Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Victoria Population'

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
Bovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by one or more haemoprotozoan parasites of the genus Theileria. In the past, Theileria infection in cattle in Australia was largely asymptomatic and recognized to be associated with Theileria buffeli. However, in the recent years, outbreaks of theileriosis have occurred in beef and dairy cattle in subtropical climatic regions (New South Wales) of Australia. There is also one published report of a recent theileriosis outbreak on a beef farm near Seymour in the south-eastern state of Victoria. In order to gain an improved insight into the genetic composition of Theileria populations following this outbreak, we undertook herein an integrated PCR-coupled mutation scanning-sequencing-phylogenetic analysis of sequence variation in part of the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene within and among samples from cattle involved in the outbreak. Theileria DNA was detected in 89.4% of 94 cattle on the Seymour farm; the genetic analysis showed that the ikeda and chitose genotypes representing the Theileria orientalis complex were detected in 75% and 4.8% of 84 infected cattle, respectively, and that mixed populations of these two genotypes were found in 20.2% of infected cattle. Given unpublished reports of a significant increase in the number of outbreaks in Victoria, future investigations should focus sharply on elucidating the epidemiology of Theileria to subvert the economic impact on the cattle industry in this state. Although used here to explore genetic variation within the T. orientalis complex in Australia, a mutation scanning-based approach has broad applicability to other species of Theileria in other countries.
RESUMO - ANÁLISE GENÉTICA DE POPULAÇÕES DE THEILERIA ORIENTALIS, EM BOVINOS, APÓS UM SURTO DE THEILERIOSE EM VITORIA, AUSTRÁLIA - A teileriose é uma doença transmitida por carraças e causada por hemoprotozoários pertencentes a uma ou mais espécies do género Theileria. Historicamente, a infecção de gado na Austrália, com este parasita, é considerada assintomática e associada especificamente à espécie Theileria buffeli. Contudo, nos últimos anos, surtos de teileriose têm ocorrido tanto em explorações de carne como de leite em regiões de clima subtropical da Austrália (Nova Gales do Sul). Recentemente foi publicado um relatório, correspondente a um surto de teileriose perto de Seymour, Victoria, um estado a sudeste do país. A fim de obter uma melhor compreensão sobre a composição genética das populações de Theileria envolvidas neste surto, foi levado a cabo um sistema de análise integrada de PCR - análise de mutações – sequenciação– filogenia, das variações existentes na sequência de parte do gene codificador da principal proteína de superfície do piroplasma (major piroplasm surface protein – MPSP), dentro e entre diferentes amostras provenientes de animais residentes na exploração envolvida no surto. O ADN do parasita foi detectado em 89,4% de 94 bovinos testados, na exploração de Seymour e a subsequente análise genética mostrou que os genótipos Ikeda e Chitose, representativos do complexo formado por diferentes estirpes pertencentes à espécie Theileria orientalis, foram detectados em 75% e 4,8% de 84 animais infectados, respectivamente, e que populações mistas compostas por ambos os genótipos foram detectadas em 20,2% desses mesmos animais. Dado que, relatórios não publicados apontam para um aumento significativo do número de surtos de teileriose em Victoria, futuras investigações deverão centrar-se fortemente na elucidação da epidemiologia deste parasita, a fim de avaliar o impacto económico que este poderá ter sobre a indústria bovina neste Estado. Ademais, apesar de usados neste estudo para explorar a variação genética das populações de T. orientalis na Austrália, uma abordagem baseada na análise de mutações tem ampla aplicabilidade para outras espécies de Theileria presentes em outros países.

