Thèses sur le sujet « Strandinger »

The occurrence of stranded cetaceans has been of interest since Aristotle and numerous theories have been advanced to explain stranding phenomena. The causes(s) of mass strandings remain unresolved, but recent investigations suggest the importance of environmental rather than biological aspects. Little emphasis has been placed on the importance of seasonal fluctuations in the number of mass strandings. Stranding data for the past 20 years in Florida, collected by the Southeastern U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Network, show a peak in mass strandings on the Florida east coast during the winter and spring and on the Florida west coast and Keys during the summer and fall. The infrequency of mass strandings suggests that a number of factors must coexist for a stranding to occur. Correlations were found between downwelling-favorable wind conditions and stranding events. Seasonal variations in wind speed and direction create frontal convergences in the ocean environment, which can be tracked by cetaceans. Such wind induced physical oceanographic changes, if followed by cetaceans, may explain why species move from the shelf-break to the near shore environment. In addition, strandings are more likely to occur on beaches that slope gently until a point of more rapid drop-off, allowing deep water to be located nearshore. This analysis suggests that the prevailing winds and high relief areas located close to shore are important factors in the initial stages of a stranding due to their causative effect on frontal structures the week prior to an event.

Marine mammal mass strandings have been documented for centuries, even going as far back as Aristotle. For just as long, the causes of these mass strandings have been questioned. With every species of cetacean known to have stranded, it is important to find trends to understand and prevent these strandings from occurring. With a heightened awareness of this issue, leading to the creation of marine mammal stranding networks throughout the United States in the 1990s, a more comprehensive approach to data collection has helped with the study. Issues such as seasonality, weather, topography, and disease have all been observed as a potential cause of these events. This study attempted to look at the Atlantic Coast of the United States, and its documented mass strandings from 1997-2011. Stranding data taken from the Northeast and Southeast US Marine Mammal stranding network database provided a basis for the study of these mass strandings. Many of the possible causes of these strandings, including seasonality, location, and species were studied. There was some correlation found between seasons and stranding, meaning there are certain times of the year when a cetacean pod may be more likely to strand.

The New Zealand Whale Stranding Data Base (NZWSDB) was set up in association with the Department of Conservation. The NZWSDB contains 1140 records of whale strandings involving a total of 8287 individuals, 35 species, 163 herd strandings, and 304 known live strandings. The geographical distribution and seasonality of strandings are given for 25 species of whales. Major hotspots for strandings occur at Whangarei, Hawke Bay, Farewell Spit, and Chatham Islands (Waitangi and Okawa). Herd stranding is most pronounced for offshore delphinids, in particular the pilot whale. Herd strandings are highly clumped in distribution. In contrast, single-dead strandings (indicative of the population distribution) are evenly scattered. There is a summer high and winter low in the seasonality of strandings. Physical aspects of herd stranding sites are compared with random sites. Slope and bay indentation of stranding sites are significantly different from random sites. Coastal configurations of world multiple herd stranding sites are compared and show similar protruding coastlines with long gently sloping beaches. These configurations and associated currents may trap migrating whales. Klinowska's theory relating stranding sites to geomagnetic topography is tested for 126 herd strandings and 147 single-live strandings. New Zealand herd strandings show no relationship to perpendicular geomagnetic contours or magnetic minima, and whales do not appear to avoid magnetic gradients. Weather conditions at the time of and 24 hours prior to, whale stranding dates are studied for a set of 24 pilot whale herd strandings and 4 sperm whale herd strandings. A significant relationship is found between strandings and increasing barometric pressure. No obvious relationship between whale stranding dates and the lunar cycle is found. Whale strandings are divided into nine categories based on distributional and site patterns. Theories on the causes of whale strandings are discussed. Those theories that do not explain the highly clumped nature of strandings are rejected.

In this research, we explore the linguistic structure of the Spanish of Heritage Speakers, those who have acquired Spanish as the home language in a minority language context (Iverson, 2010). We contribute to the discussion of the properties of Heritage Languages here by examining Preposition Stranding in Heritage Speakers versus native monolingual speakers of Spanish. We claim that the distinct behavior of Heritage Speakers of Spanish supports the claim that Heritage Languages may differ from native monolingual language in the narrow syntax, affecting uninterpretable features of the grammar.

One of the prominent questions in modern psycholinguistics is the relationship between the grammar and the parser. Within the approach of Generative Grammar, this issue has been investigated in terms of the role that Principles of Universal Grammar may play in language processing. The aim of this research experiment is to investigate this topic. Specifically, this experiment aims to test whether the Minimal Structure Principle (MSP) plays a role in the processing of Preposition-Stranding versus Pied-Piped Constructions. This investigation is made with a self-paced reading task, an on-line processing test that measures participants’ unconscious reaction to language stimuli. Monolingual English speakers’ reading times of sentences with Preposition-Stranding and Pied-Piped Constructions are compared. Results indicate that neither construction has greater processing costs, suggesting that factors other than the MSP are active during language processing.

