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1
Bellamy, Stephen. "Resource partitioning between two sympatric Australian skinks, Egernia multiscutata and Egernia whitii." Connect to this title online, 2006. http://catalogue.flinders.edu.au/local/adt/public/adt-SFU20070124.145924/index.html.
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Portik, Daniel M. "Comparative phylogeography of two skink species in southern Africa." Click here for download, 2009. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1827435511&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=3260&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Thesis (M.S.)--Villanova University, 2009.Biology Dept. "Funding for this study provided by the National Science Foundation (grant number: DEB 0515909)"-- l. ii. Includes bibliographical references.
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Zari, T. A. "The energetics and thermal physiology of Wiegmann's Skink, Mabuya brevicollis." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.376480.
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Engelbrecht, Hanlie M. "Systematics of the Cape legless skink Acontias meleagris species complex." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/79789.
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Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.This study examined the biogeography and taxonomic status of the Cape legless skink, Acontias meleagris species complex using phylogenetic analyses, population genetics, demographic history aspects, time of lineage diversification estimation, environmental statistic analyses and a morphological evaluation. A total of 231 specimens from 55 localities were collected from the entire known distribution range of the A. meleagris complex throughout the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape, South Africa. Partial sequence data were collected from two mitochondrial DNA loci, 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI), and one protein-coding nuclear DNA locus, exophilin 5 (EXPH 5). DNA sequences were analyzed for phylogenetic methods and biogeographical dating, while population genetic analyses were conducted on the COI sequences. Geographical boundaries amongst cryptic lineages were determined and evolutionary drivers of cladogenesis within the species complex were inferred. Marked genetic structure was observed within the A. meleagris complex, and five clades were retrieved, most of which were statistically well supported. These five clades were also evident within the haplotypic analyses and were characterized by demographic stability. Lineage diversification and the current biogeographical patterning observed for lineages within the A. meleagris species complex reflect the impact of sea level oscillations on historical coastal habitat availability. Additional historical evolutionary drivers within this subterranean species complex were inferred and discussed. The five clades within this species complex were considered discrete species, characterised by phylogenetic and biogeographic distinctiveness. While, morphological characters that could be used to identify the five species demonstrated widespread overlap for morphometric and meristic characters as well as colour pattering. Consequently, the phylogenetic species concept was employed for a taxonomical revision of A. meleagris sensu lato. Here, three of the previously recognised subspecies A. m. meleagris, A. m. orientalis and A. m. orientalis–'lineicauda' were elevated to full species, and two new species A. caurinus sp. nov. and A. parilis sp. nov. were described.
National Research Foundation (NRF)
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Sousa, Ana Carolina Andrade de. "Phylogeography, ecology and conservation of skink Adamastor, Trachylepis Adamastor ceríaco, 2015." Master's thesis, Universidade de Évora, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10174/23062.
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The genus Trachylepis is one of the most diverse of reptiles inhabiting the Gulf of Guinea islands. Trachylepis adamastor, endemic to Tinhosa Grande islet, was recently described based solely on morphology. The phylogenetic relation between T. adamastor and remaining Trachylepis species, ecology and conservation status were unknown. This study investigates the phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships, as well as the population density and the diet of T. adamastor. Results show that T. principensis from Príncipe and T. adamastor are genetically conspecific, although, given morphological differences and isolation, it is suggested that each population should be considered subspecies. The population density of T. a. adamastor was estimated as 0.012 per m2 with 2460 individuals. These obtained values, together with its distribution makes T. a. adamastor a “Critically Endangered” subspecies according to IUCN. The diet of T. a. adamastor was also compared with that of the populations of the surrounding islands; Filogeografia, Ecologia e Conservação da lagartixa Adamastor, Trachylepis adamastor Ceríaco, 2015
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O género de répteis Trachylepis é um dos mais diversos das ilhas do Golfo da Guiné. Trachylepis adamastor, endémica do ilhéu da Tinhosa Grande, foi recentemente descrita com base apenas na morfologia. A relação filogenética entre T. adamastor e as restantes espécies Trachylepis, assim como a sua ecologia e estatuto de conservação são desconhecidos. Este estudo investiga as relações filogenética e filogeográfica, densidade populacional e dieta de T. adamastor. Os resultados mostraram que T. principensis do Príncipe e T. adamastor são geneticamente coespecificas. Tendo em conta as diferenças morfológicas e o seu isolamento, é sugerido que cada população deve ser considerada como subespécie. A estimativa da densidade populacional obtida foi 0.012 por m2 com 2460 indivíduos. Estes valores obtidos, juntamente com a distribuição da subespécie, tornam T. a. adamastor “Criticamente Em Perigo” de acordo com a IUCN. A sua dieta também foi comparada com a das populações das ilhas vizinhas.
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Arena, Phillip Charles. "Aspects of the biology of the King's skink Egernia Kingii (Gray)." Thesis, Arena, Phillip Charles (1986) Aspects of the biology of the King's skink Egernia Kingii (Gray). Honours thesis, Murdoch University, 1986. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/46320/.
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Selected aspects of the biology of a large scincid lizard, King's skink Egernia kingii, were studied on Penguin Island (32 18'S, 115 42'E) near Perth, Western Australia, from May 1985 to April 1986. The high density of this species (800ha in areas of preferred habitat) was attributed to abundant food and low adult predation rates on the island...
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Gorissen, Sarsha. "Conservation biology of the endangered Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis)." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/15731.
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The Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis), restricted to the endangered habitat of highland peat-swamps, is known from fewer than 60 isolated sites in the Blue Mountains region of south-eastern Australia. The sole endemic vertebrate of the region, this scincid lizard is imperilled by many threats. From three years of field surveys, I show that E. leuraensis live almost exclusively within swamps, with very few inhabiting the swamp margins and none recorded in the surrounding woodland. Paradoxically, this endangered species appears to be the most abundant vertebrate in these swamps. My surveys show that urbanisation and frequent major fires both reduce the abundance of these skinks, but do not extirpate them. A longer period of time since a major fire, conversely, increases the abundance of this reptile. Groundwater loss and alterations in surface water chemistry extirpate populations of this species: its restriction to groundwater-dependent swamps renders it highly sensitive to habitat degradation through hydrological disturbance. To conserve E. leuraensis in the wild, we need to protect its swamp habitat from the impacts of urbanisation, intensified fire regimes, reduced groundwater, water pollution and longwall mining. The conservation message for management authorities is clear: ‘protect the habitat, protect the skink.’
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Wolfe, Ashleigh Katherine. "The Ecology of Perth’s Urban Reptiles Using a Snake and Skink as Models." Thesis, Curtin University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/69322.
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Urbanisation presents unique challenges for wildlife and promotes human-wildlife interactions. The effects if urbanisation on reptiles has been little studied. I explored the life history traits correlated with urban adaptation for reptiles, and investigated how urbanisation affects diet, spatial use, and behavioural responses of two reptiles in south-west Western Australia: dugite (Pseudonaja affinis, Elapidae) and bobtail skink (Tiliqua r. rugosa, Scincidae). I also investigated the attitudes and perceptions of the general public towards these species.
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Sumner, Joanna Mary. "The ecology and population genetics of the prickly forest skink in a fragmented habitat /." St. Lucia, Qld, 2001. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe16515.pdf.
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Dumont, Christina Terra. "An investigation into declining skink populations and their behavioural responses to introduced mammalian predators." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Biology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/10580.