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CAPES
Uca victoriana von Hagen, 1987 is a crab belonging to the family Ocypodidae typical from intertidal zones, characterized by a strong sexual dimorphism. This current study was elaborate in order to evaluate the information about biology of the population, more specifically about population structure, spatial distribution, and reproductive aspects of U. victoriana from mangrove of Itacuru?? / Coroa Grande located in Sepetiba Bay, RJ. Three transects were established with three areas on the right bank of the Draga river, and each area containing 10 m long and 2.25 m wide. Crabs were collected monthly during the period of November 2010 to October 2011. The animals were collected using a quadrat of 30 x 30 cm, performing three random replicates in each plot. In laboratory, the animals were separated by sex and it were taken biometric measurements such as carapace width, carapace length, abdomen width, height of the larger chelipod, length of the larger chelipod and length of the gonopod. Sediment samples were collected in three transects to determine the granulometric composition. It was collected a total of 529 individuals in the study period, of which 89 were males, 97 females non-ovigerous, 16 ovigerous females and 327 juveniles. In the population structure the frequency distribution of males and females was unimodal. The average size of the female LC was 5,64 ? 1,73 mm and 4,97 ? 1,53 mm for males. The analysis of size comparison between sexes showed that females are significantly larger (U = 23741.5, p <0.001) than males. The overall sex ratio of population was 1,94:1, predominantly males. In spatial distribution, there was a greater abundance of animals in the area 2, where the predominance of juveniles, ovigerous females and non-ovigerous females was not superior to other transects. The average size of the ovigerous females was 6.67 ? 0.60 mm, ranging from 5.38 to 7.70 mm. Mean fecundity was 424 ? 186 eggs, with a range from 211 to 886 eggs. The average size of the eggs was 0.292 ? 0.011 mm, with a width 0.27 to 0.30 mm. Recruitment occurred in April. The morphological maturity of females was estimated for the size 5.0 mm and 5.9 mm for males. It follows that the U. victoriana population from mangrove studied, showed to be stable, showing juveniles during all of the months. The distribution of U. victoriana was not influenced by temperature or granulometric, suggesting that other factors, for example, the abundance of trees or biologic factors could influence their distribution in the mangrove. The fecundity found in this population correlates with the females size, as occurs in most brachyuran. The reproductive period was seasonal, with higher frequency of ovigerous females in the months of September and October.
A esp?cie Uca victoriana von Hagen, 1987 ? um caranguejo pertencente ? fam?lia Ocypodidae, t?pico de zonas entremar?s, caracterizado por um forte dimorfismo sexual. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo obter informa??es sobre a biologia populacional, mais especificamente em rela??o ? estrutura populacional, distribui??o espacial e aspectos reprodutivos de U. victoriana do manguezal de Itacuru??/Coroa Grande localizado na Ba?a de Sepetiba, RJ. Foi estabelecido um transecto com tr?s ?reas na margem direita do rio da Draga, onde cada ?rea tinha 10 m de comprimento por 2,25 m de largura. Os caranguejos foram coletados mensalmente durante o per?odo de novembro de 2010 a outubro de 2011. Os animais foram coletados utilizando-se um quadrat de 30 x 30 cm, realizando-se tr?s r?plicas aleat?rias em cada parcela. No laborat?rio os animais foram separados por sexo e tomadas as medidas biom?tricas, como a largura da carapa?a, comprimento total, largura do abdome, comprimento do maior quel?podo, altura do maior quel?podo e comprimento do gonop?dio. Amostras do sedimento foram coletadas nas tr?s ?reas para determinar a composi??o granulom?trica. Foi coletado um total de 529 indiv?duos no per?odo de estudo, dos quais 89 eram machos, 97 f?meas n?o ov?geras, 16 f?meas ov?geras e 327 juvenis. Quanto ? estrutura populacional, a distribui??o de frequ?ncia em machos e f?meas foi unimodal. O tamanho m?dio da LC dos machos foi de 4,97 ? 1,53 mm e das f?meas de 5,64 ? 1,73 mm. A an?lise de compara??o do tamanho entre os sexos demonstrou que as f?meas s?o significativamente maiores (U= 23741,5; p< 0,001) em rela??o aos machos. A propor??o sexual da popula??o foi de 1,94:1 (M:F), com predomin?ncia de machos. Na distribui??o espacial, houve maior abund?ncia de animais na ?rea 2, onde a predomin?ncia de juvenis, f?meas ov?geras e f?meas n?o ov?geras foi superior em rela??o ?s outras ?reas. O tamanho m?dio das f?meas ov?geras foi de 6,67 ? 