Influential bodies of work in language acquisition studies single out heritage bilingualism as a discrete acquisition process within the bilingualism continuum. In regards to the acquisition of WH-/QU- interrogatives containing prepositional phrases (PP), the present study examined whether heritage speakers (HS) of Brazilian Portuguese (BP) produce preposition stranding (P-stranding) constructions in their heritage language, in contrast to monolingual and adult speakers of BP, where prepositions are pied-piped to form the interrogative. Participants were HS of BP born in the USA and in Brazil, monolinguals, and late bilingual adults. The experiment consisted of an elicited production task and a grammaticality judgment task, both carried out in BP and then in English. Results showed that HS born in the USA use P-stranding in QU- interrogatives productively and systematically, in contrast to the other three groups. Moreover, no evidence of protracted acquisition was found in this group. No signs of attrition were detected among bilinguals.

This thesis presents a study of a construction which I refer to as Verb-Stranding VP Ellipsis. The construction is studied here, specifically, in two distinct senses. First, in chapter two, diagnostics are proposed by which the VP Ellipsis ("VPE") construction can be identified—irrespective of whether the main verb involved is null or overt. It is proposed that these diagnostics can be used to rule out the possibility that the data at issue are cases of other types of null anaphora, such as null arguments, Stripping, Gapping, and Null Complement Anaphora. It emerges from this section of the thesis that Modern Hebrew, Modern Irish, and Swahili have V-Stranding VPE data which form a natural class with English's Aux-Stranding VPE, while Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Spanish do not. The second focus is the question of how V-Stranding VPE should be generated. Chapters 3 and 4 argue in favor of an analysis involving PF Deletion of a VP out of which the main verb has raised, and against an LF Copying treatment. These arguments, in part, involve the Verbal Identity Requirement on VP Ellipsis, a novel generalization involving strict identity in root and derivational morphology between the antecedent- and target clause main Vs of the construction. Within the previously known requirement that elided phrases express semantically Given information, I argue that this generalization results from the fact that the head of an elided phrase must itself express Given information—whether or not the head surfaces as phonologically null.
Dans cette étude, on considère en detail une construction que j'appelle « L'élision d'une expression verbale sans l'élision du verbe principal » (anglais « V-Stranding VP Ellipsis »). Cette construction est étudiée ici, spécifiquement, dans deux sens distincts. Dans le chapitre 2, on propose des diagnostics grace auxquels on peut identifier la construction « élision d'une expression verbale » (« EEV », anglais « VP Ellipsis »), que le verbe principal dans l'expression verbale soit manifeste ou élidé. On soutient que ces diagnostics peuvent être utilisés pour éliminer la possibilité que les données pertinentes soient des exemples d'autres types d'anaphore nulle, tels que argument du verbe nul, le « Stripping », le « Gapping », et le « Null Complement Anaphora ». Ainsi, on propose dans cette section que l'EEV sans l'élision du verbe dans les grammaires de l'hebreu, de l'irlaindais et du swahili forme une classe naturelle avec l'EEV avec l'élision du verbe en anglais. On soutient aussi que cette construction n'existent pas en japonais, en coréen, en espagnol, ou en italienne. Ensuite, on considère la question de comment génerer les exemples d'EEV sans l'élision du verbe. Dans les chapitres 3 et 4, on propose une analyse qui utilise la suppression d'une expression verbale au niveau de la Forme Phonologique (« la suppression FP », anglais « PF Deletion ») aprês le placement du verbe principal a une position en dehors de l'expression verbale, et on presente une explication de la raison pour laquelle une analyse qui utilise des copies de la Forme Logique (« copie FL », anglais « LF Copying ») n'est pas viable. Ceci implique, en partie, la Condition d'Identite Verbale, une généralisation proposé ici pour la premiêre fois, impliquant une identité stricte de la racine et dans la morphologie dérivationnelle entre les verbes principaux des propositions antécedentes et des propositions ciblés. Dans le cadre de la condition connue selon laquelle les syntagmes élidés expriment une information sémantique donnée (anglais « Given »), j e soutiens que la condition d'identité verbale resulte du fait que la tete d'un syntagme élidé doit elle-meme exprimer l'information donnée sémantiquement—que la téte soit phonologiquement manifeste ou nulle.

The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is a valuable data resource for the marine mammal community. Limitations of funding and personnel severely impact the ability of the Network to maintain impeccable databases. This research constructed an application to address database complications and focused on investigating the species identification, temporal and spatial trends for stranding events along the Texas coast. From 1980 to 2004, Tursiops truncatus accounted for approximately 80% of all stranding events. The remainder was 20 additional whale and dolphin species known to reside in the Gulf of Mexico. Tursiops truncatus strand along the entire coastline and are the only species stranding in the bays. All other species stranding are most dense along the southern coastline. The temporal scales of events revealed no linear patterns from 1980 to 2004. A unique cyclic fluctuation occurred from 1992 to 1998, including the highest yearly counts and one isolated mortality event in Port Aransas. Attempts to forecast stranding events beyond 2004 were inconclusive due to multiple factors influencing a stranding event. A bimodal seasonal trend was evident, with events peaking in the spring and fall months. Density distributions by decade isolated three frequent stranding areas: Sabine-Galveston-Brazoria counties, Galveston Shipping Channel, and Corpus Christi Shipping Channel. The final aspect analyzed spatial elaboration of events by creating six location values to describe the Texas coastline. Each event was assigned from the geographical location and the orientation of an event along the coastline. Analysis revealed the segregation of Tursiops truncatus in the bays and confirmed earlier results of density distributions. Examining the locations by time revealed a specific incident connected to a mortality event in 1992, accounting for 59% of the stranding events. Location categories were compared to the TMMSN stranding regions and the regions experienced different location frequencies. This study demonstrated how to construct a stronger database and the necessity for database accuracy. Study conclusions demonstrated the need to better isolate and research factors responsible for event distributions in time and space along the Texas coast to forecast the magnitude and location of stranding events to better aid the TMMSN response efforts.

