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1
Yallaly, Kasey L. "SAUGER POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS, EVALUATION OF HARVEST REGULATIONS AND POPULATION CONNECTIVITY IN LARGE MIDWESTERN RIVERS." OpenSIUC, 2018. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/2417.
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Sauger Sander canadensis are a native top level predator and popular sport fish. They are native to large, turbid midwestern rivers and are a highly migratory species that relies on unrestricted access to specific habitats throughout their lifespan. Due to specific habitat requirements and popularity as a sport fish, Sauger are in decline across much of their range. Habitat alterations including barriers, channelization and sedimentation, as well as overharvest, have resulted in population declines. Sauger are often subject to relatively high levels of exploitation because of their tendency to concentrate below dams during migrations, which leaves them vulnerable to anglers. The lower Kaskaskia River below Carlyle Lake dam and the lower Ohio River contain important Sauger sport fisheries despite the presence of multiple dams on both rivers and the potential for high levels of exploitation. However, effects of current and potential harvest regulations on Sauger stocks in the Kaskaskia and Ohio rivers have not been assessed. From previous annual monitoring surveys, Sauger in the Ohio and Kaskaskia rivers have very different size and age structures and are managed under different regulations. Additionally, the Kaskaskia River and its largest reservoir (Carlyle Lake) are stocked annually with Sauger, but the contributions of stocked Sauger and immigrants from the Mississippi River to the Kaskaskia River Sauger stock are unknown. I first sought to assess population demographics of Sauger in the Kaskaskia and Ohio Rivers to gain a baseline understanding of both populations and then used these data to evaluate harvest regulations on each river. This objective tested the null hypothesis that no differences in recruitment indices, growth rates and mortality rates exist between Sauger populations within each river. Sauger in the Kaskaskia River are currently managed under a 356-mm minimum length limit and a 6-fish daily bag limit. Prior to 2018, the lower Ohio River was managed under no minimum length limit and a 10-fish daily bag limit. To assess the contribution of Sauger from different environments to the Kaskaskia River stock, I used otolith microchemistry to infer recruitment sources of fish and assess movement of fish between the Kaskaskia and middle Mississippi rivers. This objective tested the null hypothesis that no difference existed in the contribution of different rivers to the Kaskaskia River sauger population. The Ohio River Sauger population had a small age and size structure relative to the Kaskaskia River. Sauger from each river exhibited fast growth rates and high annual mortality. Population modeling indicated that the current 356-mm minimum size limit for Sauger in the Kaskaskia River is sufficient at preventing growth overfishing and is likely resulting in the larger size structure compared to the Ohio River. Sauger were likely experiencing growth and recruitment overfishing in the Ohio River under no minimum length limit and will likely benefit from the 356-mm minimum length limit implemented in 2018. Otolith microchemistry revealed that Sauger from the Mississippi River represented a small contribution to the Kaskaskia River Sauger stock; however, some fish showed evidence of moving between the Kaskaskia and Mississippi rivers. Similar water chemistry between the hatchery and Carlyle Lake prevented the identification of hatchery origin Sauger. Because the Sauger stock in the Kaskaskia River appears to be primarily supported by stocking of fish into Carlyle Lake or natural reproduction within the Kaskaskia River, fisheries managers should focus on quantifying the contribution of hatchery fish to the Kaskaskia River stock.
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Dodgson, Richard Paul. "The women's health movement and the international conference on population and development : global social movement, population and the changing nature of international relations." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.285376.
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Moore, Evonne. "A sustainable population for Australia : dilemma for the Green movement." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1990. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09ENV/09envm821.pdf.
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Brown, Malcolm. "Rats in an agricultural landscape : population size, movement and control." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/8193.
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This research investigated the effects of coordinating rodent control across areas up to 400 ha, using conventional and alternative strategies, to see if it was possible to reduce rat numbers and to keep them at a lower level compared with uncoordinated control. The aims were to reduce the rat numbers, reduce the amount of rodenticide used over time and to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning of non-target animals. Rodenticide loads in rat carcasses were investigated using historical and new samples from Berkshire, Leicestershire and Yorkshire in order to quantify risk to non-target predators of rats. Movement was also studied to see if rats were moving into farmyards in the autumn and out in the spring as is generally assumed. Analysis of radio-tracking data showed that the majority of rats tracked stayed within a small home range, two moved and stayed away from the trap site and only one moved into a farmyard. Analysis of the movement of the rats caught in traps showed that the movement towards and away from farms was in roughly equal numbers. The rodenticide analysis showed that rats from areas of rodenticide resistance carried a far greater body load of poison than those from non-resistance areas. Thus resistance increases the risk of a predator or scavenger of rats ingesting a lethal dose more quickly in areas of rodenticide resistance. The coordinated rat control was broadly successful over a period of two to three years. Rat numbers varied greatly between Yorkshire and Leicestershire, with Yorkshire having the larger numbers. Rat control in the coordinated areas showed a decreasing trend over the period. Bait take also generally showed a decline over the period. The results revealed an apparent delayed synchrony in rat numbers between coordinated and uncoordinated areas in Yorkshire that requires further investigation to explain.
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Fagan, William Fredric. "Population dynamics, movement patterns, and community impacts of omnivorous arthropods /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/5270.
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Lee, William Kei Leung. "Population and labor movement between urban and rural areas of China." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/36585.
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Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1995.Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-95).
by William Kei Leung, Lee.
M.Eng.
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Escobar-Porras, Jessica. "Movement patterns and population dynamics of four catsharks endemic to South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005148.
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Sharks are particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation. Although catsharks are an important component of the near-shore marine biodiversity in South Africa and most of the species are endemic, little is known about their movement patterns, home range and population size. With an increasing number of recreational fishers this information is crucial for their conservation. The aims of this study were threefold. Firstly, to identify and analyze existing data sources on movement patterns and population dynamics for four catshark species: pyjama (Poroderma africanum), leopard (P. pantherinum), puffadder (Haploblepharus edwarsii) and brown (H. fuscus). This highlighted a number of shortcomings with existing data sets, largely because these studies had diverse objectives and were not aimed solely at catsharks. Secondly, a dedicated study was carried out for a limited area, testing a number of methods for data collection, and where appropriate the data was analyzed to determine movement patterns and population numbers. Thirdly, the most appropriate methodology for future studies (with similar objectives) was identified, and the results of the study were used to propose a number of conservation measures. All species of catsharks exhibited strong site fidelity and limited dispersal for extended periods. A few individuals did, however, travel distances in excess of 150 km. Significant trends in temporal abundance were not observed, nevertheless, there was some evidence for higher catches from September to December. Population estimates for the study area were low, with P. africanum having the smallest population size while H. fuscus had the highest population size within the restricted study area. Limited movements, high site fidelity and small population sizes emphasize their vulnerability and suggest that catsharks would benefit from no-take marine protected areas.
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Weiss, Steven Joseph 1958. "Spawning, movement and population structure of flannelmouth sucker in the Paria River." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/278382.
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Spawning flannelmouth sucker, Catostomus latipinnis, in the Paria River averaged 478 mm (n = 246) total length (TL). This was 53 mm longer (p < 0.001) than the mean length of spawning fish taken from this same location in 1981 (425 mm, TL, n = 286). Sub adult flannelmouth were common in the Paria in 1981 but no post-larval fish < 379 mm, TL were caught in 1992 or 1993. There is no evidence that juvenile flannelmouth have reared in the Paria River/Glen Canyon Area in the last 12 years. However, some adult fish appear to enter the population from downstream locations. In 1992 and 1993, spawning occurred throughout the lower 10 kilometers of the Paria. Young-of-year were seen in 1992 but could not be found shortly after hatching. No young-of-year were seen in 1993. Growth of adult sized fish is very slow. Based on extrapolations from recaptures, longevity may approach 30 years. Recaptures from fish marked in other studies were originally tagged as far as 229 km downstream from the mouth of the Paria.
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So, Chin-Hung. "Economic development, state control, and labour migration of women in China." Thesis, University of Sussex, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.361403.
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Wilkinson, R. C. "Migration in Lesotho : A study of population movement in a labour reserve economy." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1985. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.353449.
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Waddell, Dwight Ernest. "Quantitative evaluation of movement initiation and skill acquisition in a traumatically brain injured population /." Digital version accessible at:, 1998. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/main.
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Kristensen, Esben Astrup, and n/a. "Population dynamics, spawning and movement of brown trout in Taieri River tributary streams." University of Otago. Department of Zoology, 2007. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20070314.091924.
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The aim of this study was to investigate population densities and dynamics of brown trout along multiple tributaries of the Taieri River, a large New Zealand river. Relationships between juvenile brown trout population dynamics and food availability, discharge and water temperature were examined in the same lowland stream. Downstream movements of juvenile brown trout were also examined. Trace element analyses of eggs aimed to identify the source of fish spawning in tributary streams. An experimental study of juvenile brown trout collected from downstream and upstream reaches compared patterns of agonistic behaviour amongst trout that were considered to be dominated by either migratory (downstream) or resident (upstream) fish. Longitudinal surveys of juvenile trout abundance were expanded across four additional streams to determine whether there were consistent patterns in population dynamics of brown trout.
Large spatial and temporal variation in population dynamics of juvenile brown trout was found in Silverstream with an upstream site having significantly less temporal variation in densities than a downstream site. No effect of food availability on population dynamics was found. Discharge and temperature affected population densities of juvenile brown trout in some years, but could not solely explain the general pattern in spatial variation in population dynamics. Downstream movement was found to be a behavioural strategy used by juvenile brown trout and appeared to contribute to variation in juvenile density.