0,60 mm, variando de 5,38 a 7,70 mm. A fecundidade m?dia foi de 424 ? 186 ovos, com uma amplitude de 211 a 886 ovos. O tamanho m?dio dos ovos foi de 0,292 ? 0,011 mm, com uma amplitude de 0,27 a 0,30 mm. O pico de recrutamento ocorreu no m?s de abril. A maturidade morfol?gica das f?meas foi estimada para o tamanho de 5,0 mm e dos machos de 5,9 mm de LC. Conclui-se, que a popula??o de U. victoriana do manguezal estudado demonstrou ser est?vel, apresentando juvenis durante todos os meses. A distribui??o de U. victoriana n?o foi influenciada pela temperatura e granulometria, sugerindo que outros fatores como a abund?ncia de ?rvores ou fatores bi?ticos podem estar influenciando sua distribui??o neste manguezal. A fecundidade encontrada nesta popula??o se correlaciona com o tamanho das f?meas, como ocorre na maioria dos braqui?ros. O per?odo reprodutivo foi sazonal, com maior frequ?ncia de f?meas ov?geras nos meses de setembro e outubro.

University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Science.
Many of the world's abalone fisheries have collapsed and in the past 25 years global abalone production has almost halved. Australia now produces 55% of the world's wild abalone and its abalone fisheries are close to, or above, their limits for sustainable yield. Although recruitment over-fishing has generally been singled out as the principal cause of collapse, other factors related to changes in environmental patterns and ecosystem dynamics are also implicated. It is in this context that the central question of this thesis about the sustainability of Victorian abalone populations is posed. The answer to this question would be obvious with the hindsight that follows a collapse, but for a predominantly healthy fishery this is a different proposition. This thesis presents one of the few comprehensive frameworks for abalone resources assessment and sustainable management worldwide. The key elements in the overall governance of the fishery are explored through a compilation of formally published papers and publicly available assessment documents. Topics for these works range from fishery independent abundance surveys, through fishery assessment modelling, biological performance indicators and management strategies to reporting outcomes for ecological sustainability objectives under state and federal legislation. This is done in a mostly quantitative framework that incorporates explicit linkages between assessment and management decision-making processes. Our assessments indicate that the Victorian blacklip resource has been largely sustainable during the past 40 years. The management history of the fishery suggests that this owes much to prudent introduction of a broad range of input and output controls at the behest of industry. However, recent instances of localised depletion, a large but unquantified illegal catch and model predictions of declining mature biomass suggest that there is no room for complacency. In contrast to blacklip, greenlip abalone resources are in need of restorative action and the future existence of a commercial greenlip fishery in Victoria is problematic. It is vitally important that we continue to refine our management, attempt to understand its limitations, address the difficult ecological issues and avail ourselves of emerging technologies that enable greater efficiency and precision in the scale of assessment and management. Finally, having an effective assessment and management framework is insufficient on its own to demonstrate the sustainability of Victorian abalone resources. To properly satisfy legislation for resource sustainability there is a need to document and report the outcomes against specific assessment criteria audited by an independent body on a regular basis. Continued approval to export Victorian abalone overseas is contingent on meeting this requirement.

Changes in population dynamics due to lower fertility and mortality rates, and longer life expectancy have contributed to an ageing population across the world. Initially experienced in developed countries, population ageing is now becoming more apparent in developing countries as well. This thesis investigates the implications of population dynamics, in particular population ageing on Malaysia’s economic growth and its goal of becoming a high-income and advanced nation by 2020. Although the effect of ageing on economic growth takes several paths, the impact on human capital is critical as the latter has been seen as the ‘engine of economic growth’.