As changing ocean conditions lead to declining fish stocks and movement of forage fish, sea lions on the Oregon coast are subject to the pressures of declining prey availability and increasing conflicts with commercial and recreational fisheries. An analysis of strandings of California sea lions, _{Zalophus californianus,} and Steller sea lions, Eumetopias jubatus, from 2006 to 2014, included cause of death, changing ocean conditions, and anthropogenic activity. Causes of death included disease, injury, and human interaction, such as gunshot wounds, fisheries net entanglements and boat strikes.

Oregon and Washington strandings of California sea lions are primarily adult and subadult males that migrate north from California rookeries, while Steller sea lions are year-round residents and strandings are comprised of males and females of all ages. While the California sea lion population is currently at or near carrying capacity, the Eastern Pacific population of Steller sea lions was designated as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act until October 2013. Understanding impacts to these two pinniped species is vital to implementing effective management and conservation policies.

Oregon and southern Washington strandings of California sea lions and Steller sea lions from 2006 to 2014 were analyzed spatially using the geographic information system (GIS), and temporally to identify possible correlations with prey availability and human interaction. Strandings were found to follow seasonal patterns from year to year: Steller sea lion strandings were highest from May to July, California sea lions peaked in September, October, and November. There was a correlation between significantly high numbers of strandings and the three largest commercial fisheries in Oregon: Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and Dungeness crab.

This analysis provides a format for continuing to monitor primary ecological and anthropogenic drivers of pinniped mortality in Oregon and southern Washington.

This article develops a novel methodological framework to investigate the exposure of eco- nomic systems to the risk of physical capital stranding. Combining Input-Output (IO) and network theory, we define measures to identify both the sectors likely to trigger relevant capital stranding cascades and those most exposed to capital stranding risk. We show how, in a sample of ten European countries, mining is among the sectors with the highest external asset strand- ing multipliers. The sectors most affected by capital stranding triggered by decarbonisation include electricity and gas; coke and refined petroleum products; basic metals; and transporta- tion. From these sectors, stranding would frequently cascade down to chemicals; metal products; motor vehicles water and waste services; wholesale and retail trade; and public administration. Finally, we provide an estimate for the lower-bound amount of assets at risk of transition-related stranding, which is in the range of 0.6-8.2% of the overall productive capital stock for our sample of countries, mainly concentrated in the electricity and gas sector, manufacturing, and mining. These results confirm the systemic relevance of transition-related risks on European societies.
Series: Ecological Economic Papers

This thesis represents an exploratory study of longitudinal performance data of second language acquisition, augmented by sentences from a grammaticality judgement task. The focus is on preposition pied-piping and stranding constructions as documented in a generative framework. The purpose of the study was to investigate these data within in the context of markedness theory associated with Universal Grammar in order to determine whether or not the postulated developmental sequence was reflected in the data. Preposition pied-piping and stranding have been investigated recently within this framework in cross-sectional studies and have provided researchers with inconclusive results. For the purposes of this thesis it was hypothesized that longitudinal data would provide clarification of the development and use of these constructions in the acquisition of English as a second language by adult learners. It was further assumed that the longitudinal study would permit additional insight into the acquisition of the constructions concerned that would lead to the formulation of hypotheses for future research. In addition to the longitudinal data from the learners, data from native speaker control groups were collected in order to validate the authenticity of the constructions the learners provided and to ensure that preposition stranding is used as anticipated in informal interaction. The results provide support for the developmental sequence postulated by markedness theory. They show that the learners go through a brief stage during which they accept and produce preposition pied-piping, but explicitly reject stranding. The analysis of the data shows that the five learners use the constructions under investigation less frequently than might be expected. This seems to suggest that transfer from the native languages involved, which have the unmarked but not the marked construction, is not an important factor although it cannot be ruled out. Some learners produced stranded versions but rejected them on the grammaticality task. This combined with the low frequency and the limited syntactic and lexical range of the utterances suggests that the learners produced at least some of the early stranded versions as unanalyzed chunks. Evidence of avoidance of the pied-piping and stranding constructions was also found. The native speaker control groups, who were given pied-piped and stranded versions of each of the learner utterances in order to decide which one they would likely have chosen, strongly favoured stranded constructions over pied-piped ones in most instances. In conclusion, the data provide support for the developmental sequence postulated in a theory of markedness. They also suggest a number of potential hypotheses for future research.