Analysis of trace element signatures in brown trout eggs indicated that upstream spawning migration by anadromous females was restricted by the presence of a steep gorge along the middle reaches of the Taieri River. Patterns of spawning by migratory and resident fish along tributary streams appeared to vary. In Silverstream, spawning by anadromous fish dominated the lower reaches, whereas considerable overlap between anadromous and resident fish was observed in Big Stream. In Cap Burn distinct trace element signatures were observed for redds spawned along upstream and downstream reaches. However, it was not possible to confidently ascribe the source of the redds to main river migrants or Cap Burn resident fish.
Behavioural observations of juvenile brown trout collected from upstream (resident) and downstream (migratory) reaches of Silverstream revealed differences in aggression level, with migratory fish being more aggressive. No difference in growth rates was found between fish from the two areas. Furthermore, the social organisation of resident fish was based on the formation of dominance hierarchies, whereas the competitive status of migratory fish was more even.
Patterns in spatial and temporal variation in the longitudinal population dynamics and patterns of abundance of juvenile trout were repeated across the five tributaries. Populations in upstream reaches consisted of fish from multiple age classes and exhibited relatively limited variation in densities, whereas juvenile fish dominated populations along downstream reaches and densities varied greatly over an annual cycle.
Taken together, these results suggest a general pattern of spatial and temporal variation in the population dynamics of brown trout sub-populations along tributaries of a large New Zealand river. Whilst various environmental factors may contribute to some of the variation, longitudinal separation into resident and migratory populations also appeared to be important. These finding are important for the management of brown trout in both main river channels and tributaries in New Zealand.
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Mantovani, Giulia. "Hip Contact Load and Muscle Force in Femoroacetabular Impingement Population." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/34863.
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With a prevalence of 17% in men and 4% in women, Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) of type cam is characterized by a decreased femoral head-neck offset and/or asphericity of the lateral femoral head, associated with groin pain and reduced hip range of motion. Since the aetiology is still unclear, the mechanisms of development, progression and degeneration of FAI are largely investigated. Musculoskeletal modeling can support the development of a biomechanical framework to advance the research on FAI pathomechanisms, expand the knowledge about hip contact load distribution in FAI population, and relate the muscle and hip contact forces to the alterations observed during functional tasks. Therefore, this thesis is composed of two parts: the development of a methodological framework, and its application to the investigation of FAI pathomechanisms.
The variability of the modelling outcomes (i.e.., body kinematics, torques, contact and muscle forces) to different marker sets, pelvic marker misplacements, and hip joint center (HJC) location was investigated within an inverse kinematic framework. The findings from such studies supported the modelling choices for the clinical investigation of FAI pathomechanisms. In particular, the performance of three different marker sets (Plug-in-Gait, University of Ottawa Motion Analysis Model and a 3-marker-cluster marker set) was compared, and absolute and relative reliability indices were calculated with the purpose of finding a simple yet reliable marker set to be used within an inverse kinematic framework in a clinical study. Thereafter, the sensitivity of joint angles, moments and hip contact forces to simulated inaccurate pelvic tilt was analyzed. The resulting variability indices were high with variations up to 1.3 times the body weight in hip contact forces. The kinematic variations propagated non-linearly to all planes and joints, showing the importance of adjusting possible pelvic misalignments. A methodology was presented to correct the pelvic alignment when the relative position of surface pelvic markers with respect to bony landmarks is known from medical images.
The HJC location is a crucial modelling parameter in the analysis of hip kinematics and forces. A certain degree of customization could be introduced in the model by using HJC measured from medical images. Therefore, the performance of a generic musculoskeletal model with customized or non-customized HJC was compared during walking. Hip contact forces were highly sensitive to HJC location, especially because of the dependency of muscle moment arms to HJC changes. However, the variation of HJC without consistent muscle anatomy customization introduced artifacts that could potentially produce inaccurate muscle and joint contact forces estimation. When HJC cannot be measured from medical images, regression equations can be used instead. Therefore, the validity of two popular HJC regression equations (Harrington and Davis) was tested on FAI participants using non-parametric statistical and Bland-Altman tests. The results indicated that the equations were valid for FAI population. In addition, skin thickness measurements were provided for pelvic bony landmarks, and their correlation with body mass index was proposed for systematic error reduction. New adult-specific regression equations were developed from medical images.
The described methodological framework was then applied to investigate the functional alterations observed in FAI population. The differences in muscle and hip contact forces were compared between FAI and healthy control groups during level walking. The FAI group showed reduced muscle and hip contact forces, which were linked to the lower normalized walking speed and shorter step length. These results can be interpreted as a protective mechanism developed by FAI patients to prevent high compression at the site of impingement, given that the compressing hip contact force was directed towards the anterior-superior quadrant of the acetabulum, consistent with the localization of the cam-type deformity and the cartilage and labrum damages. Based on these findings, a possible FAI pathomechanism was proposed, which could be used to support the development of preventive treatment and intervention for symptomatic FAI patients.
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Moore, Scott Randall Lawrence Katheryn Kay Scott. "Dimensional movement of Rotylenchulus reniformis through a silt loam observations of movement and population growth from an initial point of inoculation /." Auburn, Ala., 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10415/1961.
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Bakewell, Oliver. "Refugees repatriation or migrating villagers? : A study of movement from north west Zambia to Angola." Thesis, University of Bath, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.285298.
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Quine, Maria Sophia. "From Malthus to Mussolini : the Italian Eugenics movement and fascist population policy, 1890-1938." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1990. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1317873/.
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This thesis examines the origins and impact of fascist population policy. The 'battle for the birthrate' inspired major social and institutional reforms under the dictatorship. Yet the question of why the regime should embark upon a pronatalist campaign remains largely unexplored. The study traces the origins of Mussolini's demographic campaign to the eugenics movement. This thesis begins with an analysis of the meaning of race in Italian scientific culture. A central concern is to show how the debates of prewar science shaped the agenda set by the fascist regime. The first part of this thesis is devoted to a discussion of the theories of prominent eugenicists. Their arguments provide the key to understanding the wider aims of the Duce's plans for state intervention to boost the birthrate. The thesis then proceeds to an examination of policy implementation. Welfare programmes stood at the centre of fascist population policy. The regime sought to provide encouragements to Italians to increase their reproductive output in the form of substantial health reforms. The second part of the thesis explores the institutional development of the National Organisation for the Protection of Motherhood and Infancy. Created In 1925, ONMI established Italy's first comprehensive national health service for women and children. This section seeks to assess whether the regime built a viable and efficient state apparatus for the mass organisation of welfare. The third part of this thesis takes a closer look at public provision. As a considerable part of ONMI's budget was spent on a campaign to reduce levels of maternal abandonment, this section explores the impact of illegitimacy policy. To assess more fully the achievements of fascist welfare policy, the thesis attempts to describe the continuities and changes in state administration of social assistance from liberalism to fascism. One aim Is to uncover the legacy of Church charity in a Catholic country with a rich beneficent heritage. The transformation of pious institutions into a system of public welfare proceeded very haphazardly in Italy. The liberal state proved too timid a force for the unruly network of private charities which proliferated throughout the kingdom. This thesis will argue that fascism failed to consolidate this inheritance into a tight and efficient system of social services. The pattern of welfare development during the fascist period shows how uneasy and uneven institutional growth remained even under a centralising and modernising dictatorship.
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Spiegel, Andrew David. "Changing continuities : experiencing and interpreting history, population movement and material differentiation in Matatiele, Transkei." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21806.
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Bibliography : pages 314-348.Cultural continuities through time and space have long concerned anthropologists. Recent work has increasingly concentrated on understanding these as social structural responses to both broad and local political-economic structures and processes. The aim of this thesis is to build on that approach. I argue that while some persistences of social form are best explained in functionalist and instrumentalist terms, to explain others one needs to look to the momentum of common practices that do not change without good cause. I thus attempt to wed a materialist analysis of political-economic determinants with one focused on social practice. I do this first by the application of a political-economic analysis and then by examining social practices for their apparent continuities of form and analysing why these occur. The approach taken thus reveals the influence of a paradigm shift in contemporary anthropology. The thesis focuses on the Matatiele District in South Africa's Transkei bantustan. The evidence I present was obtained primarily from ethnographic field-research conducted between 1982 and 1985 and concentrated in two settlements there. This is augmented by material both from further fieldwork undertaken elsewhere in the district, and from various documentary and archival sources. A primary concern is the nature of material and social differentation in the district and its relationship to both large- and small-scale population movement there since the mid-nineteenth century. By examining these through the prism of a political-economic approach, I indicate the extent to which they are functions of broad regional processes, including the development of capitalism in southern Africa. I thus show that local-level material differentiation is the product of population movements, themselves traceable to both capital's demand for labour and state interventions in rural land-use practices. In addition I show that local circumstance modifies the impact of these broader processes at the local level: there is great variety in the ways in which regional political-economic processes impact locally. Another primary concern is the appearance of cultural continuity in observed social behavioural forms, and people's claims that their present practices represent such continuities. A number of examples are identified. I examine these in order to establish the extent to which they are the functions of political-economic structures, the products of instrumental manipulation for local political purposes, or just the outcome of people pragmatically going on in ways with which they are familiar. While I acknowledge the merit of the first two types of explanation, I argue that there are many instances when the primary reason that people behave as they do is that they have no reason not to, and that their actions reflect a practical consciousness (or knowledgeability) that has its roots in experience. I conclude the thesis by discussing some of the methodological implications of a greater focus on practice and practical consciousness in southern African anthropology. I suggest that there is need for reinvestment in the method of intensive participant-observation, refined to accommodate concerns with the commonplace activities of everyday life in particular. This approach, I argue, is necessary in order to represent the diversity of cultural practice to be found in the region, but without recourse to structuralist analyses that have tended to reinforce notions of a mosaic of cultures in the region and given strength to pluralist perceptions of the region's population.