Statistics show that Australia has an ageing population which will experience radical changes over the next 50 years due to the progression into retirement of generations born in the ‘baby boom’ years (1945-1965). Statistics also show that the proportion of Australian people over 65 is increasing and, as the majority of deaths occur in this age group the demand for palliative care, or care of the dying, is also likely to increase. Many retiring baby boomers looking for a sea change, gravitate towards coastal and rural areas may well be contributing to Foskey’s (1998) notion of ‘Aged Care Ghettos’ where these areas may not have the desired infrastructure to deal with an increased demand for health services including palliative care services. An increasing focus on, and public interest in palliative care research will likely emerge in keeping with the changing needs of an ageing population. It will become particularly important that relevant research undertakings are initiated to establish a clearer understanding of the issues and problems surrounding palliative care. At the present time there exists a limited research base in relation to palliative care and related services in Australia. While there has been a concentration of palliative support services in urban settings this has not been the case in rural based settings. Palliative Care Australia (2000) reported that half of the people receiving palliative care in Victoria in 1997 died in rural and regional areas, which may be attributed to harsher living environments, poor access to health services, specialists, and health professionals, lower socio-economic status and employment levels, and exposure to occupational hazards. This thesis is concerned with examining palliative care services and related needs in a selected rural area within the Australian state of Victoria. The overall aim of this research was to investigate the availability of palliative care services, trends in ageing and to examine the relationship between the two. Methodology used in this research incorporated a sequential mixed methods approach of quantitative and then qualitative methodology to determine the relationship between the needs of an ageing population and rural palliative care service delivery in Australia. The data collection included demographic statistics from the Australian Bureau of Census and Statistics and Palliative Care Australia, and were used for descriptive purposes to inform and support this research. Other ordinal data were obtained using a questionnaire. These data were analysed in the context of the research. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews with focus groups. The Gippsland area provided an excellent area for this research and the findings of this research would appear to be consistent with the literature relating to access and equity issues faced in rural areas. Other rural areas may replicate the data gathering used in this research. A number of conclusions are able to be drawn from this research based on the review of literature and examination of the emerging issues, results and findings. Statistical projections into ageing indicate that the health of all Australians will have significant consequences for our society as we generally live longer and healthier lives. Health and ageing predictions and projections should prompt key stakeholders including baby boomers, the aged cohorts of the future, to plan and prepare, perhaps redefining ageing in the attempt. Findings further show that planning should include preparations for the expected rise of dementia related diseases and the implications of gender on health which will have ramifications for an ageing population, and in particular for women as carers in our society. As a result of this research recommendations are made for a model for the delivery of palliative care services in rural areas, which is specific to the needs of an ageing population. These recommendations are made in acknowledgement and with respect and consideration for the concerns of the rural community where feedback from focus group participants suggests that rather than another ‘model’, a hospice is what is needed to meet the current and future needs of rural communities. “Another ‘Model’ is the last thing we need, it’s not the how we are doing things, it’s the where – we desperately need a hospice down here” and, “It’s bricks and mortar we want down here, not more theories”. Evidence collected from this research also suggests that a ‘rural attitude’ to death and dying may prevail. In its simplest form, this attitude emerges in statements such as: ‘it’s the country you expect to get less’ and ‘we just look after our own when we can’. It is also apparent that while people in rural areas have the same medical and palliative care needs as those in metropolitan areas, this research shows that they are differentially disadvantaged when it comes to accessing palliative care services. This research has found that a negative relationship exists between ageing trends in a selected rural area of Australia chosen for this study and the availability of palliative care services.