This thesis investigates two peculiar phenomena affecting the prepositional phrase in Old English: (i) preposition stranding, obligatory with the relative particle þe and the R-elements (þær > ModE. there, her > ModE. here, hwær > ModE. where), and optional with the personal pronouns; (ii) the system of particles (and prevebs) of prepositional/adverbial origin. In his Old English Syntax (1985), B. Mitchell considered all these phenomena under a single section, remarking how difficult it was to draw a clear-cut distinction in Old English between prepositions, adverbs, separable and inseparable prefixes. This difficulty originates from the fact that in each of these phenomena the complement of the preposition either remains unexpressed or precedes its preposition. The preposition seems thus to occur alone and its syntactic status appears ambiguous between a preposition, an adverb and a preverb. Clearly, the problem is primarily terminological, yet it has also significant syntactic and theoretical implications. By adopting the recently developed accounts on the internal and external Cartography of PPs (Koopman 2000 den Dikken 2006, Tortora 2008, Cinque 2010, Svenonius 2010; Schweikert 2005, Cinque 2006), and the most recent developments on the structural representation of verb-particle/prefix combinations (Svenonius 2003, 2004a,b 2007, 2010; Damonte & Padovan 2011), the abovementioned phenomena can be given a unitary account. A qualitative analysis of the cases found in Ælfric's Lives of Saints (996-997 AD) shows that the syntactic nature of both stranded Ps with the relative þe, with R-elements and with personal pronouns, and verbal particles/prefixes depends on the different projections of the fine PP-structure they lexicalise and on the syntactic nature of their Ground. More specifically, stranded Ps are to be considered “prepositional” adverbs. Structurally, this derives from the fact that a nominal part of their complement remains within the PP. In particular, in the case of the relative þe and of personal pronouns, these are deficient prononimal elements (Cardinaletti & Starke 1999), which are originated as a full DP in the Ground of the PP, consisting of a higher functional part and a lower nominal part. By a process of “feature stripping” (Poletto 2006c), their nominal part moves to the higher functional heads of the PP in order to check the strong feature of PPdir/PPstat (stativity or directionality), while the functional part of the DP is left behind. At this point, this functional part, lexicalised as þe and as a weak pronoun moves to dedicated projections: to the Left Periphery in the case of the relative, or to a projection dedicated to weak elements within the Left Periphery of the PP (WP), in the case of weak pronouns. By contrast, R-elements are not weak elements, but I adopt Koopman's (2000) analysis of their Dutch counterparts and propose that they scramble within their PP, while leaving a pro in the Ground. As regards particles (or separable prefixes), I claim that their distribution indicates that they are again to be viewed as adverbial elements with both a weak and a strong nature (Cardinaletti & Starke 1999). In particular, I argue that particles, which have a directional nature, originate within a PP, and, as already put forward by Koopman (2000), have the possibilty to move to CPplace. Subsequently, if any other type of material is moved out of the PP, particles have the possibility to move as weak elements into a specific projection in the Low Periphery (Jayaseelan 2001; Belletti 2004). The assumption that particles have syntactically determined weak and strong forms accounts for the variation attested in the order of constituents and for the fact that, with non-finite verbs, their incorporation onto the verb is not obligatory (univerbation is then structural adjacency). In this last characteristic, particles differ substantially from inseparable preverbs, which in Old English convey actional/aspectual or even idiosyncratic values and as such, always incorporate. Preverbs are functional elements base-generated in a PP, which in turn is hosted in one of the projections dedicated to the lower aspects within the VP in Cinque's hierarchy (1999). These projections are structurally lower than the projections in which particles are generated (cf. the analysis of Damonte & Padovan 2011 for the variable prefixes of Modern German). The analysis here presented for the syntactic behaviour of the Old English PP has allowed me to test, further confirm and partly refine the most recent proposals on the internal architecture of the PP and on the structural represenations of the different types of verb-particle combinations. A significant result concerns the presence of a Left Periphery in the PP, parallel to the one already argued for the DP, in which Old English presents resudual evidence of a property loosely definable as V2, which is manifested through the presence of a position for weak pronominal elements like the one in the clause. A further important result concerns the variation attested in the distribution of both personal pronouns and particles, which can be both explained by assuming that these grammatical elements persent weak and strong forms, phonologically identical but morpho-syntactically distinct. Lastly, even though not less importantly, the present thesis intended to show how the high degree of structural variation in the constituent orders of Old English can be derived by a single, cross-lingusitically shared, basis, upon which very few and motivated phrasal movements apply, movements which are attested also in other languags (like the presence of a strong feature in the Left Periphery causing V2, OV, antepositions in the DP and PP, cf. the hypothesis of parallel phases as proposed by Poletto 2006a,b, 2011a for these very phenomena of Old Italian).
Questa tesi prende in esame due fenomeni specifici che riguardano la sintassi del sintagma preposizionale dell'inglese antico: (i) lo stranding della preposizione, obbligatorio con la particella relativa þe e con gli elementi-R (þær > ing. mod. there “là, lì”, her > ing. mod. here “qua, qui”, hwær >ing. mod. where “dove”), e opzionale con i pronomi personali; (ii) il sistema di particelle (e di prefissi) verbali di origine preposizionale/avverbiale. Nella sua Old English Syntax (1985), B. Mitchell aveva trattato questi fenomeni in un'unica sezione, ribadendo quanto fosse difficile distinguere in inglese antico tra preposizioni, avverbi, prefissi separabili e prefissi inseparabili. La difficoltà nasce infatti dal fatto che in entrambi questi fenomeni, il complemento retto dalla preposizione o rimane implicito o precede la preposizione, che appare così da sola e risulta sintatticamente ambigua tra una posposizione, un avverbio e un preverbo. Il problema, chiaramente di natura prettamente terminologica, ha però dei risvolti sintattici e, più generalmente, teorici di notevole interesse. Adottando come punto di partenza dell'analisi i più recenti sviluppi sulla cartografia interna ed esterna dei sintagmi preposizionali (Koopman 2000 den Dikken 2006, Tortora 2008, Cinque 2010, Svenonius 2010; Schweikert 2005, Cinque 2006), e le recenti proposte sulla rappresentazione strutturale dei costrutti verbo-particella/prefisso (Svenonius 2003, 2004a,b 2007, 2010; Damonte & Padovan 2011), è possibile dare un'analisi unitaria ai fenomeni sopra citati. Da un'analisi qualitativa dei casi presenti nelle Lives of Saints di Ælfric (996-997 d.C.), mostrerò che la natura sintattica sia delle P che appaiono posposte con il relativo þe, con gli elementi-R e con i pronomi, sia delle particelle (ed i prefissi) verbali dipende dalle proiezioni che esse lessicalizzano nella struttura fine del PP e dalla rappresentazione sintattica del loro Ground. In particolare, le P che hanno subito stranding (posposte) sono da considerarsi degli avverbi preposizionali pieni. Strutturalmente ciò deriva dal fatto che il loro complemento (o parte di esso) si muove per questioni di feature-checking nella Periferia Sinistra del PP e da lì, nella sintassi di frase. Nel caso del relativo þe e dei pronomi personali, questi sarebbero degli elementi pronominali deficitari (Cardinaletti & Starke 1999), natura confermata dal loro comportamento morfo-sintattico, che sono legittimati in punti determinati della Periferia Sinistra (di frase e del PP), ma che, per un processo di “feature stripping” (Poletto 2008) lasciano una parte nominale all'interno del PP, “marcando” così la P come avverbio. Nel caso degli elementi-R, questi non sarebbero elementi deficitari ma condivido l'analisi che Koopman (2000) aveva già proposto per il medesimo tipo di elementi nell'olandese moderno, e propongo che anch'essi si spostano al CPplace, dando origine a posposizioni. Per quanto riguarda le particelle, propongo che la loro distribuzione indichi nuovamente che si tratti di elementi avverbiali con una natura sia forte, sia deficitaria (Cardinaletti & Starke 1999). In particolare, propongo che le particelle, di natura sostanzialmente direzionale, si originino all'interno di un PP e che, come già proposto da Koopman (2000) possano muoversi a CPplace. A questo punto avrebbero la possibilità, se il loro PP viene “svuotato” da ogni altro tipo di materiale, di spostarsi come elementi deficitari, ad una zona specifica nella Periferia Bassa (Jayaseelan 2001; Belletti 2004). L'assunzione di una natura sia forte che debole sintatticamente determinata rende conto della variazione nell'ordine dei costituenti e del fatto che, con i tempi non-finiti, l'univerbazione è presente ma mai obbligatoria (si tratterebbe quindi di adiacenza strutturale). In quest'ultima caratteristica le particelle si differenziano dai prefissi inseparabili, che in inglese antico veicolano per lo più valori azionali o idiosincratici e che si univerbano sempre. Essi sarebbero elementi funzionali generati basicamente in un PP collocato nello Spec di una delle proiezioni dedicate agli aspetti bassi (interni al VP) nella gerarchia di Cinque (1999), proiezioni strutturalmente molto più basse rispetto al punto in cui si originerebbero le particelle (cfr. l'analisi proposta in Damonte & Padovan 2011 per i prefissi “misti” del tedesco moderno). L'analisi qui proposta dei comportamenti sintattici del sintagma preposizionale dell'inglese antico ha permesso di testare, confermare e in parte raffinare le più recenti proposte sia sulla strutturazione interna del sintagma preposizionale stesso sia sulla rappresentazione strutturale dei diversi tipi di costrutto verbo-particella. Un risultato importante riguarda la presenza di una Periferia Sinistra nel PP, parallelamente al sintagma nominale e alla frase, in cui l'inglese antico presenta residui di una proprietà definibile come V2, che si manifesta attraverso la presenza di un campo per gli elementi pronominali deboli (WP), parallelo a quello di frase. Un altro importante risultato riguarda la variazione attestata sia con i pronomi personali in generale, sia con le particelle, variazione che si può spiegare assumendo che entrambe le categorie presentino forme forti e deboli fonologicamente indistinguibili, ma morfo-sintatticamente distinte. Infine, seppur non di minor rilevanza, questa tesi ha voluto dimostrare come l'alto grado di variazione nell'ordine dei costituenti frasali dell'inglese antico si possa derivare da un'unica base, cross-linguisticamente condivisa, sulla quale si applicano pochissimi e motivabili movimenti, attestati anche in altre lingue (come la presenza di un tratto forte nella Periferia Sinistra che causa contemporaneamente V2, OV, anteposizioni nel sintagma nominale e posposizioni nel sintagma preposizionale, vedi l'ipotesi delle fasi parallele proposta da Poletto 2006a,b, 2011a per questi fenomeni dell'italiano antico).