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New Zealand provides an excellent example of the effect of exotic predators on native reptile populations. Prior to human arrival, reptiles evolved in the absence of mammalian predators but are now sympatric with 11 introduced mammalian predators. New Zealand’s reptile populations have declined over the past millennium because they have few defensive behaviours against this new predator guild. However, relatively few studies have investigated the effects of introduced
mammalian predators on skinks. In this thesis, I studied the life history of several skink species and the long-term demographic changes in these species to evaluate population trends. I evaluated the effectiveness of mammalian predator control in the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project (RNRP) for restoring skink populations and I investigated the potential sub-lethal effects of mammalian predators on skinks. Finally, I tested whether two skink species had developed
behaviours to avoid the scent of introduced rats or hedgehogs. I estimated size at sexual maturity, birthing season and habitat preferences for speckled skinks (Oligosoma infrapunctatum) in the
Nelson Lakes area. My research shows that skink populations are declining both inside and outside of the RNRP. The largest declines are seen in the rarer species and even within the predator-controlled area of the RNRP the speckled skink is nearing extirpation. In addition, the
proportion of female northern grass skinks (O. polychroma) and larger individuals of both sexes has decreased since 1970; suggesting females and larger individuals are more vulnerable to predation. An investigation of three fitness surrogates (body condition, parasite load and prevalence of caudal autotomy) showed that for both northern grass and glossy brown skinks (O. zelandicum), body condition was significantly lower in populations with mammalian predators
than without. This has serious conservation implications because it shows that lizard populations may not only be in decline from direct predation, but also additional stresses associated with predation that may lead to reduced reproductive output. Neither parasite load, nor the prevalence of caudal autotomy, appears to be good indicators of fitness for northern grass or glossy brown skinks. I found no evidence of substantial avoidance behaviours in glossy brown and northern
grass skinks to either rat or hedgehog odour. Two hypotheses are suggested to explain this. Firstly, there may not have been enough time for these species to evolve avoidance behaviours, and secondly, there may be insufficient selection pressure due to the high efficiency of the alien predators, or because rats and hedgehogs are active foragers and thus scent gives the prey limited information on immediate predation pressure. This lack of evidence for the evolution of antipredator behaviour, in addition to reduced body condition and population decline in areas with mammalian predators present, highlights the importance of intensive mammalian predator control for the continued survival of skink species on mainland New Zealand.
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Bannock, Carol A. "Implications of past and future vegetation change for the lizard fauna of Motunau Island." Master's thesis, Lincoln University. Bio-Protection and Ecology Division, 1998. http://theses.lincoln.ac.nz/public/adt-NZLIU20080430.163408/.
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Abundance, distribution and habitat preferences of the lizard species present on Motunau Island, off the Canterbury coast of New Zealand, were investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which recent vegetation change on Motunau Island has effected the lizard community and what implications this has for the future management of the Island. Three species of lizard occur on Motunau Island; the common gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus), common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma) and spotted skink (O. lineoocellatum). Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were present on the island from 1862 until their eradication in 1962. Since then, vegetation on the island has changed from being tussock-dominated to being dominated by exotic weeds. Data from lizard pitfall trap surveys carried out in 1967-75 by Tony Whitaker of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) were compared with new pitfall trapping data to determine if changes in the lizard population had occurred in response to these vegetation changes. The abundance of O. n. polychroma and H. maculatus does not appear to change significantly. The distribution of these two species were significantly correlated but neither showed any preference for a particular type. The abundance of O. lineoocellatum was significantly greater in 1996/97 than in the earlier DSlR surveys. This could be a result of the vegetation becoming more open and more structurally complex since the early surveys. This would offer greater opportunities for O. lineoocellatum (which is strongly heliothermic) to thermoregulate and forage. O. lineoocellatum showed no consistent significant preference towards any habitat type, although they tended to be found more in 'margin' habitat. Research into pitfall trapping and the way lizard behaviour may influence pitfall trapping data needs to be undertaken as there is a possible trap bias in this study. Management of Motunau Island needs to ensure that a structurally complex environment is maintained to ensure high numbers of all three lizard species can continue to coexist.
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Emerick, Adam Ryan. "Status of a Translocated Florida Sand Skink Population After Six Years| Establishing and Evaluating Criteria for Success." Thesis, University of South Florida, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1585606.
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The translocation of organisms is becoming a frequently used tool in conservation biology. There are, however, a disproportionate number of unsuccessful attempts translocating populations of herpetofauna. Logistical and temporal limits of monitoring, combined with ambiguous metrics concerning “success,” have led to few advances regarding reptile translocations. Successfully established and persistent populations are those in which both the founding population and subsequent generations show consistent or positive levels of survival and reproduction. A small population of the threatened Florida Sand Skink (Plestiodon reynoldsi) was translocated in 2007. Data collected from 2007 to 2009 confirmed survival and reproduction among the founding individuals, but the sampling did not include a long enough period to allow for the evaluation of the survival and reproduction of individuals born on the site. In this study, individuals were collected during two separate sampling events, one during the third spring and one during the sixth spring after the translocation occurred. Survival estimates, reproduction, population size and generation structure were calculated by combining and analyzing data from all years post-translocation. The numbers of both total and new individuals captured in the sixth year exceeded captures from every prior sampling event since monitoring began in 2008. Founding individuals represented only 14% of the total individuals captured, while the number of individuals born on site continued to increase. The proportion of recruits and increased number of hatchlings despite the loss of founders shows that the filial generations are producing offspring. The methods utilized in assessing this translocation effort will further the understanding of the population dynamics of the Florida Sand Skink and allow for more informed decisions in future management studies of this threatened species.
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Buk, Tara B. "Gene Flow Patterns of the Five Lined Skink (Eumeces Fasciatus) in the Fragmented Landscape of Northeast Ohio." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1399675200.
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Bradley, Holly Sydelle. "Improving translocation management for restricted range reptiles Case Study: The Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii badia)." Thesis, Curtin University, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/88813.
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This thesis presents the Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii badia) as a case study of how identifying and addressing knowledge gaps on the ecological requirements of a threatened reptile in Australia is key to informed, effective management. Understanding the specific biotic and behavioural requirements of the skink is critical to design translocation projects in active mining areas in the future, to prevent further population declines of this culturally significant, endemic species.
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Anton, Alexander James. "Effects of a chronic increase in plasma corticosterone on the brooding behavior of the prairie skink, Plestiodon septentrionalis." University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2013.
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Smithies, Sean. "The influences of prey, predators and habitat variables on drought-affected forest preference in a Darling Range endemic skink." Thesis, Smithies, Sean (2016) The influences of prey, predators and habitat variables on drought-affected forest preference in a Darling Range endemic skink. Honours thesis, Murdoch University, 2016. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/34323/.
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Large-scale canopy collapse occurred within the northern jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest of southwest WA following a record hot and dry year/summer in 2010/11. The forest die-off had noted effects on the reptile communities. The endemic lizard Ctenotus delli (Scincidae) was recorded more frequently within drought-affected sites compared with adjacent apparently healthy intact regions. The present study investigated possible drivers for this apparent preference, quantifying: 1) leaf litter invertebrate assemblages and termite activity (prey influence); 2) predatory bird assemblages (predator influence); and 3) the effect of black and white disruptive markings on concealment of skinks in leaf litter (primary antipredatory response) between drought-affected and healthy sites. Leaf litter invertebrate assemblages did not differ across drought-affected and healthy sites, however, predatory bird assemblages varied significantly between drought-affected and healthy sites (P = 0.009) with greater numbers of predatory birds observed within healthy sites. Plasticine models of three variations (side-striped, back-striped, and plain) placed among various leaf litter densities revealed that side-striped models were attacked less severely (P =0.039) than back-striped models, although there were no differences in the total numbers of attacks recorded. Therefore, side-stripes (as found on C. delli) did not minimise detection but may increase survivorship. Further implementation of invertebrate trapping coupled with behavioural studies in avian predators across drought-affected and healthy sites may conclusively determine the selective pressures behind drought-affected site preferences of C. delli.