Increasing exploitation of pelagic fish populations worldwide has often resulted in overfishing and the collapse of commercial fisheries and associated serious declines in many marine predator populations, including seabirds. These events highlight the competing demands for limited marine resources. Recent emphasis for the ecologically sustainable management of commercial fisheries has stimulated attempts to manage fisheries by incorporating knowledge of trophic interactions and ecosystem functioning, known as ecosystem-based fisheries management. Seabirds are often highly visible, wide-ranging upper trophic level consumers that aggregate in areas of increased ocean productivity and therefore be used as natural monitors of marine environmental conditions. Further, many seabirds commonly fed on commercially-exploited fish stocks (often targeting prey of similar size). In this study, the population dynamics of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) breeding in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, is investigated and competition between gannets and commercial fisheries is determined. In addition, the potential use of seabird reproductive and population parameters as indicators of the abundance of commercially exploited fish stocks, and pelagic conditions generally, is assessed.

Pimelea spinescens Rye subspecies spinescens is an endemic subshrub found within temperate grasslands of the Victorian volcanic plains. It is listed as critically endangered under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Efforts to bolster populations using horticultural techniques have been largely unsuccessful. For long-term survival it is necessary to successfully germinate seed and employ methods which encourage wild populations to reproduce in situ. The aim of this research was to identify which factors of the biology, ecology and management of P. spinescens populations, significantly affect the species’ in situ recruitment potential.

Overabundant species may have considerable impacts on their habitat, other species and their own populations, thereby threatening biodiversity. Koalas (Phascolarctoscinereus) are overabundant at a number of locations in southeastern Australia due to low mortality and the inability of individuals to emigrate. This has led to the over-browsing of their food resources. Active management is required in order to prevent habitat degradation and the starvation of koalas particularly in populations without Chlamydia-infection, a disease that can cause infertility in females. Predictive population modelling is required if we are to understand the dynamics of the overabundant populations and investigate the consequences and effectiveness of different management strategies. Accurate data for the parameters that contribute to population growth, such as age structure, sex ratio, and age-specific schedules of mortality and fecundity, are therefore needed. In this study, the values of these parameters were determined for overabundant koala populations at Snake Island, Framlingham, Mt Eccles and French Island (Victoria). Data from additional populations were used to ascertain some parameters. These data were used to build stage-structured models to predict population growth of one Chlamydia-free and one Chlamydia-infected koala population.

Ce mémoire porte sur l’impact de la victoire des rebelles lors d’un conflit civil sur l’amélioration des conditions de vies des populations. Les conflits civils sont souvent déclenchés en raison des griefs sociaux, économiques et politiques que peuvent avoir la population et les groupes rebelles contre le gouvernement en place. Mais jusqu’ici, la littérature sur les conflits civils et plus précisément sur l’après-guerre ne nous a pas permis de savoir si, dans les cas où le groupe rebelle sort victorieux du conflit, celui-ci apporte une réponse positive aux griefs qui avaient été soulevés au début du conflit. Autrement dit, observe-t-on une amélioration des conditions socio-économiques des populations après cette victoire ? La recherche menée ici infirme notre hypothèse. Celle-ci stipulait que : le soutien populaire étant nécessaire la plupart du temps au succès d’un groupe rebelle, la légitimité ainsi acquise lui permettrait de gouverner de manière plus démocratique et juste qu’un gouvernement vainqueur et donc, d’apporter des améliorations aux conditions de vie de la population. Après une étude empirique dotée d’analyses de régression simple et multiple, par laquelle on compare plusieurs cas de conflits civils ayant débouché sur la victoire des rebelles et ceux ayant débouché sur la victoire des gouvernements, il en ressort que la victoire des rebelles ne conduit pas à une amélioration des conditions socio-économiques dans le pays. Au contraire, ces conditions se détériorent légèrement dans notre échantillon, tandis qu’on observe une amélioration dans les cas de victoire des gouvernements. Aussi, le mécanisme causal qui faisait donc du régime politique après le conflit une variable intermédiaire entre le résultat du conflit et les conditions socio-économiques, n’est pas confirmé.