This aim of this thesis was to examine the auditory anatomy of odontocetes, with a particular focus on Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) to determine if there are any anatomical features unique to this species that may be of functional significance. Cuvier’s beaked whale was the prime species of interest in this study given the over representation of this species at atypical stranding events associated with the use of naval sonar. Features traditionally described in odontocete sound reception and anatomical features that are involved with cochlear stimulation via bone conducted vibrations in terrestrial mammals were examined with computed and micro-computed tomography. The morphology of the Z. cavirostris varied from other odontocetes examined, with a decrease in the size of the tympanic plate and medial sulcus of the mallear ridge. Given the role credited to these structures in odontocete sound conduction, this diminution may decrease the efficiency at which vibrations are transferred via these structures. There was also an increased degree of osseous contact between the tympanoperiotic complex and the skull and an increase in the diameter, and decreased impedance, of the cochlear aqueduct. These features may increase the sensitivity of the cochlea of Z. cavirostris to stimulation via bone conducted vibrations via the direct transfer of cranial vibrations to the periotic bone and the conduction of audio-frequency pressure waves from the cerebrospinal fluid to the cochlea via the cochlear aqueduct. The simultaneous presence and phase differences of these routes of BCV may provide a supra sensitivity to cochlear stimulation at low and mid frequencies and create an interaural intensity difference that may form the basis for an exciting novel hypothesis to explain directional hearing via bone conducted vibrations.