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Lettink, Marieke, and n/a. "Adding to nature : can artificial retreats be used to monitor and restore lizard populations?" University of Otago. Department of Zoology, 2008. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20080715.091040.
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Artificial retreats are increasingly used to sample animal populations and in attempts to boost animal numbers in degraded habitats. Here, I test potential applications of artificial retreats for lizards inhabiting a coastal environment of high conservation value (Kaitorete Spit, New Zealand). I first conducted a pitfall-trapping survey examining the distribution and relative abundance of lizards in duneland, farmland and shrubland habitats, and tested the influence of trap placement on capture rates. Capture rates of the diurnal skinks Oligosoma maccanni (McCann�s skink) and O. nigriplantare polychroma (common skink) were highest in duneland and farmland, respectively, and were most sensitive to the distance separating traps from the nearest cover (the greater the distance, the lower the capture rate). Captures of O. lineoocellatum (spotted skink) and Hoplodactylus maculatus (common gecko) were rare.
Secondly, in separate chapters I test the utility of artificial retreats for monitoring: 1) a preference trial examining relative use of three types of artificial retreats by skinks (O. maccanni and O. n. polychroma) and geckos (H. maculatus); 2) a comparison of the effectiveness of artificial retreats relative to pitfall traps for detecting cryptic and primarily nocturnal geckos (H. maculatus) following translocation; and 3) capture-recapture estimation of population parameters (survival and abundance) of H. maculatus. I found that: 1) geckos strongly preferred retreats made of Onduline over corrugated iron and concrete tiles, whereas skinks exhibited no apparent preferences; 2) artificial retreats were more effective than pitfall traps for detecting geckos following translocation; and 3) monthly survival and recapture probabilities of geckos varied with age-class and over time. Estimated survival was unexpectedly low, possibly due to excessive trap spacing. I developed a new capture-recapture model specifically for population size estimation with data from artificial retreats, which gave estimates that were up to 50% greater than those predicted by conventional capture-recapture models. I caution that permanent placement of artificial retreats in long-term studies may be inappropriate for estimation of population parameters due to potential habitat-enhancement effects and/or altered predation risk.
Thirdly, I conducted a capture-recapture field experiment, using a replicated Before-After-Control-impact (BACI) design, to test the relative effects of habitat manipulation (artificial retreat addition) and partial predator removal (by fencing) on annual survival of duneland skink (O. maccanni) populations. Survival increased at sites with predator exclosures, but not at control sites or following the addition of artificial retreats, either alone or in combination with a predator exclosure. The magnitude of the increase in survival for the exclosure-only treatment was small, but sufficient to change the trajectory of an apparently stable population into an increasing one, suggesting that the population is limited by predators. Predator control, but not the addition of artificial retreats, is predicted to benefit O. maccanni.
To conclude, the Onduline design developed here appears to be particularly useful for sampling cryptic, terrestrial geckos; however, artificial retreats must be used appropriately to avoid bias arising from habitat-enhancing effects and/or altered predation risk. The restoration value of artificial retreats requires further testing on other species and in areas where natural retreat sites are limited.
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Griffin, Clare Louise, and clare griffin@flinders edu au. "A comparison of the ecology and behaviour of parthenogenetic and sexual taxa of the Australian skink, Menetia greyii: implications for coexistence." Flinders University. School of Biological Sciences, 2006. http://catalogue.flinders.edu.au./local/adt/public/adt-SFU20070202.132116.
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Menetia greyii, a small Australian skink, has recently been determined to be a species complex that consists of both sexual and parthenogenetic taxa (Adams et al. 2003). In total, seven distinct taxa have been identified in the south-central region of Australia. This includes three sexual taxa, three apparent parthenogen lineages, and one lizard of uncertain status
The study population occurs near Bundey Bore station in the semi-arid region of South Australia (approximately 160km north east of Adelaide). At this site, one sexual taxon (SAS) and two all-female parthenogenetic taxa (WP and RP3) were found to occur in sympatry. In a search for ecological differences, I examined spatial, thermal, physiological and morphological niche relationships in the parthenogenetic and sexual forms. Capture rates were used to determine microhabitat and macrohabitat use in the field. The use of different microhabitats and the amount of time spent occupying different exposures (sun vs. shade) were also examined under laboratory conditions. Thermal preferences, physiological performance (sprint speed ability) and daily activity periods were investigated in the laboratory. The study failed to find any major differences among the different taxa that would indicate they are partitioning resources and therefore explain how the sexual and parthenogenetic forms are coexisting. The only difference observed was that the parthenogens expressed superior sprinting ability, running faster than the sexuals over a range of temperatures. In addition, I found that sexual and parthenogenetic females within this population differed very little in their reproductive effort and output, indicating that RP3 and WP parthenogens possess a reproductive advantage over sexual females as a result of not having to produce males (Williams 1975, Maynard-Smith 1978, Bell 1982). In staged interactions between pairs of sexual and parthenogen individuals, the parthenogens were more aggressive and dominated the sexuals. As a result, the parthenogens were able to outcompete the sexuals for food items. This had serious consequences on fitness, with the sexuals losing significantly more weight than the parthenogens. All of these factors would suggest that the parthenogens should eliminate the sexuals at Bundey Bore. Despite this, the parthenogenetic females at Bundey Bore do not outnumber the sexual subpopulation. This raises the question of how the sexuals are persisting. An examination of endoparasites in the scats of parthenogen and sexual M. greyii found that WP parthenogens had significantly higher parasite prevalence than sexuals. Further to this, there is evidence of matings occurring within the study population between sexual males and WP parthenogen females with five tetraploid males being captured. Therefore, WP parthenogens may be suffering from destabilising hybridization. These factors may account for why the parthenogens (or at least the WP parthenogens) have not competitively excluded sexual M. greyii from Bundey Bore. Other possible reasons are discussed in the general discussion in Chapter 8.
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Barr, James Ian. "Adaptive ecology of the King’s skink, Egernia kingii, in response to varying levels of predation risk, with a focus on caudal autotomy." Thesis, Curtin University, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/81909.
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Anti-predation strategies allow individuals to avoid death but can be costly to the individual. As predation pressure changes ontogenetically, temporally and evolutionarily, so do costly anti-predation strategies to minimise maximise survival but minimise associated costs. I investigate how caudal autotomy changes morphologically and behaviourally within a large scincid the King’s skink (Egernia kingii) both ontogenetically and across predation gradients.
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Osman, Nicholas Paul. "Experimental Translocation of the Florida Sand Skink (Plestiodon [=Neoseps] reynoldsi): Success of a Restricted Species Across Diverse Microhabitats." Scholar Commons, 2010. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/1732.
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The fossorial Florida Sand Skink (Plestiodon [=Neoseps] reynoldsi) inhabits a restricted range of scrub and sandhill fragments on the ridges of central Florida. The high rate of urban and agricultural development in this area necessitates conservation strategies other than land acquisition and management because of the limited remaining Florida Sand Skink habitat available. This study tests the viability of translocation as a conservation strategy for this species and assesses which features of a recipient site contribute to the successful establishment of a population. In 2007, 300 individuals were collected and moved from an intact scrub habitat, individually marked, and moved to a nearby reclaimed site with no existing Florida Sand Skink population. Fifteen 20 m² enclosures were constructed at the recipient site, and 20 skinks were randomly assigned to each. These enclosures were divided among five treatments, which were represented the range of habitat types at the donor site and differed in the presence or absence of a shade-providing object and coarse woody debris. Translocated skinks were monitored for two years to measure survival and reproduction. While survival and reproduction were apparent in all treatments, survival was significantly greater in enclosures with no shade-providing object and low soil moisture, and reproduction was most evident in enclosures with less light intensity and soil compaction. Common measurement of environmental variables at the donor and recipient sites showed that all of the recipient site enclosures differed from the donor site in the amount of vegetative cover but contained the structural heterogeneity that is associated with Florida Sand Skink presence in the wild. This study indicates that translocation is a practical conservation strategy for this species, and my results can be used to inform protocol for future Florida Sand Skink translocation efforts.