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Holley, David K. "Movement patterns and habitat usage of Shark Bay dugongs." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2006. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/70.
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In order to define small and large scale spatial and temporal individual movement patterns of dugongs (Dugong dugon) within the Shark Bay World Heritage Property (SBWHP) a total of 19 dugongs were fitted with remote location recording and transmitting devices. Combined locations from all units totalled over 10,000 locations. This spatial and temporal data was used to define movement patterns of dugongs within Shark Bay as well as areas of high use deemed to be indicative of foraging activity. Platform Transmitting Terminals (PTT?s) using the ARGOS location collection system tracked animals over large temporal scales with 4 animals tracked up to periods of 11 months. Using these instruments it was possible accurately define a previously identified large-scale seasonal movement pattern within the confines of Shark Bay. These four animals showed distinct seasonal home ranges defined by changes in Sea Surface Temperature.
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Duffy, Kim R. "The effects of age on gait and functional movement characteristics in an older adult population." Thesis, University of Essex, 2018. http://repository.essex.ac.uk/22284/.
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The maintenance of function in an ageing population is essential to ensure current and future health in older people. The ability to walk independently in a range of situations and environments is key to successful ageing. Age-related gait adaptations including spatial-temporal parameters, joint kinematics and kinetics have been identified to be a consequence of the ageing process. For example, reduced walking speed and increased pelvic tilt are suggestive of compensation strategies to minimise falls. The majority of research has compared young adults (20-40 yrs) to older adults (≥ 50 yrs), categorising older adults into a single group regardless of actual age. An alternative approach is to explore the effects of age on gait and functional movement characteristics within an older adult population. One-hundred and fifty-eight community-dwelling older adults, age range 55 to 86 years (65.7 ± 6.8 yrs) were recruited to create a new gait database. Three-dimensional motion analysis captured five walking tasks: normal walking (with and without force plate contact), manual dual task walking and walking with obstacle clearance (stepping onto, off and over an obstacle). Age-related adaptations to walking occurred from age 75 years by adopting a joint kinetic strategy (including reduced hip extension moment) and altering gait (including a reduced walking speed). Increasing the task complexity was associated with altered gait patterns for this older adult group including a reduction in toe-clearance during manual dual task walking (increasing the likelihood of tripping) and increased arm swing during obstacle clearance (potentially increasing stability). This work represents the creation of one of the largest databases of gait in older people including three-dimensional motion analysis for normal walking and three functional walking tasks for healthy high-functioning older adults. It has the potential to be used to identify factors that predispose older adults to falling or with previously unidentified pathological changes.
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Barva, Melinda Elizabeth. "The effect of orthodontic tooth movement on the mast cell population in the rat PDL /." Adelaide : Thesis (M.D.S.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Dentistry, 1998. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09DM/09dmb295.pdf.
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Wood, Anthony Darrell. "Population dynamics of the shortfin mako, Isurus Oxyrinchus, in the Northwest Atlantic : an examination of food habits, movement and habitat, survival, and population size /." View online ; access limited to URI, 2007. http://0-digitalcommons.uri.edu.helin.uri.edu/dissertations/AAI3277013.
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Phillips, Taylor K. "Seasonal Movements of the Sandstone Falls Population of Walleye in the Lower New River." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1405522476.
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Ashley, Keith H. "Interaction, population movement, and political economy the changing social landscape of northeastern Florida (a.d. 900-1500) /." [Gainesville, Fla.] : University of Florida, 2003. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0002312.
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Dalem, Anak Agung Gde Raka, University of Western Sydney, and Faculty of Science and Technology. "Demography and movement patterns of a population of eastern snake-necked turtles, Chelodina longicollis (Shaw, 1794)." THESIS_FST_xxx_Dalem_A.xml, 1998. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/63.
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With 226-343 individual/ha, population density of Chelodina longicollis in the dams of the University of Western Sydney-Hawkesbury Richmond campus were in the range of other studies around Australia. Their size extremes (24.3 -223.3 mm) were within the range of previous studies, and the overall sex ratio was skewed toward males. The annual growth rates varied and were weakly correlated with animal size. Scute shedding occurred between September and April and peaked in December. Turtles were generally in excellent condition, indicating that sufficient food resources were available in local habitats. Only 3.4% of the population were in poor condition and few animals (8.8 %) carried signs of past injury. No gross abnormalities were recorded, however, there has been low levels of recruitment to the population compared with other Australian studies. Despite a maximum distance dams sampled of 2.8 km and ample evidence of interchange between dams, there was a great variation in animal size, cohort structure, sex ratio among dams. There are a range of factors which have the potential to bias sampling results. Turtles were not influenced by a dominance hierarchy or by the presence of eels, however, they appeared to be capable of avoidance behaviour when nets are set at a specific location. Different cohorts were caught differentially and this varied with month, season and year. In addition, catchability varied among cohorts. Juveniles were least likely, and sub-adult males were most likely, to be recaptured. In some dams there was evidence that animals moved at random while in others movement did not conform to this pattern. These results could not be accounted for in terms of dam size, physical structure of the dam or the distribution and abundance of vegetation.Master of Science (Hons)
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Weithman, Chelsea E. "Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) demography, behavior, and movement on the Outer Banks of North Carolina." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/89915.
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The Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) is an imperiled shorebird that inhabits sandy beaches along the North American Atlantic Coast. The species' decline has been attributed to habitat loss, disturbance, and predation throughout its range, although most conservation efforts have focused on increasing reproductive output during the breeding season. On the coast of North Carolina, Piping Plovers breed in areas with large amounts of recreational and tourism use. Beach recreation is known to reduce nest success, chick survival, and potentially fitness in other parts of the species' range. To reduce potential negative effects from human activities on breeding Piping Plovers, managers close areas to pedestrian and vehicle access using exclusion buffers delineated by symbolic fencing. However, the reproductive success and population size of Piping Plovers in parts of North Carolina has not appeared to increase as a result of these management strategies, despite the importance of the park and its protections to these birds on their southward migration in the fall.
To understand how disturbance and attempts to mitigate it affected plover demography, we examined Piping Plover population dynamics, brood movement, and migration in North Carolina from 2015–2017. We monitored 46 nests and 19 broods, and we used a logistic exposure nest survival model and Cormack-Jolly-Seber model to estimate reproductive success. We uniquely banded 77 adults and 49 chicks to understand annual survival and fidelity rates using a live encounter mark-recapture model. During the pre-fledge period, we observed movements of Piping Plover broods, and we gathered information on their environment that may affect their behavior. We recorded 191 brood locations, collected 132 focal chick behavior samples, and 113 potential disturbance environmental samples. We used multiple linear regression to evaluate several hypotheses regarding daily and hourly brood movement rates. We also conducted 22 migratory surveys after the breeding season in 2016 at an area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore thought to be used by large numbers of south-bound migrating Piping Plovers. We used integrated Jolly-Seber and binomial count models on resighting and count data to estimate stopover superpopulation and stopover duration of migrating birds based on their breeding region of origin.
Annual survival of adults from North Carolina (x ̅ = 0.69, SE = 0.07) was not different from another population on Fire Island, New York (x ̅ = 0.73, SE = 0.04), but the North Carolina population annually had low reproductive success, primarily due to low rates of chick survival. As a result, the North Carolina population was predicted to decline during the study period (λ<1 each year). Historically this population has not met the estimated rate of reproductive output needed for a stationary population (1.07 chicks per pair, SE = 0.69); therefore, it is likely the population is sustained by immigration from an unknown source. Daily (x ̅ = 71.5m/24hr) and hourly (x ̅ = 183.3m/hr) brood movements each had considerable variation (Daily: SD = 70.6, range = 0.0–327.2m; Hourly: SD = 262.3, range = 0.2–1450.9m). Chicks did not appear to move in response to the environmental factors we examined. The rate of brood movement suggests regular daylight monitoring is necessary to adequately protect unfledged broods from anthropogenic disturbance under current management methods. We found that 569 Piping Plovers (95% CI: 502–651), nearly 15% of the estimated Atlantic Coast population, stopped at a single area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina during fall migration. Birds stayed an average 4–7 weeks, depending on the breeding region from which they migrated, and they primarily used a relatively new protected area. These findings suggest that North Carolina is an important area for Piping Plover ecology during multiple stages of their annual cycle.Master of Science
A federally threatened species, the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) lives on sandy beaches along the North American Atlantic Coast. On the coast of North Carolina, Piping Plovers breed in areas with large amounts of recreational and tourism use. To reduce potential negative effects on breeding Piping Plovers from human activities, land managers close areas to pedestrian and vehicle access. However, the plover population there has not appeared to grow as a result of these management strategies, but large numbers of migrant Piping Plovers have capitalized on this management. Recent work that hypothesized population dynamics in North Carolina may function differently than other Piping Plover populations, and this study was designed to test that hypothesis. To understand how disturbance, and attempts to mitigate it, affected plover demography, we studied Piping Plover population dynamics, chick movement, and migration in North Carolina from 2015–2017. We monitored breeding efforts of Piping Plovers and used banding techniques to understand survival of chicks and adults. We observed behavior and movements of Piping Plover chicks before they fledged and gathered information on habitat they selected and potential risks that may alter their behavior. We also conducted migratory surveys after the breeding season at an area thought to be used by large numbers of Piping Plovers. Survival of adult plovers from North Carolina was not substantially different from that of plovers from other areas, but the North Carolina population had low reproductive success caused by low chick survival, and we estimated the population was declining. However, historically this population has not had enough breeding success to maintain itself; therefore, it is likely the population relies on plovers that immigrate to North Carolina from elsewhere. Plover brood movement was variable, and did not move in response to several environmental factors. The rate of brood movements we observed suggest regular daylight monitoring is necessary to adequately protect unfledged broods from anthropogenic disturbance and mortality using current management methods. We found that nearly 15% of Atlantic Coast plovers stopped at a single area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, during fall migration, staying an average 4–7 weeks. These findings suggest that North Carolina is a unique area to Piping Plover ecology during multiple stages of their annual cycle.
