attentional cost for PD patients. The findings of these studies have implications for patients, who may be at greater risk of falls in multi-task situations.
xi, 113 leaves ; 29 cm. --

[Truncated abstract] Understanding the effect that the disturbance of habitat by humans has on the population dynamics and ecology of wild animals is critical for the management of these populations. By understanding the demographic effects of disturbance the ways in which a population can be managed to increase or decrease its rate of change in size also become apparent. This thesis describes the effect that human disturbance, through the establishment of a large naval base, has had on the population dynamics and ecology of tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) on Garden Island, Western Australia. The disturbance of the environment on the HMAS Stirling Naval Base included the establishment of large areas of irrigated and fertilised couch grass (Cynodon dactylon) that increased and made virtually constant the amount of food available to the tammars in that area. In addition, traffic associated with the naval base resulted in large numbers of tammar wallabies being killed by vehicles. The effects of these disturbances were determined by comparing population dynamics, through vital rates of survival and fecundity and population growth rates, and spatial ecology, through the size of the animals' home ranges, in three areas of Garden Island. The three areas were the naval base (highly disturbed), southern bushland (adjacent to the naval base) and the northern bushland (undisturbed). The tammars on the naval base were in better body condition than those living in the two bushland areas of the island. ... When the impact of road-kills was removed, increased to 1.150.101 per year on the naval base and 0.960.076 per year in the southern bushland. Fecundity transitions, defined as the product of the rates of birth and pouch-young survival, and adult survival rates were lower in the bushland areas compared with the naval base in two of the three years, which were the main reasons for the lower estimates. There were no significant differences in the size of the tammars' home ranges between areas with modified or unmodified habitats or between the sexes (P>0.05). In summer the mean size of the home ranges was 3.90.66 ha, which was larger than winter when home ranges were 3.20.54 ha, but this difference failed to reach significance (P=0.058). These results indicate that the modification of the tammars' habitat has probably not caused significant changes in the size of the animals' home ranges. The size of the home ranges of tammar wallabies is likely to be determined by a complex interaction of many factors, and habitat modification alone has not been sufficient to cause substantial changes. The results presented in this thesis demonstrate that the disturbance caused by the establishment of the naval base on Garden Island has altered the population dynamics of the tammars wallabies, through increasing in the amount of food available to the tammars and through high numbers of road-kills. These results also demonstrate how gaining detailed knowledge of population dynamics can have direct application to managing the impact of disturbance on populations of wild animals.