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Sadlier, Ross Allen. "Systematic Studies on the Scincid Lizards of New Caledonia." Thesis, Griffith University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/366402.
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My studies undertaken over the past 30 years have identified the existence of an exceptionally rich and highly diverse scincid lizard fauna in New Caledonia, one typified by regional and localised endemism at a level not indicated by earlier studies. The patterns of broad and finer-scale endemism revealed in the phylogenetic studies indicate a complex evolutionary history for the scincid lizard fauna, one which reflects the historical complexity of the island’s environment, and provides a window into the likely processes that shaped the present day biota. Further, it places the evolution of the New Caledonian lizard fauna in a broader regional context, identifying it as intimately linked with the endemic New Zealand skink fauna, and challenging current conventional theories of a recent post emersion Oligocene origin for the New Caledonia biota.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy by Publication (PhD)
Griffith School of Environment
Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology
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Vargas, Mariana L. "Host-parasite coevolution in New Zealand: how has Odontacarus, a mite with a free-living stage in its life-cycle, coevolved with its skink host?" Lincoln University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10182/1072.
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The effect of a free-living stage in host-parasite coevolution: a skink mite phylogenetic study in New Zealand. During the last decade, phylogenetic trees have even been used to compare ecologically related taxa such as parasites and their hosts, and are used to determine their level of coevolution or reciprocal adaptation in time. Diverse coevolutionary events have been detected for this ecological association, where generally the parasite has been regarded as one that feeds exclusively on the host and is likely to cospeciate with it. A different coevolutionary pattern might occur when the parasite has a free-living stage in its life cycle, in which the parasite may have the opportunity to abandon its host and successfully colonise a new species (host-switching) making cospeciation less likely. Many New Zealand skinks are infested with a parasitic mite, Odontacarus sp. (Prostigmata: Leeuwenhoekiidae), which becomes free-living as an adult. The genetic variation of these mites found on four hosts was analyzed for host- parasite coevolutionary events. The hosts were the McCann’s skink and the common skink in coastal Birdling Flat, Canterbury, plus these species and the Grand and Otago skinks in Macraes Flat, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand. The genetic variation of fast evolving nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacers 2 and mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase I in Odontacarus mites found on these hosts was determined by PCR and DNA sequencing and phylogenetic trees were built using the computer programs PAUP*4 and MrBayes 3. The results show that mite haplotypes only had a significant geographical division and no host-related differences. In Birdling Flat, the COI haplotypes were represented in two groups that infested both regional hosts and had 5.7 % divergence. The same individual mites belonged to a single ITS 2 haplotype, thus indicating a historical geographical division between two populations that now interbreed successfully. The Macraes Flat mites were divided into two COI haplotypes with 2.4% divergence and internal nodes, which showed greater genetic variability than the Birdling Flat populations. The Macraes Flat mites formed two ITS 2 haplotypes with 6% divergence. This greater geographical structure of the Otago mites is probably due to the older age of the mainland area compared to the recently exposed coastal locality of Birdling Flat. The COI haplotypes from the two different regions had a mean distance of 15.5%, with an earlier divergence time than that known for the hosts. For both genes, the haplotypes from different regions had 100% bootstrap support and the parasite showed no host specificity. Mites of the different COI and ITS haplotypes were found on most of the host species that were sampled in Canterbury and Otago. The results of this study suggest that a free-living stage in a parasite’s life cycle can favour coevolutionary events such as inertia (failure to speciate) and host-switching, probably as a result of resource-tracking of the parasite. NB: Electronic files contained on CD to accompany print copy are not included with this version of the thesis.
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Bannock, C. A. "Implications of past and future vegetation change for the lizard fauna of Motunau Island." Lincoln University, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10182/442.
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Abundance, distribution and habitat preferences of the lizard species present on Motunau Island, off the Canterbury coast of New Zealand, were investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which recent vegetation change on Motunau Island has effected the lizard community and what implications this has for the future management of the Island. Three species of lizard occur on Motunau Island; the common gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus), common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma) and spotted skink (O. lineoocellatum). Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were present on the island from 1862 until their eradication in 1962. Since then, vegetation on the island has changed from being tussock-dominated to being dominated by exotic weeds. Data from lizard pitfall trap surveys carried out in 1967-75 by Tony Whitaker of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) were compared with new pitfall trapping data to determine if changes in the lizard population had occurred in response to these vegetation changes. The abundance of O. n. polychroma and H. maculatus does not appear to change significantly. The distribution of these two species were significantly correlated but neither showed any preference for a particular type. The abundance of O. lineoocellatum was significantly greater in 1996/97 than in the earlier DSlR surveys. This could be a result of the vegetation becoming more open and more structurally complex since the early surveys. This would offer greater opportunities for O. lineoocellatum (which is strongly heliothermic) to thermoregulate and forage. O. lineoocellatum showed no consistent significant preference towards any habitat type, although they tended to be found more in 'margin' habitat. Research into pitfall trapping and the way lizard behaviour may influence pitfall trapping data needs to be undertaken as there is a possible trap bias in this study. Management of Motunau Island needs to ensure that a structurally complex environment is maintained to ensure high numbers of all three lizard species can continue to coexist.
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Stewart, Annabelle Greer. "Dibblers on the Jurien islands : the influence of burrowing seabirds and the potential for competition from other species." University of Western Australia. School of Animal Biology, 2007. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2007.0066.
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[Truncated abstract] The dibbler, Parantechinus apicalis, is an endangered marsupial that exists on Boullanger, Whitlock and Escape islands off Jurien Bay in Western Australia. The introduced house mouse, Mus domesticus, exists on Boullanger and Whitlock islands, and the King’s skink, Egernia kingii, inhabits Boullanger and Escape islands. The grey-bellied dunnart, Sminthopsis griseoventer, exists on Boullanger Island. Over the last 150 years, the wedge-tailed shearwater, Puffinus pacificus, has colonised the islands to varying degrees. The interaction between dibblers and other island species is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the main factors regulating the dynamics of mammals, and in particular dibblers, on the Jurien islands. This was achieved by examining the effect of seabirds, the competitive interactions between species living on the islands, and seasonal changes in the environment. Animals were trapped for a period of 30 months, and their population structure, body condition, longevity, habitat preferences, diet and ecophysiology were examined. The results presented support the theory that by increasing soil nutrient concentrations, burrowing seabirds increase the primary productivity of islands, which has flow on effects to other trophic levels. Densities of seabirds and soil nutrient concentrations were highest on Whitlock Island, intermediate on Escape Island, and lowest on Boullanger Island . . .Thirty-five percent of dibblers on Escape Island were missing their tail or a limb, probably as a result of aggression from King’s skinks. Competition from high numbers of house mice on Boullanger Island, and from high numbers of King’s skinks on Escape Island, may increase the occurrence of male die-off on these islands. The better body condition and greater longevity of dibblers on Whitlock Island, despite high numbers of house mice, suggests that abundant resources are available to sustain both species. This study demonstrates that high densities of seabirds positively affect the population dynamics of mammals on the Jurien islands. Burrowing seabirds appear to influence the dynamics of dibblers more so than competition from house mice or King’s skinks. The findings from this study will assist the Dibbler Recovery Team with future management decisions regarding the viability of dibblers on the Jurien islands, and with decisions regarding the necessity to control house mouse numbers in the presence of native species.