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Fernandes, Stephen J. "Population Demography, Distribution, and Movement Patterns of Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeons in the Penobscot River Estuary, Maine." Fogler Library, University of Maine, 2008. http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/pdf/FernandesSJ2008.pdf.
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Petrović, Filip. "The importance of adult movement and aggregation for Mytilus spp. population dynamics in the St. Lawrence Estuary /." Thesis, McGill University, 2006. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=101162.
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Mussel colonization is assumed to result from factors affecting recruitment and post-recruitment survival. Despite evidence of passive migration and habitat engineering by adult mussels, the contribution to population dynamics of these processes remains unknown. This research attempts to elucidate the relative importance and scale of (1) adult movement vs. recruitment and (2) of local habitat engineering vs. habitat heterogeneity, for colonization by the blue mussel, Mytilus spp., in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Quebec. Transplants of marked mussels were used to test these ideas. Our results support the hypothesis that colonization mostly occurs through disturbance-mediated adult movement. The scale of this displacement was quantified. Colonization was accelerated by topographic heterogeneity and engineered habitat propagation. These results counter the notion that mussel population dynamics are solely regulated by recruitment and growth, and suggest that distribution patterns are also upheld by adult aggregation and movement from the local scale to landscape level.
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Grist, Joseph Daniel. "Analysis of a Blue Catfish Population in a Southeastern Reservoir: Lake Norman, North Carolina." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/35040.
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This investigation examined the diet, growth, movement, population genetics, and possible consumption demands of an introduced blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus population in Lake Norman, North Carolina. Clupeids, Corbicula fluminea, and Chara were the predominant food items (percent stomach contents by weight) found in blue catfish, and varied by season, lake-region, and fish size-class. Lake Norman blue catfish grow at a slower rate than has been reported for other reservoir populations, with fair to poor body conditions (Wr<85) early in life, but improving with increases in length (Wr>95).
Movements and home ranges of blue catfish in Lake Norman were extremely varied, but individual blue catfish did establish specific seasonal home ranges and exhibited site fidelity. A spawning area in the upper region of the lake was identified and data suggested that blue catfish may have segregated populations within Lake Norman.
The Lake Norman blue catfish population exhibited relatively little genetic variability, and was genetically differentiated from populations from Santee-Cooper, SC, and Arkansas. Genetic diversity could have been limited by a population bottleneck at the founding of the population or in subsequent generations.
A consumption model indicated that 5.0 kg/ha to 8.3 kg/ha of clupeid standing stock could be eaten annually by blue catfish in Lake Norman based on percent stomach contents by weight data, and 21 kg/ha to 42 kg/ha based on percent caloric contribution calculations. This may reduce the possible production of other game fish species, including the put-grow-take striped bass Morone saxatilis fishery.Master of Science
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Griffiths, Jessica Lynn. "Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) tree preference and intersite movement at California overwintering sites." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2014. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1256.
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Managing Monarch butterfly overwintering groves: making room among the eucalyptus
Proper management and conservation of the coastal California overwintering sites used by western Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus L.) is critical for continued use of these sites by monarchs. Many management efforts are currently concentrating on eucalyptus-only sites because of the prevailing notion that monarchs prefer eucalyptus over native tree species. Yet, whether a preference exists or not has never been tested. Herein, we test the “eucalyptus preference” hypothesis with data from five overwintering sites comprised of blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and at least one other native tree species from fall 2009 to spring 2012. We found that when monarchs clustered disproportionately on a tree species relative to its availability, they clustered significantly more than expected on native trees and significantly less than expected on eucalyptus. Also, in years when the overwintering population was highest, monarchs clustered disproportionately on native conifers, and they often switched from clustering on eucalyptus in the early winter to native conifers in the middle or late winter. Our results suggest that overwintering groves should be managed to include a mixture of tree species. We cannot recommend simply planting more eucalyptus. At overwintering sites in central coastal California, native conifers such as Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) and pitch canker-resistant Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) should be planted as replacements for blue gum eucalyptus in areas where trees are likely to fall, and around the perimeter of groves.
Testing the Monarch butterfly eucalyptus preference hypothesis at California overwintering sites
Western Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus L.) overwinter in groves of native and non-native trees along the California coast. Eucalyptus is abundant in coastal counties, and overwintering monarchs utilize this type of tree more than any other. This has led to the belief that monarchs prefer eucalyptus. Yet whether a preference exists has never been tested. We tested the “eucalyptus preference” hypothesis at five California overwintering sites with canopies comprised of eucalyptus and at least one native conifer species. We found that at no time over the course of three years did monarchs cluster on trees in proportion to their availability in the canopy. Overall, they did not cluster on one tree species significantly more frequently than another, indicating that monarchs do not prefer eucalyptus—or any tree species—all of the time. However, more often than not monarchs clustered significantly more than expected on native trees, particularly at midseason when the weather was most inclement. They also clustered disproportionately on native conifers when the overwintering population size was highest. At most sites monarchs exhibited tree switching, shifting from eucalyptus to native conifers in the middle or late winter. Based on these results, we reject the “eucalyptus preference” hypothesis. In its place, we propose the “conditional preference hypothesis”, wherein monarchs are predicted to prefer cluster trees according to microclimate conditions and prefer alternate trees within a site as climatic conditions change. Rejection of the eucalyptus preference hypothesis suggests that sites comprised exclusively of eucalyptus may not offer monarchs a suitable range of microhabitats, and further suggests we should rethink “eucalyptus-centric” management.
Monarch butterflies overwintering in coastal California: low site fidelity and high intersite movement
Western monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus L.) overwinter in large aggregations at hundreds of sites along the California coast. Management plans and census methods are both founded on the assumption that individual monarchs arrive at an overwintering site in the fall and stay at that site for the winter. Though populations potentially coalesce en masse from autumnal sites onto climax overwintering sites, very little individual movement between sites is inferred. Monarch movement is therefore thought to be primarily into sites (as opposed to out of or among them). We refer to this assumption and inference as the accrual hypothesis. In light of previous studies that provide evidence for movement among sites, we propose that overwintering monarchs may belong to a superpopulation. The existence of a superpopulation comprised of individuals moving in and out of sites would force us to rethink our ideas of landscape-level resource use by monarchs, our site-centric (rather than landscape-level) management strategies, and our abundance estimation techniques, which employ closed population models. We tested the closed population model, the accrual hypothesis, and the superpopulation model at three California overwintering sites using a mark-resight study design. We found that a large proportion of the monarchs at a site moved among (into and out of) monitored sites, both while the population size increased in October and November, and while the population appeared to exhibit an equilibrium winter maximum. The pattern of abundance of both tagged and untagged monarchs at monitored sites leads us to reject the closed population model and the accrual hypothesis. We found that monarchs at all three study sites are part of a larger superpopulation, though the sites do not contribute to the superpopulation equally. We determined that mark-resight is a viable alternative to existing population estimation techniques, though mark-resight methods would need to be explored further before being applied routinely. Our results suggest we need to move away from site-based management and manage instead for landscape-level overwintering (superpopulation) dynamics.
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Pinches, Elizabeth Margery. "The contribution of population activity in motor cortex to the control of skilled hand movement in the primate." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.391516.
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Grogan, Whitney Nicole. "A mid-Atlantic study of the movement patterns and population distribution of the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/36327.
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In conjunction with Cambrex, a biomedical company that utilizes horseshoe crabs for the production of Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL), a study was conducted to investigate movement patterns and population distributions of horseshoe crabs to increase understanding of mid-Atlantic horseshoe crab populations. In addition, areas of the shoreline of Tom's Cove, Assateague Island, Virginia were investigated as possible locations for annual spawning surveys. Twelve thousand five hundred horseshoe crabs were tagged and released in Chincoteague, Virginia and Ocean City, Maryland as part of a movement study; 431 (3.45%) were reported as resights. The mean distance between site of release and site of recapture for all resighted crabs was 68.3 km; maximum distance moved was 493.7 km. During 1999-2004, demographic data were collected from horseshoe crabs harvested in Chincoteague, VA and Ocean City, MD. The proportion of females (p < 0.0001) and juveniles (p < 0.0001) sampled varied from year-to-year, but no trends were observed. This study also showed that a greater proportion of females were observed in the juvenile cohort sampled compared to the adults sampled (p < 0.0001). The spawning survey revealed that spawning activity in Tom's Cove varied between years. On May 30th, 2003, 1,192 horseshoe crabs were observed spawning on the northern shoreline of Tom's Cove. The maximum number of horseshoe crabs observed spawning in the same area in 2004 was 94. This study provides no evidence for isolated subpopulations in Chincoteague, VA or Ocean City, MD. It also shows that horseshoe crab sex and age ratios fluctuate annually, therefore requiring a long time series of data to detect trends.Master of Science
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Lebel, Cynthia. "Optical Brain Imaging of Motor Cortex to Decode Movement Direction using Cross-Correlation Analysis." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2019. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1609111/.