An experiment was performed in four artificial stream channels during summer and autumn to investigate the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on habitat choice of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). To investigate factors determining habitat choice, the stream channels had sloped river beds creating two distinct habitats (shallow and deep). The main factor, large Atlantic salmon present (large present), was the most important factor affecting juvenile habitat choice during summer time experiments. During autumn experiments, the two main factors large Atlantic salmon present and time of day (exclusive for autumn experiments), were important factors affecting habitat choice. The highly significant effect on juvenile habitat choice of having a large Atlantic salmon present identifies inter-cohort competition and/or risk of predation as important factors affecting habitat choice in juveniles. This, in turn, could have direct or indirect effects on juvenile survival and growth. The differences between proportions of fish in the deep between night and day highlights a diel change in habitat use by juveniles.

This thesis investigates the history of preposition stranding in the Modern English period from 1500 to 1900, in close relation with the prescriptive movement in the tradition of English grammatical thought. The aim is to assess, or rather re-assess, thee ffect and effectiveness of the (late) eighteenth-century normative tradition on actual language usage. The methodology lies in the comparison of a precept corpus, i.e.meta-linguistic comments, with a usage corpus, i.e. actual language practice. On the one hand, this study will provide insightful observations into the attitudes towards and conceptualisation of end-placed prepositions in the course of the eighteenth century, the age of prescriptivism. Evidence comes from a self-compiled corpus of observations made on this peculiar usage as gathered from a miscellany of precept works (1700-1800). On the other hand, this thesis will trace the diachronic evolution of the use of preposition stranding before, during and after the age of prescriptivism,as collected in two renowned historical corpora, namely the Early Modern English section of the diachronic part of the Helsinki Corpus (1500-1710) and the British part of A Representative Corpus of Historical English Registers (1650-1899). The evaluation of the evidence from precept and the evidence from usage will shed new light on (a) the origin of the stigmatisation of preposition stranding (micro-level), and(b) the role of the normative tradition on language variation and change(macro-level). First, contrary to what has been taken for granted in the literature hitherto, I will demonstrate that the proscription against ending sentences with prepositions does not go back directly to the late eighteenth-century heyday of publication of precept works (e.g. Robert Lowth's grammar) but to the mid/late seventeenth-century incipient stages of the prescriptive tradition embraced with ideals of correctness and politeness; especially, to the grammarian and rhetorician Joshua Poole and to the literary writer John Dryden. Language change can thus be observed as early as the early eighteenth century. Secondly, I will provide evidence to show that late eighteenth-century precepts did exert an influence on the use of preposition stranding. The effect is manifest in contemporaneous writings and the effectiveness extends into the early nineteenth century. Nonetheless, it is only a temporary one, as the trends reverse in the late nineteenth century when prescriptivism was fading away. It will be argued that the eighteenth-century normative tradition did not trigger linguistic change but rather reinforced an existing trend.

Hundreds of stranded turtles wash up deceased on Virginia’s coastline each year, yet the causes of most stranding events are poorly understood. In this thesis, a carcass drift model was developed for the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, to predict likely locations of mortality from coastal sea turtle stranding records. First, field studies were carried out to better parameterize the drift characteristics of buoyant sea turtle carcasses, namely, probable oceanic drift times and the impact of direct wind forcing on carcass drift. Based on the duration that tethered, free-floating turtle carcasses were buoyant, we determined that oceanic drift duration of turtle carcasses was highly dependent on water temperature and varied from 2-15 days during typical late spring to early fall bay water conditions. The importance of direct wind forcing for turtle carcass drift was assessed based on track divergence rates from multiple simultaneous deployments of three types of surface drifters: bucket drifters, artificial turtles and real turtle carcasses. Turtle drift along-wind leeway was found to vary from 1-4% of wind speed, representing an added drift velocity of approximately 0.03-0.1 m/s for typical bay wind conditions. The information obtained from these field studies were used to parameterize the oceanographic carcass drift model, which was applied to reported strandings during 2009-2014. Predicted origin of stranding records with probable cause of death identified as vessel strike were compared to commercial boating data. Locations of potential hazardous turtle-vessel interactions were identified in high traffic areas of the southeastern Chesapeake Bay and James River. Commercial fishing activity of various gear types with known sea turtle interactions were compared in space to predicted mortality locations for stranded turtles classified with no apparent injuries, suggesting possible fisheries-induced mortality. Probable mortality locations for these strandings were found to vary between spring peak and summer off-peak stranding periods, but two distinct hotpots were identified in the southwest and southeast portions of the lower bay. Spatial overlap was noted between potential mortality locations and gillnet, seine, pot, and pound net fisheries. These predictions provide clear space-time locations for focusing future research and prioritizing conservation efforts. Nevertheless, the lack of fine temporal and spatial resolution fishing data limited our ability to quantitatively assess most likely causes for specific stranding events. This study both highlights the importance of addressing these data gaps and provides a meaningful conservation and management tool that can be applied to stranding data of sea turtles and other marine megafauna around the globe.