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Bellamy, Stephen, and steve bellamy@flinders edu au. "RESOURCE PARTITIONING BETWEEN TWO SYMPATRIC AUSTRALIAN SKINKS, EGERNIA MULTISCUTATA AND EGERNIA WHITII STEPHEN BELLAMY Thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy AUGUST 2006 SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES FLINDERS UNIVERSITY, ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA ________________________________________." Flinders University. Biological Sciences, 2007. http://catalogue.flinders.edu.au./local/adt/public/adt-SFU20070124.145924.
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When species compete for resources, in a stable homogeneous environment, there are two possible outcomes. The first is that one species will out-compete the other and exclude it from the environment. This is known as the competitive exclusion principle. The second is that both species will manage to coexist. Coexistence can only occur if the species niches are differentiated such that interspecific competition is minimised, or eliminated. This outcome is known as resource partitioning.
Two closely related Australian skink species of the Egernia genus, Egernia multiscutata and Egernia whitii, are abundant and sympatric on Wedge Island in South Australias Spencer Gulf. The species are morphologically very similar and appear to have very similar life histories and habitat requirements. Ostensibly, they would compete for limiting resources in this environment.
This thesis is the first investigation into resource partitioning in this previously unstudied model organism. I report the results of multi-faceted investigations into the coexistence of the skinks, E. multiscutata and E. whitii on Wedge Island and the evidence for, and mechanisms of, any facultative resource partitioning between them.
Study methods involved a transect survey of most of Wedge Island to determine the species distributions and any evidence for resource partitioning; a morphological comparison to investigate any potential competitive advantages of either species; a habitat choice experiment to establish retreat-site preferences in the absence of interspecific interference; and, a series of staged dyadic encounter experiments to investigate interspecific competitive interactions.
Resource partitioning was evidenced by differential distributions of the species among substrates containing the elements required for permanent refuge shelters. This partitioning was not mediated by avoidance of particular substrates but by the presence of the opponent species, combined with attraction to suitable substrates. Asymmetries in some morphological characters were found to confer a potential competitive advantage to E. multiscutata in agonistic encounters with E. whitii. Both species were found to have the same refuge site preferences when interference competition was experimentally removed. This result was not concordant with observed resource partitioning in the field and suggests that the habitat choices of both species are modified by the presence of the opponent species. Analyses of staged dyadic encounter experiments showed that E. multiscutata was more likely to gain greater access to a contested habitat resource and more likely to exclude E. whitii from the resource than vice-versa. Nevertheless, the outcome of competitive interactions was not completely deterministic and there was some tolerance of co-habitation. E. multiscutatas competitive advantage was attributable largely to its greater mass and head dimensions relative to snout to vent length. However, differential behavioural responses to the threat of larger opponent size also played an important part in resource partitioning between the species.
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JESUS, CRISTIANE FATIMA DIAS DE. "SKIN DISORDERS: ONE SKIN FOR TWO?" PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO, 2004. http://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/Busca_etds.php?strSecao=resultado&nrSeq=5226@1.
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COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIORA pele tem uma importância fundamental na nossa constituição psíquica. Através dos primeiros contatos de pele com a mãe ou ambiente maternante o bebê começa a formar as mais primitivas impressões acerca do corpo que lhe pertence e do mundo que o rodeia. Este estudo pretende mostrar que as afecções de pele refletem um desejo de retorno ou permanência no estado de indiferenciação com a mãe. Deste modo, parte-se do princípio que distorções no elo mãe-filho desde cedo não permitem ao mesmo vivenciar com naturalidade seu trajeto rumo à independência, nos termos de Winnicott, ou em direção à individuação, de acordo com Mahler. A falta de um ambiente bom o bastante dificulta a aquisição de uma experiência subjetiva de corpo. Por outro lado, abordam- se também os pressupostos da Escola de Psicossomática de Paris, segundo a qual, os processos que levam à vulnerabilidade psicossomática também estariam relacionados à falhas na estruturação desta ligação, resultando na insuficiência e/ ou desorganização das funções psíquicas. Portanto, com este objetivo pretende-se mostrar que as afecções de pele refletem uma falha nos processos de delimitação das fronteiras do corpo pela falta ou inadequação do investimento materno nos primeiros anos de vida, dificultando a experiência de unidade e coesão de seus processos internos e externos. Na parte final, procede-se à discussão de um caso clínico à luz das teorias anteriormente mencionadas.
The skin is of basic importance to our psychic constitution. Through the first skin contacts with the mother or mothering environment the baby starts to form the most primitive impressions concerning the body that belongs to him/her as well as the world that surrounds it. This study intends to show that skin disorders reflect the desire of a return or permanence in the state of indiferenciation with the mother. In this way, based on distortions in the early mother-baby link, the child is not allowed to naturally live his passage towards independence, as per Winnicott, or towards individuation, according to Mahler. The lack of a good enough environment makes the acquisition of a subjective body experience difficult. On the other hand, principles of the school of psychoanalytic psychosomatics of Paris were used, according to which processes that lead to the psychosomatic vulnerability would also be related to imperfections in structuring this relationship, which would result in an insufficient and/or a disorganization of the psychic functions. Therefore with this objective in mind, it was intended to show that skin disorders reflect a failure in the process of delimitation of the body limits due to the lack or inadequate maternal investments in the first years of life, hindering an experience of oneness and cohesion of internal and external processes. In the final part of the dissertation a clinical case is discussed according to the theoretical background covered in this work.
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Pan, Wei. "Skin image processing and skin characterizations." Thesis, London South Bank University, 2017. http://researchopen.lsbu.ac.uk/1847/.
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The skin hydration and skin Trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) are of great importance in many skin research areas, such as dermatology, clinical analysis, pharmacology and cosmetic science etc. However, to measure them is not easy. Over the year , our research group has developed three novel technologies for such measurement : Opto Thermal Transient Emission Radiometry (OTTER), AquaFlux and capacitive contact imaging based on the Fingerprint sensor. The aim of this research is to develop new skin image processing and data analysis techniques for capacitive contact images, as well as digital colour images, and to develop new methodologies for skin characterization by using the three technologies. For skin image processing, a new GUI based MATLAB programme has been developed, which can be used for extracting and analysing the images from the result files created by the measurement instruments. The programme implement the skin image processing techniques such as image enhancement (i.e. brightness equalization, extraction of skin texture, hair removal), image stitching, image matching and skin surface 3D profiling etc. Another image processing programme based on OpenCV has also been developed, which is more suitable for real time video processing, including contour detection, texture extraction and face detection etc. For the skin characterization, several experiments are conducted: skin over hydration experiments; kin damage assessment including intensive washing, SLS irritations, and tape stripping; dermabrasion experiments; soap drying effect assessment. These experiments provide better understandings of the technologies. The occlusion effects in capacitive images shows good potential for skin damage assessment, as it can not only reflect the scale of damage, but also the types of damage.
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Desai, Arjun. "Designing building skins." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/65679.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M. Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1992.Includes bibliographical references (p. 55).