This study is about the impact of the rebels’ victory in a civil conflict on improving the living conditions of the population. Civil conflicts are often triggered by social, economic, and political grievances that population and rebel groups may have against the government. However, so far, the literature on civil conflicts and more specifically, on the post-war period has not enabled us to know whether, in cases where the rebel group emerges victorious from the conflict, it provides a positive response to the grievances that had been raised at the start of the conflict. In other words, is there an improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the populations after this victory? The research carried out here refutes our hypothesis. We assume that popular support being necessary most of the time for the success of a rebel group, the legitimacy thus acquired will allow the rebel group to govern more democratically and fairly than a winning government and therefore to improve the living conditions of the population. After an empirical study with simple and multiple regression analysis, by which we compare several cases of civil conflicts, which led to rebel victory and those that led to government victory, it emerges that rebel victory does not lead to an improvement in socio-economic conditions. On the contrary, these conditions deteriorate slightly in our sample, while we observe an improvement in cases where the government is victorious. In addition, our explanatory mechanism, which made the post-conflict political regime an intermediate variable between the outcome of the conflict and socio-economic conditions, is not confirmed.

Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist is a global weed and considered one of the most problematic species in modern agriculture. As a species it has developed resistance to herbicides of nine different active ingredients globally including 5-enolpyruvylskikimate 3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitors, photosystem I (PSI) electron diverters, photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. Examination of 88 C. bonariensis populations collected across northeast Victoria identified that 40% of populations (or plants in specific populations) were resistant to 1080 g a.e. ha⁻¹ glyphosate. Multiple resistance was found to glyphosate and the ALS inhibitors chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl and sulfometuron-methyl in five of the nine populations fully characterised. This is the first reported case of multiple resistance to EPSPS- and ALS-inhibiting herbicides in C. bonariensis. Nine populations collected as part of a resistance survey conducted across northeast Victoria showed varying levels of glyphosate resistance; glyphosate susceptible (GS) biotypes DL4, IR7 and IR11; low level glyphosate-resistant (Gr) biotypes DL3, DL13 and IR14 with Resistance Indices (RI’s) between 2.3 and 2.8; and high level glyphosate resistance (GR) biotypes DL19, IR5 and IR10 with RI’s over 6. Results of laboratory evaluation for herbicide translocation demonstrated that this was not involved in the resistance present in these populations. GR, Gr and GS populations showed differential accumulation of shikimate suggesting insensitive EPSPS may be involved in the resistance found in these C. bonariensis populations. Sequencing both genomic DNA and plasmid DNA identified Pro106-Thr and Pro106-Ser mutations, these mutations have previously been found to confer glyphosate resistance. As these mutations occurred in all three population groups, therefore (an) other mechanism(s) must be contributing to the resistance. Future investigation focused on expression of EPSPS and ABC transporter genes may provide greater insight into the mechanisms conferring resistance in these C. bonariensis populations. C. bonariensis is a successful ruderal invader common on irrigation channel banks in Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. Options approved for herbicide control on channel banks are limited and field experimentation conducted in New South Wales over two years demonstrated that there are no effective herbicide control options for managing the weed in these sites. The lack of effective herbicide options highlights the need for further research into both new herbicides and non-chemical control options. Little is known about the use of defoliation as a strategic management tool of C. bonariensis and information available shows variable results. Field experiments were therefore conducted in Dookie, Victoria and Goolgowi, New South Wales to investigate using defoliation in conjunction with herbicide applications. Greatest control over the two experiments was provided by the sequential applications of paraquat + diquat applied 5-10 days after defoliation; and MCPA + dicamba applied 8-9 days prior to defoliation. These experiments demonstrated effective control could be achieved by the use of defoliation with herbicide application in a double-knock system. In a region where widespread resistance to EPSPS and ALS inhibitors has been demonstrated, additional strategies for management of C. bonariensis are critical.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, 2018.