It has been demonstrated that certain environmental fluctuations correlate with cetacean strandings in many parts of the world. I examined the correlations between three environmental variables (upwelling coefficient, temperature, and chlorophyll a concentration) and Kogia strandings in Florida from 1998 – 2007. In addition I examined the correlations between El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and Kogia strandings in Florida and the southeastern United States (SEUS) from 1977-2007. Florida was divided into four regions and strandings were segregated by region with 76% of the strandings occurring on the east coast of Florida. AVHRR Pathfinder satellite temperature data, and MODIS Aqua and SeaWiFS satellite chlorophyll a data were downloaded from NASA websites; NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center upwelling data were downloaded from the ERD Live Access Server, and ENSO data were also downloaded from a NOAA website. Upwelling was examined on a per stranding basis. For each stranding, a square region (16 km x 16 km) of ocean adjacent to the stranding was examined for upwelling index values for the two weeks prior to the stranding (in increments of six hours). Each region was divided into 16 sub-regions (4 km x 4 km). For each increment of time the data were averaged over all 16 sub-regions. A significant change in upwelling index was defined as a change of absolute value greater than or equal to 200 m3/s/100 m of coastline. Of the 174 strandings, 91 (52%) were correlated to at least one significant upwelling event within 14 days prior to stranding. I examined upwelling, temperature, and chlorophyll a concentration on a seasonal basis. The Florida coastline was divided into 16 regions. Each region was examined, for all three variables, out to approximately 32 km from shore. For each region the data were averaged for each month over the entire ten year study and compared to the number of strandings in each region each month. Data covering the regions of Florida were merged into four large regions (the east coast, the Keys, the west coast, and the Panhandle). I found an inverse correlation between chlorophyll concentration and strandings in Florida. In addition I found an inverse correlation between upwelling and strandings on the west coast of Florida. I examined the ENSO record from 1977 to 2007. I found a direct correlation between ENSO events and strandings in Florida (R2 = 0.1626) and the SEUS (R2 = 0.2236).

Within the framework of ODYSSEA project (grant agreement 727277), which aims at developing a platform for observing and forecasting marine data in the Mediterranean Sea, this work of thesis tackles the problem of jellyfish in the coastal waters of Spain in the Western Mediterranean basin. The first section of the work includes a short review of all native and invasive species; followed by a detailed description (sexual reproduction, behaviour and migration) of Pelagia noctiluca, the most abundant jellyfish. Afterwards, a hydrodynamic model with a resolution of 1/50 ° (ca. 2 km) and 20 vertical layers is developed with DELFT3D-FLOW for the study area; this model is coupled with a particle tracker ( DELFT 3D-PART) and a purposely developed life cycle code that combines reproduction, growth and migratory patterns of the jellyfish. The results of the model provide an unprecedented view on the life cycle P. noctiluca , the connection between spawning zones and coastal invasions and the factors that favour blooms.