This thesis involves framing criteria and discerning issues to be considered in the design of building skins in an urban environment. The 'information age' has paradoxically seen the demise of the facade as an important signifier of cultural meaning. Homogeneous and minimally articulated skins have become silent and passive masks, creating anonymous and unresponsive urban environments. In contrast, the decorated facades of post-modem architecture have failed to address questions of meaning and representation in a serious and satisfactory way. Perhaps the problem is not solely one of economic constraints and misguided construction practices, but a lack of understanding and evaluation of the role of the skin, both as an architectural element, and as a social and cultural phenomenon. This thesis will use the ethnographic theories of Gottfried Semper as a basis for establishing themes that have persisted in the understanding and construction of closure elements since the earliest shelters of man. The issue of transparency and spatial depth will then be addressed as a modem social and architectural dilemma, inseparable from the problem of designing building facades. Thirdly, this thesis will be concerned with skins that have a high degree of operability, allowing them to adapt to a dynamic and ever changing environment. The vehicle for exploring the problem of building skins will be the design of a market building in the Haymarket area of Boston.
by Arjun Desai.
M.Arch.
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George, Maryan. "Adrenaline releases level on skin-to skin touches." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för hälsovetenskaper, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-19090.
Full textAbstract:
Human pleasant touches promote feelings of security, supportiveness, and wellbeing. Conversely, human unpleasant touches promote the body for either “fight or flight” or “short term acute stress” during emergencies, feeling of stress or danger. The promoted stress response is released from the hypothalamus by the sympathetic nerve system further to the spinal cord to reach the signals to the adrenal medulla, where stress hormones adrenaline is released. Adrenaline, which is characterized by a mimic sympathetic nerve system, interacts with α and β receptors on different organs. The aim for this study was to investigate whether the stroker (partner/stranger) touch effects on adrenaline hormone releases. The null hypothesis for this study entails a significant adrenaline reduction in partners’ touches compared with strangers’ touches. Indirect competitive ELISA method was used, and concentration data of a total of sixteen participants was obtained. Whitney-U test was carried out to compare group differences within stroker (stranger/partner) touches and adrenaline releasing level. In addition, correlation in adrenaline with noradrenaline and oxytocin hormones was obtained using Spearman’s correlation test. The significant p-value 0.05 was conducted. The result of this study showed no differences between stroker (partner/stranger) associated with adrenaline hormone release. Correlation between partner maximum (max) concentration data for both oxytocin and adrenaline had significant differences. However, max variables for adrenaline and noradrenaline within stroker did not show significant differences. The conclusion of this study is that the gentle touch stimulus used in this study was not enough to detect stress hormone in adrenaline.
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Lutz, Monica Ann. "Skin-to-Skin Bonding and Cesarean Section Delivery." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1368115929.
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Meade, Celia. "Skin boat." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/tape17/PQDD_0002/MQ34931.pdf.
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Orth, Margaret A. (Margaret Ann) 1964. "Skin flicks." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/69305.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.S.V.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1993.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-102).
The written and artistic part of this thesis are both separated into the two categories of "SKIN" and "FLICKS". The Artistic part of my thesis consists of five artificial skins made on my body, and a series of video tapes of the performance of me making those skins. A number of devices have been built into these skins to provide my body and self with messages and stimuli from the outside. Through the action of rebuilding myself and exposing some of the elements that form me I am physically and materially exploring the nature of subjectivity and constructed self in our society. The video tapes of the performance are representations of both the act of rebuilding myself and my body. They are reflections and criticism of the way women are taught to see and present themselves in our culture. They are the product of my perspective and of a culture of surveillance, pornography and empirical observation. The written part of my thesis deals with the sanctity of making through the two categories of "SKIN" and "FLICKS". The "SKIN" part consists of analysis of the physical properties of skin, its ability to be imitated and its role in material making. It relates our attempt to recreate ourselves to the "rebuilding" of the natural world. It explores through the physical material skin, the value and purpose of material making. The "FLICKS" section of my document explores and examines some of the history of the representation of skin in visual art. This history includes some classical works, Renaissance works, nineteenth century nudes and contemporary films. It also questions the ability of images to represent anything other than skin through a discussion of iconoclasm and its relation to some contemporary critical practices in the arts.
by Margaret Orth.
M.S.V.S.
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Pugach, N. V., and S. S. Stryzhak. "The skin." Thesis, Sumy State University, 2015. http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/40573.
Full textAbstract:
The skin is our body‘s envelope, acting both as a protection
and as a means of interacting with the outside world. Its structure is
complex and divided into three layers: the epidermis, the outermost
layer, the dermis, and the deepest, the hypodermis, each of which
fulfils precise functions.
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Gentry, Retha D., Lisa Ousley, and Candice N. Short. "Skin Examination." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2019. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7148.
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Bielak, Britta. "Second Skin." VCU Scholars Compass, 2014. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3583.
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Reason for writing. The space of confusion and possibility where the practices of art and design collide seems to be in a constant amoebic state. This place of shared influence and growth seems to pervade not only the intersection of these two disciplines, but within interior design, the intersection of people and space. How can the boundaries between an interior space and it’s inhabitants be as richly embedded with tension and opportunity as the edges where art and design meet? Like art and design, how can a space and it’s visitors interact to affect one another?
Problem + Methodology: This project explores these questions in a context mindful of their origin: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The design proposal of inserting a fashion wing into the VMFA’s existing context evolves from research and process work across art, design, and architecture, from the scale of the building to the scale of a seat.
Results + Implications: The challenge of creating public space that can be just as responsive to and influential over it’s inhabitants as private space seems resolved through the navigation of movement and moment. Finding value in an unscripted discovery of a space and the ownership of private experiences, offers a way to feel engaged with and connected to a space that doesn’t rely on object ownership or territorial comfort. This solution does rely, however, on inhabitants capable of being present and responsive to their environment, allowing other visitor’s interactions with the space and their individual path through the exhibits to affect their perceptions of and connectedness with the design.
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Williams, Court. "Sensitive skin." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2008. https://hdl.handle.net/2123/28932.
Full textAbstract:
The work being considered for examination will be my gallery installation Affliction.
Consisting of approximately six hundred digitally printed and hand constructed three
dimensional models, it will be installed on the gallery floor as a part of the Postgraduate
Degree show at Sydney College of the Arts (Tuesday December 9th through to Wednesday
December 17th).
My masters project explores the isolation and dislocation experienced in the urban
environment and situates un-commissioned street art as a construct that potentially
generates modes of plurality through immediate encounter, collaboration and intervention.
My work explores the inter-activity of street art. This is done through a reading of Nicolas
Bourriaud’s Relational Aesthetics - a theory of art that takes as its theoretical horizon
the realm of human inter-actions in social spaces. 1 demonstrate the inter-activity of street
art through a discussion of my work as well as the work of three other street artists.
In doing so, 1 also draw attention to the virtual characteristics of the anonymous urban
environment by locating street art as a virtual representation of the art world, the street
artist as an avatar and the city surface as an online blog.
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Newall, Tracy (Nelly). "Skin tear prevention: what Is “usual” skin moisturising practice?" Thesis, Curtin University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/2248.
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This study was an adjunct to a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test whether skin moisturising reduced the incidence of skin tear development.Staff surveys and interviews identified that there was ad hoc moisturising practice pre-intervention while post-intervention “usual”’ practice matched the intervention protocol at just the intervention sites. This finding therefore allowed the RCT to conclude that the lower skin tear incidence found in the intervention sites could be attributed to the moisturising protocol.
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Taylor, Anne. "Knowledge and reported behaviour of South Australian adults regarding sun protection /." Adelaide : University of Adelaide, Dept. of Community Medicine, 1996. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09MPM/09mpmt238.pdf.