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The goal of this study is to determine the intentional movement direction based on the neural signals recorded from the motor cortex using optical brain imaging techniques. Towards this goal, we developed a cross-correlation analysis technique to determine the movement direction from the hemodynamic signals recorded from the motor cortex. Healthy human subjects were asked to perform a two-dimensional hand movement in two orthogonal directions while the hemodynamic signals were recorded from the motor cortex simultaneously with the movements. The movement directions were correlated with the hemodynamic signals to establish the cross-correlation patterns of firings among these neurons. Based on the specific cross-correlation patterns with respect to the different movement directions, we can distinguish the different intentional movement directions between front-back and right-left movements. This is based on the hypothesis that different movement directions can be determined by different cooperative firings among various groups of neurons. By identifying the different correlation patterns of brain activities with each group of neurons for each movement, we can decode the specific movement direction based on the hemodynamic signals. By developing such a computational method to decode movement direction, it can be used to control the direction of a wheelchair for paralyzed patients based on the changes in hemodynamic signals recorded using non-invasive optical imaging techniques.
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Mpanduji, Donald Gregory. "Population structure, movement and health status of elephants and other wildlife in the Selous-Niassa Wildlife Corridor, southern Tanzania." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 2004. http://www.diss.fu-berlin.de/2004/307/index.html.
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Queiroz, Nuno. "Diving behaviour, movement patterns and population structure of blue sharks, Prionace glauca (L. 1758) in the North-east Atlantic." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2010. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=158318.
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This project provided an exceptional opportunity to describe diving behaviour, movements and to characterise critical habitats of blue sharks in the North-eastern Atlantic using satellite and archival telemetry. Tracked blue sharks displayed southward movements away from the tagging areas, exhibiting pronounced site fidelity to localised high-productivity frontal regions. Blue sharks also displayed a high degree of variability in vertical movements. Shifts in diving behaviour were detected both within and between individuals, whereas behavioural phases were linked to the thermal structure of the water column in coastal areas, and to changes in prey distribution or type in offshore regions. High resolution data showed that blue sharks shift between Brownian (in productive habitats) and Lévy (less productive waters) behaviours. Vertical movements ranged from the surface to 1160 m, and water temperatures varied between 7.2-27.2°C. Behavioural data was also crucial in determining the degree of spatial and temporal overlap, and thus vulnerability, between blue sharks and high-seas longliners. Confirmed fishing mortality was ~11% with four tagged sharks caught by surface longliners. Simulations showed that boats/sharks overlap was higher in winter and early spring, with the majority of simulated sharks (~88%) at risk at least one day year-1. Our results indicate that, depending on which geographical regions are occupied at specific times, different segments of the blue shark population face differential risk from longlines. Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA suggested an absence of spatial genetic differentiation throughout the North Atlantic, providing strong evidence that blue sharks comprise a single population in this region.
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Farmer, Nicholas Alexander. "Reef Fish Movements and Marine Reserve Designs." Scholarly Repository, 2009. http://scholarlyrepository.miami.edu/oa_dissertations/243.
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Movement patterns and space use by mature fishes are critical in determining the effectiveness of marine reserves in conserving spawning stock biomass and/or providing biomass to adjacent fisheries through 'spillover'. Home range sizes, activity patterns, site fidelity and habitat preferences were determined for acoustically-tagged snappers and groupers using a rigorously-calibrated array of omnidirectional hydroacoustic receivers deployed in the diverse coral reef environments of a no-take marine reserve (NTMR) network in the Dry Tortugas, Florida. An individual-based localizing tendency model of reef fish movement was parameterized from fine-scale acoustic telemetry data and integrated into a Spatial Management Performance Assessment (SMPA) simulation model for reef fish populations developed to quantitatively evaluate performance of no-take marine reserves in the Dry Tortugas, Florida. Spatially-explicit SMPA models were parameterized for three overfished stocks in the lucrative snapper-grouper fishery: red grouper (Epinephelus morio), black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), and mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis). SMPA models were used to evaluate the impacts of a variety of life histories, movement strategies and speeds, and management regulations upon long-term stock sustainability, as measured by annual changes in spawning potential ratio (SPR), and long-term stock productivity, as measured by annual changes in fisheries yield-in-weight per recruit (Yw/R). Under assumptions of constant regional fishing pressure, constant recruitment, and 'realistic' fish movement, SMPA simulation runs from initial conditions in 2000 suggested that by 2014, the Tortugas NTMR network should function to restore red grouper populations to 30% SPR, a Federal management benchmark for sustainability. Mutton snapper were the most mobile of the species investigated; if mutton snapper movements are ignored, their population is predicted to attain 30% SPR by 2014, but given 'realistic' mobility, they may not attain this target by 2021 without additional protections. Black grouper are currently fished at over 9 times sustainable levels. SMPA simulations suggest coupling an increase in minimum size at capture of 20 - 25 cm with NTMR implementation would result in substantial short term losses in yield, but would restore both black grouper and mutton snapper populations to 30% SPR by 2021 and lead to increased long-term yields. Although marine reserve sites are often chosen opportunistically, these findings strongly suggest that reserve designs (e.g. proper sizes and configurations) must take into account the scales and patterns of movement exhibited by the exploited stocks they are intended to protect. These modeling efforts also suggested reserves are not a panacea; in order to promote sustainability for severely depleted stocks, they must be accompanied by an overall reduction in fishing capacity. Although important questions remain concerning the movements of reef fish in response to habitat and density dependent processes, our analyses of realistic reef fish behaviors suggest that the NTMRs of the Dry Tortugas promote substantial gains in SPR, promoting long-term stock sustainability and enhanced egg production. Increased rates of movement diminish these benefits, but may also mitigate short-term losses in yield associated with NTMR establishment.
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Grant, Tanith-Leigh. "Leopard population density, home range size and movement patterns in a mixed landuse area of the Mangwe District of Zimbabwe." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005412.
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Trophy hunting is often employed as a conservation management tool for large predators. However, in order for this method to succeed, hunting levels must be sustainable. Very little robust population data exist for African leopards (Panthera pardus) in general, and almost no density or spatial ecology data exist for leopards in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has one of the highest annual CITES leopard trophy hunting quotas in Africa, the sustainability of which has not been assessed, despite large scale landuse changes over the last 12 years. The focal area of this study was within the Mangwe district, in the south-west of Zimbabwe. The region is dominated by cattle and wildlife ranches, with high levels of leopard hunting, making it an important area for assessing leopard population density and spatial ecology. Three population density estimation methods were employed in my study: a spoor index survey, an unbaited camera-trapping survey and a baited camera-trapping survey. Using three calibration equations, spoor indices appeared to underestimate the leopard population (1.28-3.29 leopards/ 100 km²) as the equations were calibrated for areas with different habitats and leopard densities. In addition, the unbaited camera survey only produced six leopard photographs, unsuitable for individual identification and analysis. By contrast, the baited camera survey produced 292 identifiable leopard photographs, from which 13 individuals were identified. Density estimates calculated using the programme CAPTURE and the M[subscript]h model with the Mean Maximum Distance Moved Outside of Study Area (MMDMOSA) buffer method (4.79±0.83 leopards/100 km²), and the programme SPACECAP, using a buffer of 2.5 km (5.12±0.62 leopards/100 km²), appeared to generate the most reliable leopard population estimates. To assess the spatial ecology, three leopards (one male, two females) were captured and fitted with GPS collars. The home range estimates of the three leopards (95% Kernel UD: male 263 km², females 31 and 45 km²) were smaller than those of leopards in more arid regions, but larger than those of mesic habitats. This suggests that the Mangwe area has a higher quality habitat than the arid regions of Namibia, but less suitable habitat than protected bushveld areas (e.g. Kruger National Park, South Africa). My data represents the first robust leopard density and home range assessment for Zimbabwe. In addition, my results indicate that the current hunting quota issued to the Mangwe area is unsustainable. Consequently, I recommend revising the quota to five leopards for the entire area, and halving the current national leopard quota to 250, until a national leopard census is completed.
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Olsson, Sven Johan Gustav. "Studies of physical activity in the Swedish population." Doctoral thesis, Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH, Björn Ekbloms och Mats Börjessons forskningsgrupp, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:gih:diva-4309.