Background: In Canada, failure to disclose HIV+ status before sex can result in incarceration and status as a registered sex offender for life. In 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that there is no legal mandate for HIV disclosure before sex if (i) a condom is used and (ii) HIV viral loads are extremely low. There is very little known about how the legal mandate for HIV disclosure might inequitably affect the health and safety of sex workers. Purpose: This study critically interrogates the interplay between the legal mandate for HIV disclosure and the routine health-conscious practices (e.g., HIV testing, condom use) of HIV-negative survival sex workers, with particular attention to inequitable health and safety outcomes. This study also qualitatively investigates the structural and social forces that mediate vulnerability to HIV infection and transmission among sex workers, their clients, and their non-commercial, intimate partners. Method: This study employed an adapted grounded theory approach to conducting and analyzing (n=9) open-ended, in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of currently working and recently exited sex workers who were clients at PEERS, an NGO offering services and support to sex workers in Victoria, Canada. Findings: The criminalization of HIV nondisclosure had no discernable influence on behavioural HIV risk factors or HIV testing. Participants lacked accurate knowledge of the legal mandate for HIV disclosure. HIV-related health literacy was low. Participants strongly supported HIV disclosure as a legal obligation – but only for exacting justice, and not for reliably offering protective health benefits. The uptake of high-risk sexual practices was driven almost exclusively by (i) extreme needs when servicing clients (e.g., drugs, childcare, money) and (ii) the rich symbolism of condomless sex in non-commercial, intimate partnerships. Participants reported differential degrees of entrenchment in the sex trade at various times in their working lives due to extreme needs. Participants emphasized the importance of ongoing HIV testing as a personal responsibility in order to monitor and maintain their sexual health. Participants identified increased uptake of HIV-related knowledge as affording the most significant protective health benefits against HIV infection. Implications: Lower levels of HIV-related health and legal literacies in the sample call for greater scrutiny of the impacts of initiatives such as ‘Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS’ (or STOP HIV/AIDS®) which target vulnerable populations across British Columba [BC]. Deeply entrenched sex workers have little recourse to exit the sex trade immediately upon receiving an HIV+ test result, especially in under-resourced social assistance milieux. Targeting this population for HIV testing facilitates the creation of a new caste of HIV+ potential criminals, despite the well-established, beneficial health outcomes at the individual and population levels from early commencement of antiretroviral treatment. Conclusion: Survival sex workers require special considerations in HIV pre-test counselling. The empowerment of sex workers can come firstly through the enhancement of HIV-related health – and legal – literacies. Full knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of HIV testing will allow the consent for HIV testing to be truly informed. New HIV testing guidelines make BC the first province to recommend regular HIV screening for all adults. These guidelines also recommend exclusion of discussions of the criminalization of HIV nondisclosure in pre-test counselling for all patients. Re-thinking the consent for HIV testing among sex workers is crucially important for their immediate health and safety.
Graduate

Health promotion identifies health as a resource for daily living and emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between people and their environments in creating health (MacDonald, 2002). In this thesis. I explore how community gardening programs can be used to improve the health and well being of vulnerable populations by creating positive changes within their physical and social environments. Furthermore, I address how community gardens can educate and empower these populations to live healthier lifestyles. My research is based on the creation and exploration of a project in Victoria. BC, where homeowners share their backyard vegetable gardens with volunteer gardeners. It is a small-scale qualitative study in the tradition of ethnographic research where the aim is to enhance understanding of phenomena (Johnston, Gregory, Pratt, & Watts. 2000. p. 238). I facilitated the project and monitored the progress of three garden partnerships for six months during Victoria's long growing season in 2005. Using in-depth interviews and participant observation techniques. I was able to come to a deeper understanding of the participants' experience of the project. This thesis addresses how the project may have promoted their health and well-being with specific reference to physical, psychological and social health and well-being. Suggestions for improvements for future application of the project are also provided.