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Larocque, Catherine. "Are We on the Same Page About Skin-to-Skin Care? A Descriptive Correlational Study Exploring Skin-to-Skin Care for Postoperative NICU Infants." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/41079.
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Family-centered care (FCC) is considered the gold standard for care delivery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). However, there are challenges with the implementation of FCC in practice and there is limited literature about how to tailor this approach for specialized NICU populations.
To explore FCC for surgical neonates in the NICU, the concept was explored using Roger’s evolutionary concept analysis. Results illustrate that FCC in the NICU is a philosophy or care, rather than a set of interventions. The subsequent cross-sectional descriptive exploratory study showed that the surgical infants in our sample (n=11) received a limited amount of skin-to-skin care (median 0 mins/day) and parents reported challenges to being involved in their infant’s care.
This thesis supports the challenges with the implementation of FCC in practice and both the need to consider multiple perspectives and the need for broader systemic change in order to support a FCC philosophy.
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Smith, Sarah A. "A molecular phylogenetic study of the Eugongylus group of skinks /." Title page, table of contents and abstract only, 2001. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phs659.pdf.
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Miller, Melina Rose, and Melina Rose Miller. "Best practice guidelines for skin-to-skin contact following birth." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/626827.
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The purpose of this thesis was to develop an educational pamphlet with best practice guidelines for expectant parents and nurses about skin-to-skin contact. The research conducted for this thesis focused on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for mothers, pre-term infants, and term infants following both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. Skin-to-skin contact has been referred to as the optimal form of care for a newborn (Erlandsson, Dsilna, Fagerberg, & Christensson, 2007). When skin-to-skin contact does not occur following birth, the most common reasons are lack of education among parents and lack of collaboration of the healthcare team (Zwedberg, Blomquist, & Sigestad, 2013). Some of the benefits skin-to-skin contact has to offer for mothers is as a reduction in anxiety, depression, and postpartum hemorrhage (Moore, Anderson, & Bergmen, 2009). Some of the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for infants is a reduction in sepsis, infection, and hypothermia. Pre-term infants are also more likely to breastfeed and gain more weight daily if they engage in skin-to-skin contact (Conde-Agudelo & Díaz-Rossello, 2016). Implementing an educational pamphlet within the setting of a childbirth class would provide expecting parents with evidence-based information on the benefits and feasibility of skin-to-skin contact.
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Bertaux, Emilie. "Mechanical friction between skin and sport textiles yielding skin irritation." Valenciennes, 2008. https://ged.uphf.fr/nuxeo/site/esupversions/808ac959-0f92-473f-b3bb-2a0acab897a8.
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Afin d'améliorer le confort des coureurs en réduisant l'irritation de la peau due au phénomène de friction mécanique, le Textile Friction Analyzer a été récemment développé au sein de l'Empa. Cet appareillage permet de caractériser la friction peau-textile (T-shirt et chaussette) en utilisant une peau artificielle (skin model) et ceci en simulant les conditions de contacts durant la pratique sportive. Différentes peaux artificielles ont été développées afin de reproduire les propriétés frictionnelles de la peau du pied ou du téton humain. Les paramètres de tests comme la force de contact, la vitesse relative et le nombre de cycles propres à chaque textile et type d'activité sportive ont été définis par la réalisation d'études biomécaniques. Une autre étape importante a consisté au développement d'un système de chauffage pour la peau artificielle et la simulation de la sudation. Ces conditions spécifiques permettent donc la simulation de la friction mécanique entre la peau et les vêtements sportifs du type chaussette et T-shirt proche de la réalité. Le Textile Friction Analyzer a été utilisé pour étudier l'influence des fibres et des constructions sur la friction. De plus, des tests avec sujets ont été réalisé afin d'analyser les relations entre les paramètres textiles, physiologiques et sensoriels basés sur le confort durant la pratique sportive. Les résultats obtenus représentent une avancée dans la compréhension de l'influence des différents paramètres sur l'irritation de la peau durant l'activité sportive et peuvent être utilisés ultérieurement pour le développement de vêtements sportifs à faible coefficient de friction afin d'améliorer le confort des sportifsIn order to improve runners' comfort by reducing skin irritation due to mechanical friction, a Textile Friction Analyzer was previously developed at Empa. This measurement device characterizes the friction of socks and T-shirts against mechanical skin models under cyclic contact conditions which are typical for sport activities. Different skin models were developed in order to simulate the frictional properties of human foot skin or the human nipple. Testing parameters such as contact pressure, sliding velocity and number of friction cycles depend on the specific textile and sport application and were defined on the basis of biomechanical studies using pressure sensors and high speed cameras. Another important step was to develop a heating system for the skin models used on the Textile Friction Analyzer and to simulate the sweating of the human body. The specified testing conditions allow simulating cyclic friction contacts between sport textiles such as socks and T-shirts and skin close to reality. The Textile Friction Analyzer was used to study the influence of fibers and constructions on friction. Moreover, subjective tests were carried out to investigate the relationships between textile, physiological and sensorial parameters on comfort during sport activity using principal component analysis and decision trees. The results of this research represent a step towards a better understanding of the influence of different parameters on skin manifestations during sport activity which can be used for developing low friction sport textiles to increase sportsmen's comfort
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Karsten, Aletta Elizabeth. "The effect of skin phototype on laser propagation through skin." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/24272.
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The use of lasers for diagnosis and treatment in medical and cosmetic applications is increasing worldwide. Not all of these modalities are superficial and many require laser light to penetrate some distance into the tissue or skin to reach the treatment site. Human skin is highly scattering for light in the visible and near infrared wavelength regions, with a consequent reduction of the fluence rate. Melanin, which occurs in the epidermis of the skin, acts as an absorber in these wavelength regions and further reduces the fluence rate of light that penetrates through the epidermis to a treatment site. In vivo fluence rate measurements are not viable, but validated and calibrated computer models may play a role in predicting the fluence rate reaching the treatment site. A layered planar computer model to predict laser fluence rate at some depth into skin was developed in a commercial raytracing environment (ASAP). The model describes the properties of various skin layers and accounts for both the absorption and scattering taking place in the skin. The model was validated with optical measurements on skin-simulating phantoms in both reflectance and transmission configurations. It was shown that a planar epidermal/dermal interface is adequate for simulation purposes. In the near infrared wavelength region (676 nm), melanin (consisting of eumelanin and pheomelanin) is the major absorber of light in the epidermis. The epidermal absorption coefficient is one of the required input parameters for the computer model. The range of absorption coefficients expected for typical South African skin phototypes (ranging from photo-sensitive light skin, phototype I on the Fitzpatrick scale, to the photo-insensitive darker skin phototype V) was not available. Non-invasive diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements were done on 30 volunteers to establish the expected range of absorption coefficients. In the analysis it became apparent that the contributions of the eumelanin and pheomelanin must be accounted for separately, specifically for the Asian volunteers. This is a new concept that was introduced in the diffuse reflectance probe analysis. These absorption coefficient measurements were the first to be done on the expected range of skin phototypes for the South African population. Other authors dealing with diffuse reflectance probe analysis only account for the dominant eumelanin. Both the epidermal absorption coefficient and thickness are important in the prediction of the fluence rate loss. The computer model was used to evaluate the effect of the epidermal absorption coefficient (a parameter dictated by an individual’s skin phototype) and the epidermal thickness on the fluence rate loss through the skin. The epidermal absorption is strongly wavelength dependent with the higher absorption at the shorter wavelengths. In the computer model a longer wavelength of 676 nm (typical for a photodynamic treatment (PDT) of cancer) was used. For the darker skin phototypes (V) only about 30% of the initial laser fluence rate reached a depth of 200 ìm into the skin (just into the dermis). For the PDT application, results from the computer model indicated that treatment times need to be increased by as much as 50% for very dark skin phototypes when compared to that of very light phototypes.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Physics
unrestricted
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Zulfiker, Abu Hasanat Md. "Compound Identification and Functional Characterisation of Cane Toad Skin Extracts." Thesis, Griffith University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/365733.