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Background: Cheap and effective tools for measuring patients’ physical activity (PA) level are needed. The first aim in this thesis was therefore to assess the validity of two PA -questions, and their three associated answer modes, that are used within the Swedish health care system. Sitting, light intensity PA (LIPA), and moderate and vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), are associated with health and longevity, but detailed population data assessed with objective methods is needed. The second aim was thus to assess the above with motion sensor technology, in a middle-aged Swedish sample. Low self-perceived health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, but this association may vary over time with changes in the society and our lifestyle. The third aim was to assess secular trends in the interrelations between self-perceived health, physical fitness, and selected covariates. The effects of PA on prescription (PAP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in overweight adults are unclear, thus the fourth aim was to explore this. Methods: All data was collected in the Swedish population. Data from the PA -questions and accelerometers, aerobic fitness, counter movement jump, and balance tests, blood samples, and self-rated general health were collected in 365 participants, 21–66 yrs. The PA pattern was assessed in 948 individuals, 50‒64 yrs, from the SCAPIS pilot study. Self-perceived physical health, and measured aerobic fitness, counter movement jump height, and balance, and demographic and lifestyle data, was assessed in three independent samples from 1990, 2000 and 2013, including 3564 adults, 20‒65 yrs. The effects of Swedish PAP on HRQoL was assessed in a randomized controlled trial including 101 men and women, 67‒68 yrs, that were inactive, overweight (BMI>25 kg/m2), and had a waist circumference ≥102 cm (men) or ≥88 cm (women), who were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess HRQoL. Results: The multiple choice answer mode of the two PA -questions was found to have the strongest validity, compared with the two other (an open mode, and one where PA minutes is specified per weekday). The validity is in line with many other established PA-questionnaires, but the open mode has limitations. The assessment of PA pattern showed that 61% of motion sensor wear time represented sitting, 35% LIPA, and 4% MVPA. Only 7% of the sample met the PA recommendations. The odds for describing perceived health as good was found to increase by 5% per each increment of 1 ml/kg/min in VO2max. This was stable across genders and all three LIV-samples (i.e. over time). Waist circumference, chronic disease, sleep problems, and level of satisfaction with one’s life, were also important correlates. The Swedish PAP group improved significantly more, and more participants displayed clinically relevant improvements (OR 2.43), in mental aspects of HRQoL, compared to the controls. Physical aspects of HRQoL improved in the PAP group, but not in the control group. Conclusions: The multiple choice answer mode has the strongest validity and Open mode the weakest. The PA -questions may be used in populations, or in individuals to determine appropriateness for treatment. The questions’ advantages and limitations must be considered and further reliability and validity studies are needed. The results regarding sitting, LIPA, MVPA and fulfillment of PA recommendations, are of high clinical relevance. A great challenge remains to further implement methods to increase the level of PA in the Swedish population. Physical fitness is related to self-perceived health independently of changes in society and lifestyle over time, and simple questions may be useful for the clinical assessment of physical fitness. Swedish PAP has a positive effect on mental aspects of HRQoL, measured by the SF-36. This finding supports the clinical use of the Swedish PAP model.LIV 2013
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Cleere, Rickie. "Environmental Racism and the Movement for Black Lives: Grassroots Power in the 21st Century." Scholarship @ Claremont, 2016. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/pomona_theses/140.
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This thesis explores the ways in which the environmental justice movement, which is in opposition to environmental racism, and the Black Lives Matter movement, which is in opposition to police brutality and other forms of racism, are part of the same struggle: a struggle against the neoliberal violence of the state. This struggle against neoliberal violence is at the same time a struggle for communities of color to achieve self-determination on a global scale, a monumental task which might be informed through a revolutionary intercommunalist framework of global grassroots solidarity. State oppression embodies violence in more forms that one, including co-optation—which entails the assimilation of people into a political framework that answers to the gatekeepers of transnational capital. This work includes input from environmental justice activists from Los Angeles County in its exploration of local grassroots struggles.
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Zhang, Bo. "Evolutionary genetics and human assisted movement of a globally invasive pest (Russian wheat aphid : Diuraphis noxia)." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2012. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/60959/1/Bo_Zhang_Thesis.pdf.
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This PhD study has examined the population genetics of the Russian wheat aphid (RWA, Diuraphis noxia), one of the world’s most invasive agricultural pests, throughout its native and introduced global range.
Firstly, this study investigated the geographic distribution of genetic diversity within and among RWA populations in western China. Analysis of mitochondrial data from 18 sites provided evidence for the long-term existence and expansion of RWAs in western China. The results refute the hypothesis that RWA is an exotic species only present in China since 1975. The estimated date of RWA expansion throughout western China coincides with the debut of wheat domestication and cultivation practices in western Asia in the Holocene. It is concluded that western China represents the limit of the far eastern native range of this species. Analysis of microsatellite data indicated high contemporary gene flow among northern populations in western China, while clear geographic isolation between northern and southern populations was identified across the Tianshan mountain range and extensive desert regions.
Secondly, this study analyzed the worldwide pathway of invasion using both microsatellite and endosymbiont genetic data. Individual RWAs were obtained from native populations in Central Asia and the Middle East and invasive populations in Africa and the Americas. Results indicated two pathways of RWA invasion from 1) Syria in the Middle East to North Africa and 2) Turkey to South Africa, Mexico and then North and South America. Very little clone diversity was identified among invasive populations suggesting that a limited founder event occurred together with predominantly asexual reproduction and rapid population expansion. The most likely explanation for the rapid spread (within two years) from South Africa to the New World is by human movement, probably as a result of the transfer of wheat breeding material. Furthermore, the mitochondrial data revealed the presence of a universal haplotype and it is proposed that this haplotype is representative of a wheat associated super-clone that has gained dominance worldwide as a result of the widespread planting of domesticated wheat.
Finally, this study examined salivary gland gene diversity to determine whether a functional basis for RWA invasiveness could be identified. Peroxidase DNA sequence data were obtained for a selection of worldwide RWA samples. Results demonstrated that most native populations were polymorphic while invasive populations were monomorphic, supporting previous conclusions relating to demographic founder effects in invasive populations. Purifying selection most likely explains the existence of a universal allele present in Middle Eastern populations, while balancing selection was evident in East Asian populations. Selection acting on the peroxidase gene may provide an allele-dependent advantage linked to the successful establishment of RWAs on wheat, and ultimately their invasion potential.
In conclusion, this study is the most comprehensive molecular genetic investigation of RWA population genetics undertaken to date and provides significant insights into the source and pathway of global invasion and the potential existence of a wheat-adapted genotype that has colonised major wheat growing countries worldwide except for Australia. This research has major biosecurity implications for Australia’s grain industry.
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Carpenter, Connie V. "Agent-based modeling of seasonal population movement and the spread of the 1918-1919 flu the effect on a small community /." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4103.
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Thesis (M.A.) University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 29, 2006) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.
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Martinez, Felix A. "The implications of group-size choice and post-settlement movement on the behavior and population dynamics of the damselfish dascyllus albisella." The Ohio State University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1069794378.
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Hawkins, Emily. "Demography, Movement Patterns, and Habitat Selection of Blanding's Turtles at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, Ontario." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/35563.
Full textAbstract:
The development and implementation of effective species and population-specific management strategies requires population-specific information. To demonstrate the relative extirpation risk associated with various road mortality scenarios for a population of Blanding’s turtles at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, Ontario, a Population Viability Analysis was conducted. Road mortality of two adult females every ten years resulted in population extirpation within 200 years relative to a stable population not experiencing road mortality. To accommodate informed decision-making for the management of this species at risk, the movement patterns and habitat selection of this Blanding’s turtle population were described. There was no significant difference between males and females in distance moved between relocations in either the spring or the summer, but turtles moved greater distances in the spring than in the summer. Annual and seasonal home range size did not differ between the sexes or between spring and summer periods. A compositional analysis indicated Blanding’s turtles preferred marsh habitats over bog, swamp, lake, and upland. Matched-paired logistic regression was used to determine selection of microhabitat features, such as type of vegetation, in the spring and summer. Turtles preferred sites with warmer air temperatures, shallower water, a higher availability of open water, and greater coverage of emergent and floating vegetation types in the spring period. In the summer period, turtles preferred sites characterized by cooler, deeper water, a higher availability of open water, and greater coverage of emergent and floating vegetation types. This population of Blanding’s turtles appears to be relatively small and the continued threat of road mortality indicates a delicate situation for its persistence. Considering seasonally preferred habitats will best inform management decisions for seasonal work restrictions and future development plans.
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Cramer, Michael John. "The Effects of Bot Fly (Cuterebra Fontinella) Parasitism on the Ecology and Behavior of the White-Footed Mouse (Peromyscus Leucopus)." Cincinnati, Ohio : University of Cincinnati, 2006. http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd/view.cgi?ucin1141062166.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Cincinnati, 2006.Advisor: Dr. Guy N. Cameron. Title from electronic thesis title page (viewed May 20, 2008). Keywords: parasitism; sexual selection; behavioral ecology; population ecology; movement; Peromyscus leucopus; Cuterebra fontinella. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.
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Reis, Alessandra Martins dos. "O sentido do movimento estudantil contemporâneo pela voz dos estudantes da saúde." Universidade de São Paulo, 2007. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/7/7137/tde-11062007-144406/.