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Amphibians are storehouse of bioactive compounds. Among them, the skin of toad species is rich in biologically active compounds such as peptides, proteins, steroids, alkaloids and opioids. Some of these compounds have found significant therapeutic applications, for example as antibacterials, antifungals, antiprotozoals, antidiabetics, antineoplastics, analgesics and sleep inducing agents. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aqueous extracts of Chinese toad skins have been used for centuries to treat pain, swelling, heart failure and several types of cancer with minimal to no side effects, generating a 10 billion USD market in China. Numerous compounds have been identified from these Chinese toad skin extracts, which have reported therapeutic activities in various disease conditions, either as a single compound or as a group of compounds. In Traditional Korean Medicine, toad extracts have also been reported to show potential activity against anxiety and depression. In Australia and America cane toad skins have a history of recreational use for euphoric purposes. This information coupled with knowledge of its use in China and Korea enabled us to hypothesise that Queensland cane toad skin extracts would likely contain similar ‘biologically-active’ compounds in selective extracts. This thesis reports on research work carried out to identify such ‘biologically-active’ extracts and/or compounds, then functionally characterise these in cultured cells for investigation of their therapeutic relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders, especially in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - potentially identifying potent therapeutics for future development.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Medical Science
Griffith Health
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Eriksson, Sofia. "Beyond the skin." Thesis, Konstfack, Ädellab, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:konstfack:diva-6409.
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This paper presents an investigation in stages of transformation between body and ornament to show upon their fluid relationship and their role for the creation of human identity. I see the act of adorning the body as an act of desire, in which we take part to become something more elevated than our original state of being. I use my background as a jeweller and the body as the territory for investigating these acts of transformation. Through material explorations I examine how we mirror ourselves in the things we make and how we reinvent our bodies through making. I compare the role of the maker with the scientist and discuss the increased interest in the body and its relation to a more and more virtual reality. I make links between ancient body modifications and human enhancement within new technology and throughout the paper I discuss my work in relation to other artists work and theorists relating to visual practices.
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McCaffrey, Clare Alexis. "Inhabiting the Skin." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/35220.
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Appreciation of the natural light, air, and scenery outside the built interior environment spurs the architect's desire to "bring the outside in". (Lately, floor-to-ceiling glazing is the most popular way of doing this.) Appreciation of what can be found "in the wall" also inspires the architect. Neither inside nor outside, being "in the wall" offers unique sensory experiences. Historically, the thick masonry walls of public buildings provided spaces (such as the arched vestibule of a library) within the walls' openings where people could gather to talk or wait out the rain. Another example of space within walls is the window seat, which is the architect's response to many peoples' desire to curl up inside a window to read a book or to watch what's going on outside. Modern materials and technologies have allowed us to build buildings taller and lighter than ever before but they also have led us to cease creating those special spaces, neither inside nor outside, that protect people from the elements without entirely cutting them off from them.
It is this third space, neither inside nor outside, that I seek to reclaim in this thesis project. I hope to return to people space of fresh air, indirect, natural light, sense of protection, and openness; a place where stories are traded, secrets are whispered, and stars are wished on. With this project, I seek to develop a third space.Master of Architecture
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Taylor, Justine Michelle. "The Third Skin." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/9514.
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The Third Skin project consists of two parts: a research paper that critically examines the convergence of theories of dress and the Japanese all over Body Tattoo (JAOBT) as practices and markers of identity or embodied subjectivity; and a creative body of work consisting of an installation comprised of four garments that feature motifs of carnivorous plants as tattoo prints to reference the femme fatale and women’s sexuality in the popular imagination. By drawing on contemporary popular imagination and nineteenth century Darwinian parallels between insectivorous plants and the suppressed yet purportedly voracious sexual appetite of Victorian women, the studio work visually comments on the control of women’s sexuality in the West. The depictions of carnivorous plants serve as feminist motifs because of their association with a voracious sexuality that cannot be contained. Coupled with discordant colour ways, the motifs suggest perversity and transgression that are allied to queer subjectivity. The prints are stylistic adaptations from the art of the Edo period of Japan arranged on the body and digitally printed on t-shirts in the same saddle shoulder shape as the JAOBT; they feature a replicated graphic background or ‘wind bars’. Examining the body as the key component and by situating the JAOBT in a historical and contemporary context, the research paper investigates how dress and tattooing serves to inscribe the body with meaning, and how tattooing uses a literal method of inscription to achieve the same result. Keeping this in mind, The Third Skin examines and establishes the areas of overlap as they pertain to fashion, identity, art and the tattooed body.
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Njoku, Francisca. "Translating Evidence of Skin-to-Skin and Rooming-in to Practice." Thesis, Walden University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10621910.
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The old practice of separating the mother-baby-dyad was without measurable benefits to mothers or their infants. Evidence has shown that skin-to-skin care (SSC) prevents hypothermia and hypoglycemia, decreases crying during painful procedures in newborns, and reduces maternal anxiety, stress, and postpartum depression. Rooming-in care (RIC) has been linked to an increase in the rate of breastfeeding and mother-infant interaction, as well as a decrease in the infant morbidity rate. This project assessed the effect of an educational intervention to increase rates of SSC and RIC in an obstetric unit, in addition to measuring nurses’ attitudes and barriers in relation to SSC and RIC. The obstetric nurses received educational content related to SSC and RIC based on Kotter’s model of change. A pre and postintervention evaluation showed a significant increase in the rates of SSC and RIC from pretest of 10%, to posttest of 96%; and RIC from pretest of 10% to posttest of 92%. Using a Wilcoxon test, a significant difference was found from pretest to posttest for every subscale score of the Mother-Newborn Skin-to-Skin Contact Questionnaire and Nurse Attitudes and Barriers to nonseparation Scale (p < 0.001), with the exception of belief about obstacles for SSC, which yielded a nonsignificant change (p = 0.57). This DNP project led to changes in the organization’s culture, including the closure of the well-baby nursery. This project promoted social change across the organization, in that the team health care providers delivered evidence-based, standardized, unbiased, and family-centered care to the mother-baby dyad.
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Kerr, Peter Joseph. "A study of skin homeostasis and skin tumorigenesis using transgenic mice." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.366197.
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Marecki, Andrew T. (Andrew Thomas). "Skin strain analysis software for the study of human skin deformation." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/74986.
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Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2012.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 58).
Skin strain studies have never been conducted in a precise and automated fashion. Previous in vivo strain investigations have been labor intensive and the data resolution was extremely limited such that their results were largely qualitative. There is a need for a better system to collect, compute, and output strain measurements of the skin in vivo for the purpose of designing better mechanical interfaces with the body. Interfaces that have the same strain behavior as human skin can minimize shear forces and discomfort for the user. One particular application is improving the design of prosthetic liners for amputees, creating a second skin sleeve that provides support without hindering movement. A custom approach offering high resolution marker density, automatic point tracking and correspondences, and computational transparency is presented in this thesis. The entire computational toolbox is presented, which takes in high resolution digital photographs, tracks points on the surface of the body, corresponds points between body poses, computes a series of strain measures, and graphically displays these data. The results of studies of a full bodied human knee and a transtibial amputee's residual limb are presented here as well.
by Andrew T. Marecki.
S.M.