Full textAbstract:
O objeto deste trabalho é o movimento estudantil contemporâneo. O objetivo foi caracterizar os estudantes que participam do movimento estudantil contemporâneo, identificar os principais temas discutidos pelo movimento na atualidade, caracterizar as práticas e formas de organização do movimento estudantil e analisar as concepções de saúde tomadas pelo movimento. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva em que a exposição do objeto se deu, tanto pela via qualitativa, como pela via quantitativa. A coleta dos dados quantitativos ocorreu durante o conselho nacional de entidades de base (CONEB) da União Nacional dos Estudantes (UNE) entre os dias 13 e 16 de abril de 2006; os dados qualitativos foram colhidos entre os meses de abril e novembro de 2006 em Campinas e São Paulo (SP). A população foi constituída de estudantes universitários que participam de centros acadêmicos e outras entidades estudantis. Foram distribuídos aos participantes do CONEB questionários com perguntas fechadas combinando: informações acerca do estudante; questões acerca das condições sociais de suas famílias; questões acerca da participação política e social dos estudantes. Num segundo momento, foram entrevistados apenas estudantes da área da saúde e da UNE. Esse foi o momento em que, através de questões abertas, os estudantes se manifestaram acerca dos temas, do sentido e do impacto do ME, sua relação com os partidos políticos, limites e possibilidades no encaminhamento das organizações estudantis, bem como informações sobre a concepção de saúde e prática relativa às questões de saúde. Foram entrevistados dois representantes da UNE e um representante de cada executiva da saúde: biomedicina, educação física, enfermagem, farmácia, fisioterapia, fonoaudiologia, medicina, nutrição, odontologia, psicologia, serviço social, terapia ocupacional e veterinária (1 de cada curso), totalizando 15 entrevistas. Valeu-se da técnica de entrevista semi-estruturada. Resultados: os estudantes que fazem parte do movimento estudantil são em sua maioria homens, jovens brancos, solteiros, naturais do eixo sul-sudeste; quando consideradas a situação de trabalho dos pais, renda familiar, posse de moradia familiar, fontes de renda e gastos pessoais, prevalecem condições de existência relativamente estáveis. Os estudantes consideram o movimento estudantil um espaço de organização da juventude para lutar pela transformação social, espaço de formação política em que são discutidos diversos temas, sendo prevalentes os temas da educação e universidade, é um espaço também de disputa política com inserção importante dos partidos políticos. Os estudantes avaliam que o movimento está fragmentado entre executivas de curso e União Nacional dos Estudantes, apesar da sobreposição de atividades desenvolvidas pelas entidades. A concepção de saúde mais enfatizada entre as lideranças estudantis foi a multicausal, representada notadamente por fatores relacionados à esfera do consumo. Sobressaem também concepções que se aproximam do pensamento hegemônico pós-moderno centradas no indivíduo, na subjetividade e de caráter idealista. Poucos estudantes consideraram nas suas formulações, de maneira organizada, a categoria da reprodução social na determinação do processo saúde-doença. Pode-se concluir que na área da saúde os estudantes tendem a reproduzir os conceitos da saúde pública, fundamentados na concepção funcionalista da saúde-doença que propõe como intervenção a responsabilização do indivíduo pela sua saúdeThe subject of this paper is the student movement. The goal was defining the students who take part of the student movement, identifying themes currently discussed by them, defining the practices and organizational ways of the student movement and analyzing the perception of health they have. Its a describing research in which the exposure of the subject was done by both qualitative and quantitative ways. The collecting of quantitative data was done during the National Concil of Student Societies (CONEB) organized by National Union of Students (UNE) from April, 13th to April 16th, 2006; qualitative data were collected from April to November 2006 in Campinas and São Paulo (SP). Population was formed by university students who take part of a student society and other student organizations. Firstly, questionnaires were given to the participants of CONEB with open questions matching: information about the student; questions about the social conditions of their families; questions about their social and political initiatives. Secondly, natural science students and students from UNE were interviewed. At this moment, through open questions, students made themselves known about the themes, about the goal and impact of student movement, their involvement with political parties, limits and possibilities in student organizations, also, information about their perception of health and practices related to health issues. Two representatives of UNE and one representative of each regional society of natural science students were interviewed: biomedicine, physical education, nursing, pharmaceutics, physiotherapy, phonoaudiology, medicine, nutrition, dentistry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy and veterinarian medicine (1 of each field), totalizing 15 interviews. The technique of semi-structured interviews was used. Results: students who take part of student movement are most men, young Caucasians, single, from the Southeast; when parents jobs are taken into consideration, family income, owning a family dwelling, sources of income and personal expenses, relatively stable living conditions prevail. Students consider student movement an opportunity for youth organization fight against social changes, an opportunity for political constitution by the discussion of several themes, prevailing educational and university ones, its also a space of political dispute and the inserting of parties. Students believe that student movement is fragmented among regional societies of each science and National Student Union, despite the overlaying of activities developed by societies. The most mentioned perception of health was the multi-causal, clearly represented by factors related to consumption. Also, perceptions centered in the individual, related to post modern hegemony overlay, in subjectivity and idealistically. Few students take into consideration, in an organized way, the category of social reproduction while determining health-sickness process. We can conclude that in natural science field, students tend to believe public health concepts, based on functional conception of health-sickness that suggests the responsibility of each of us for our health as an intervention
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Lyons, James Edward. "Population Ecology and Foraging Behavior of Breeding Birds in Bottomland Hardwood Forests of the Lower Roanoke River." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/26429.
Full textAbstract:
Nest survival often is lower at habitat edges than in habitat cores because of greater nest predation and parasitism near edges. I studied nest survival of breeding birds in bottomland hardwood forests of the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina. Nesting success was monitored in two forest width classes: narrow bands of levee forest that were dominated by two edge types, and wide, continuous levee forest stands that have edges but most forest is relatively far from edge. Nest success of Acadian Flycatchers and Prothonotary Warblers was similar in narrow and wide levees; nest success of Northern Cardinals was greater in narrow levees. Results of my study indicate that edge effects are not universal, and that amount of contrast at edges may interact with landscape context to alter ecological processes, such as nest predation.
Bird populations are remarkably constant over time relative to other taxa, implying strong regulation. Avian population ecologists, however, have not studied regulatory mechanisms as often as seasonal limiting factors. Conversely, avian behavioral ecologists seldom emphasize the population dynamic consequences of habitat selection and reproductive success. This study describes the intersection of individual behavior and population regulation in the context of a new model of population regulation, site dependence, which is based on characteristics of breeding sites and behavior of individuals. I studied habitat distribution, age structure, reproductive output, and breeding site fidelity of Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) in two different bottomland hardwood forest habitats of the lower Roanoke River in North Carolina. Older males (³ 2 yr old) were equally common in cypress-gum swamps and mixed oak hardwood levee forest. Pairing success and success of first nests indicated that older males occupied the most suitable territories available in each habitat. Bird density was three times greater in swamps, and birds nesting in swamps averaged greater clutch sizes and fledged more young per nest than birds in levees. Greater reproductive output was the result of greater fecundity because nest survival and predation pressure appeared equal in the two habitats. Annual return rates for plot immigrants vs. previous residents did not differ in swamps. In levees, newly arriving birds were less likely to return the following year than previous residents. Immigrants most likely occupied low quality sites and dispersed in an attempt to improve breeding site quality. Habitat-specific demography and density patterns of this study indicate ideal preemptive distribution. Variance in site quality, between and within habitats, and preemptive use of sites are consistent with theory of population regulation via site dependence.
Foraging behavior often reflects food availability. For example, in habitats where food availability is high, predators should move more slowly and attack prey more often than in habitats where food availability is low. I studied the foraging behavior of breeding Prothonotary Warblers in two habitat types to assess relative food availability and implications for habitat quality. The two habitats, levee and swamp forest, differ in hydrology, forest structure, and tree species composition. I quantified foraging behavior with focal animal sampling and continuous recording during foraging bouts. I measured two aspects of foraging behavior: 1) prey attacks per minute, using four attack types (glean, sally, hover, strike), and 2) number of movements per minute (foraging speed), using three types of movement (hop, short flight [£ 1 m], long flight [>1 m]). Male warblers made significantly more prey attacks per minute in swamp forest than in levee forest; the same trend was evident in females. Foraging speed, however, was not different between habitats for males or females. Results indicate that foraging effort is similar in swamps and levees, but that warblers encounter more prey in swamps. Greater food availability may be related to greater reproductive success of warblers nesting in cypress-gum swamps than in coastal plain levee forest.Ph. D.
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Simoncini, Marina, and n/a. "How events affect destination image: analysing the national capital." University of Canberra. Business and Goverment, 2003. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20050630.094111.
Full textAbstract:
Despite the growing importance of both destination image and event tourism, a
research gap exists when the two fields are combined. Destination image and event
tourism have been subject to separate research efforts in the tourism field, however
there has been little evidence of research in how events can affect destination image.
The thesis attempts to address the research gap that currently exists by using
Canberra, the National Capital of Australia and two annual events in the Capital -
Stegbar Canberra 400 and Floriade 2002 as case studies.
The thesis illustrates the importance of destination image in regard to the destination
selection process, the meaning and measurement of image and the growing interest
in event tourism. Several studies have illustrated that destination images do influence
tourists' behaviour and subsequently decision making (Hunt 1975). Image, among
other variables can be the deciding factor in choosing one destination over another.
In spite of the importance of this research line, several authors recognise a lack of an
agreed way of conceptualising destination image. A conceptual framework of
destination image was developed by Echtner and Ritchie (1991) which forms the
foundation of the thesis. Although the framework has its flaws, it has been pointed
out that the Echtner and Ritchie Destination Image Framework has been useful in the
assessment of destination images.
Importantly, how events can be used to influence the image of a destination is put
forward. Canberra and its image, being the focus of the study, is discussed in detail
with reference also to Tamworth and Sydney. Although much of the research into
event tourism has focused on the economic benefits that events can provide to a
destination, the effect an event can have on the destination image has not been well
demonstrated.
Research on Canberra has indicated various studies in regard to the perceptions
Australians have of the destination, community attitudes towards Canberra and event
related research, however the effect that events have on Canberra's image has not
been addressed.
The thesis incorporates studies of events to measure the effect that they have on the
image of a destination. The two main studies were conducted in conjunction with the
Centre of Tourism Research (CTR) at the University of Canberra. Two events, held
annually in the National Capital, were the focus of the research - Stegbar Canberra
400 and Floriade 2002. Event attendees at the two events were the target sample
consisting of both locals and interstate visitors to Canberra. Two key questions
related to destination image were added to the existing questionnaires and were the
focus of the research. Primary research commenced in June 2002 and concluded
November 2002.
Destination image responses were derived from both the Stegbar Canberra 400 and
Floriade 2002. Results indicated that event attendees regard the two events as being
very positive in respect to the destination image of Canberra. The Top 15 responses
from both studies also indicate a positive correlation between events and the
destination image of Canberra.
The Top 15 image responses from the events indicated that events do have an
influence on the image of the destination with many event related characteristics
appearing in the Top 15 image responses. This was further emphasised when the
results from the two events were compared to that of 'Australians' Perceptions of
their National Capital' (Richards 2002). General destination images in all three
studies were mentioned however Stegbar Canberra 400 and Floriade 2002 image
responses were more events driven. The Perceptions study illustrated more unique
characteristics of the National Capital along with National attractions. Further, the
image results derived from Stegbar Canberra 400 and Floriade illustrates the notion
of 'multiple' images that a destination may possess.
It is postulated that events have a Life Cycle, and that their influence on destination
image varies according to their life cycle stage. It was found that events that lay in
the introduction stage of the life cycle have more varied image results that are
directly related to the event itself. On the other hand, events that reside in the
maturity stage possess strong images related more to the destination itself as
opposed to the event. These 'older' events become synonymous with the destination
and therefore images are associated with the destination.
In conclusion, the research has illustrated that events do have an impact on the
image or images of a destination. In this case, the image of Canberra was subject to
influence from both Stegbar Canberra 400 and Floriade 2002 event attendees.
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Kelly, Katherine M. "Model Validation and Improvement Using New Data on Habitat Characteristics Important to Forest Salamanders, and Short-Term Effects of Forestry Practices on Salamander Movement and Population Estimates." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/36439.
Full textAbstract:
Amphibians, because of their semi-permeable skin, sensitivity to changing microclimates, and important role in ecosystems, are often viewed as indicators of ecosystem health. They make excellent organisms for studies on the effects of silvicultural practices. My goal was to provide recommendations for forest management in the southern Appalachians so that harvesting operations are compatible with maintaining healthy populations of forest amphibians.
I tested previously created habitat models that determined the most important habitat characteristics for salamanders. I counted salamanders in 240 10 x 10 m plots located in the MeadWestvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest in north-central West Virginia. We also collected a variety of habitat data in these plots to predict salamander abundance with previously created models. These simple linear regression analyses of predicted versus observed values suggest for most models (7 out of 9) a weak relationship between predicted and observed values (R2 from 0.0033 to 0.2869, p from < 0.0001 to 0.7490). However, one of the models showed characteristics suggesting that it predicted new data as well or better than the original data, and therefore was the most accurate at predicting salamander abundance, and could be used for management purposes, although there was still much unexplained variation. This model included the variables woody stems (< 7.5 cm DBH), available rock, riparian status (i.e., within 15 m of a stream), percent overstory canopy cover, and available highly decomposed woody debris (decomposition classes 3 to 5). All of these relationships were positive except for woody stems, suggesting that in order to maintain healthy populations of salamanders, we should protect areas next to streams, with high amounts of rock, decomposed woody debris, overstory canopy cover, and few woody stems.
I also examined the immediate effects of clearcuts on salamander movement and population estimates. I batch marked salamanders in plots at the edges of a clearcut, and in a control plot. Using the Schnabel estimator, I estimated population sizes in each plot. I then compared population estimates pre- and post-harvest on the interior (harvested) and exterior (unharvested) sides of the plots, taking into account the control plot. I also examined adult-juvenile ratios and movements from one side of the plot to the other. I found no significant changes (p > 0.05) following harvest in any of these measures, suggesting that salamanders do not move out of the harvested area post-harvest, at least over the short term (10 months of this study). This suggests that a longer period of time (> 1 year) is required to observe the population declines detected in most studies.Master of Science
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Terjung, Helmut C. "From baby boom to birth dearth : an interpretation of the population control movement and its political discourse since 1945 in the United States /." Thesis, This resource online, 1990. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-06102009-063041/.
Full text
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Roghair, Craig N. "Recovery From and Effects of a Catastrophic Flood and Debris Flow on the Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Population and Instream Habitat of the Staunton River, Shenandoah National Park, VA." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/34286.
Full textAbstract:
The Staunton River is a high gradient, second order stream approximately 6 km in length located on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, VA. In June 1995, a catastrophic flood and debris flow altered the instream habitat and Salvelinus fontinalis population of the Staunton River. The debris flow scoured the streambed, deposited new substrate materials, removed trees from the riparian zone, and eliminated fish from a 1.9km section of the stream. By June 1998, both young-of-year (YOY) and age 1+ S. fontinalis had recolonized the debris flow affected area. The event provided a rare opportunity to examine recovery of the S. fontinalis population and instream habitat in addition to addressing potential effects of the debris flow on movement, activity, and growth of fish in the debris flow affected and unaffected areas of the stream.
Post-recolonization movement and activity were monitored using two-way fish traps (weirs), mark-recapture techniques, and radio telemetry. The weirs failed to produce any movement data. Most fish (91%) in the mark-recapture study had range sizes less than 100m, however biases common to mark-recapture study designs (low recapture rate, flawed logic, etc.) hampered interpretation of results. For example, subsequent recapture of individually marked fish indicated that as many as 54% of marked fish confirmed to have been alive at the time of a recapture session were not recaptured.
Radio telemetry provided information on S. fontinalis movement and activity at seasonal and diel scales during summer and fall. Differences in movement and activity between the debris flow affected and unaffected areas were minimal when compared to seasonal variations. During summer, range sizes were near 0m and crepuscular activity patterns were observed. During the fall range size increased and diel activity was concentrated in the mid-afternoon with a much higher peak than during summer.
Basin-wide visual estimation technique (BVET) fish population surveys performed each spring and fall from 1993 = 1999 provided pre- and post-event fish population abundance and density estimates. Post-event fish growth in the debris flow affected and unaffected areas was monitored using mark-recapture techniques. Abundance and density of both YOY and age 1+ S. fontinalis exceeded pre-event levels within 2-3 years. Growth of YOY and age 1+ fish was significantly greater in the debris flow affected area until spring 1999. Population density appeared to have a strong negative influence on growth. The observed changes in fish growth and differences in fish size associated with population density would be of minimal importance to the typical angler but may suggest a mechanism by which S. fontinalis populations can quickly recover from catastrophic events.
BVET habitat surveys provided information on total stream area, number of pools and riffles, pool and riffle surface area and depth, substrate composition, and large woody debris (LWD) before (1993), immediately following (1995), and four years post-event (1999). Immediately following the debris flow, the stream channel was highly disordered which resulted in an increase in the total number of habitat units and a decrease in average habitat unit surface area, total stream area, and average depth when compared with pre-event conditions. In addition, substrate composition had shifted from small to large diameter particles and LWD loading had increased in both debris flow affected and unaffected areas. Four years after the event, the total number of habitat units, average habitat unit surface area, total stream area, and average depth had all returned to near pre-debris flow levels and substrate composition had begun to shift towards smaller particle sizes. Changes in LWD loading from 1995-1999 reflected changes in the riparian zone following the debris flow. In the unaffected area, where riparian trees remained intact, LWD loading increased, whereas in the debris flow affected area, where riparian trees were eliminated, LWD loading decreased.
For the most part the effects of the debris flow, although immediately dramatic, were in the long term minimal. The debris flow affected area was recolonized rapidly and abundance and density quickly rebounded past pre-event levels. Differences in fish growth between the affected and unaffected area were short lived. Any effect the debris flow affected area may have had on movement or activity was minimal when compared with seasonal variations. Most habitat characteristics reverted to near pre-event levels just four years after the flood and debris flow. Although a number of factors will influence recovery time from such events, these results indicate that immediate management action, such as stocking or habitat modifications, are not necessary in all cases.Master of Science
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Cordeiro, Erick M. G. "Patterns of infestation, dispersion, and gene flow in Rhyzopertha dominica based on population genetics and ecological modeling." Diss., Kansas State University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/32642.
Full textAbstract:
Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of Entomology
James F. Campbell
Thomas W. Phillips
Movement is a fundamental feature of animals that impacts processes across multiple scales in space and time. Due to the heterogeneous and fragmented nature of habitats that make up landscapes, movement is not expected to be random in all instances, and an increase in fitness is an expected consequence for those that can optimize movement to find valuable and scarce recourses. I studied the movement of Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), one of the most important pests of stored grain worldwide, within and between resource patches. At a fine spatial scale, I identified factors that contribute to overall and upward movement in the grain mass. Three-week-old insects tented to stay closer to the surface than one or two-week-old insects. Females tended to be more active and to explore more than males. I also found that males tended to stay closer to the surface than females and that might be related to the ability to attract females from outside the patch since there was no significant difference regarding female’s attraction within the grain patch. Interaction with feeding sites or other individuals of the same sex creates positive feedback and a more clumped spatial pattern of feeding and foraging behavior. On the other hand, interaction with individuals of different sex creates negative feedback and a more random or overdispersed pattern. At a broad spatial scale, I studied the long-term consequence of R. dominica movement on the development of population structure within the U.S. To evaluate population structure, I used reduced representation of the genome followed by direct sequencing of beetles collected from different locations across the U.S where wheat or rice is produced and stored. Ecoregions were more important in explaining structure of R. dominica populations than crop type. I also found significant isolation by distance; however, model selection primarily elected grain production and movement variables to explain population differentiation and diversity. Understanding animal movement is essential to establishing relationships between distribution and surrounding landscape, and this knowledge can improve conservation and management strategies.