This is a master thesis aiming to answer how frequency regulation at a specific hydropower plant affect the risk of stranding for two common Swedish fish species: Trout and Grayling (Salmo trutta and Thymallus thymallus). The study comprises a literature review and a hydrological modelling in primarily Hec-Ras. Frequency regulation is necessary in order to keep the electrical power system in balance. Frequency regulation in Sweden is handled to 99 % by hydropower. The energy company Fortum has several hydropower plants, distributed all over Sweden. In collaboration with Fortum a hydrological model was created for one of its plants and the downstream river reach. Reference scenarios for both summer and winter were then simulated and the result showed that the fish most likely were at risk of becoming stranded at certain times. The risk of stranding was more linked to the normal regulations taking place du to for example increased consumption ofelectricity in the river rather than isolated frequency control. An extreme scenario was also investigated and the water level change rate in that scenario was beyond the limits identified as what fish may withstand. When comparing the outcome of the simulations to the preferences of fish it becomes clear that mainly spawning and juvenile fish are at risk of becoming stranded.
Detta är ett examensarbete som undersöker hur frekvensreglering påverkar fiskarterna harr och öring (Thymallus thymallus och Salmo trutta) avseende strandningsrisken. Arbetet har gjorts som en kombinerad litteraturstudie och modellarbete i den hydrologiska programvaran Hec-Ras. Frekvensreglering är nödvändigför att hålla frekvensen i elkraftsystemet stabil. Frekvensen påverkas av produktion och konsumtion av elektricitet, en förutsättning för ett system i balans är att dessa är lika stora. Frekvensregleringen jämnar ut de skillnader som finns och detta görs i Sverige till 99 % med hjälp av vattenkraften. Energibolaget Fortum, som har vattenkraftverk utspridda över stora delar av Sverige, har varit samarbetspartner gällande detta examensarbete och den studie som har gjorts har ägt rum vid ett av Fortums vattenkraftverk och dess nedströmsmiljö. En hydrologisk modell skapades för detta område och mätdata från både sommar och vinter nyttjades. Resultatet visade att risken för strandning finns under de båda årstiderna vid vissa tillfällen, dock ej som konsekvens av enbart frekvensreglering. Ett extremt scenario undersöktes också, i vilket förändringshastigheten av vattenytan var större än vad som väntas vara bra för fisk dvs. större än 13 cm/h. Närresultaten jämfördes med habitatpreferenser för harr och öring syntes det att lekande och ung fisk var de somvar mest utsatta. Resultatet ska dock mer ses som vägledande än som en definitiv sanning då fel i modellen, brister i data och andra aspekter påverkar. Vidare studier är nödvändiga för att kunna dra direkta slutsatser. Vidare studier skulle kunna vara om älvens fysiska attribut manipulerades och hur detta kan påverka risken förstrandning.

Pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) strand frequently in the southeastern United States (SEUS). To detect seasonal trends in Kogia sp. strandings across the SEUS, all 979 stranding events from 1977 through 2005 were segregated by month. A peak in strandings occurred in the late summer and early fall (July – October). The entire SEUS was divided into segments of similar coastline orientation, 1) North and South Carolina, 2) Georgia and the east coast of Florida, 3) Florida Keys, 4) west coast of Florida, 5) Florida panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi, 6) Louisiana and 6) Texas. Most areas displayed a significant peak in strandings in summer and a smaller significant peak in winter. A seasonal index analysis of the strandings revealed the same pattern as the general seasonal analysis. Analysis of wind direction changes preceding stranding events revealed six patterns. The most common pattern was when winds shifted from downwelling-favorable to upwelling-favorable during the week prior to a stranding. Analysis of sea level confirmed that when wind was upwelling-favorable, sea level decreased and when wind was downwelling-favorable, sea level increased. Seasonal upwelling along central Florida’s Atlantic coast observed in the summer correlates with upwelling-favorable wind patterns during summer months, and increased Kogia sp. strandings. A smaller peak in strandings that occurs in the winter months appears to occur when there is a shift from the ‘normal’ downwelling-favorable conditions into a brief period of upwelling-favorable conditions. Along Florida’s Atlantic coast, distances to isobaths from stranding sites were not significantly different from distances of randomly selected sites to isobaths; however, there is a tendency towards shorter distances to isobaths. Along the Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina coast, distances to isobaths from strandings sites are significantly different from distances of randomly selected sites to isobaths. The distinctive bathymetry of the SEUS Atlantic coast may contribute to strandings across the entire SEUS Atlantic coast. Analysis of the frequency of Kogia sp. strandings during the lunar cycle revealed no significant correlation between strandings and lunar day. Both wind direction and bathymetry may influence frontal structures and water movements, and thus abiotic environmental factors may be significant factors in determining the locations and timing of Kogia sp. stranding events.

This study examines to what extent preposition stranding is used in connection with which, whom and who in three different UK papers. Also what factors influence the use of preposition stranding has been studied. The hypothesis that pied-piping is more common than preposition stranding has been confirmed.

A factor that has a certain influence on the use of preposition stranding is the style of the paper. The more formal of the papers studied, The Times, did not use preposition stranding to the same extent as the other two, The Sun and Today.

The subject domain of the texts has influence on the use of preposition stranding, with more informal domains such as sports and miscellaneous (e.g. gossip) using stranding to a higher extent than the other domains, e.g. business, politics and culture. The prepositions themselves also influence the use of preposition stranding with some prepositions, such as on, with, for and into, that are likely to appear stranded and others, such as in that are likely to appear pied-piped.

O conhecimento das causas de morbidade e mortalidade dos mamíferos aquáticos pertencentes à ordem Cetacea e subordem Pinnipedia no Brasil é escasso. Este trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar as principais causas que contribuem para a morte destes animais, incluindo dentre outras as enfermidades infecciosas, parasitárias, traumáticas, metabólicas e nutricionais. Foram analisadas amostras provenientes de necropsias de 110 indivíduos oriundos de encalhes naturais e capturas acidentais em redes de pesca ocorridos na costa sul e sudeste do Brasil. Ocasionalmente, amostras de cetáceos e pinípedes provenientes de centros de reabilitação, zoológicos, aquários e oceanários também foram analisadas. As amostras consistiram de fragmentos de 1 a 2 cm3 dos órgãos principais acondicionados em formalina a 10%. As afecções foram diagnosticadas através de exames anatomopatológicos, associados, quando possível a resultados microbiológicos e parasitológicos. Dos diagnósticos finais elucidados para os cetáceos 88,6% (70/79) tiveram a morte relacionada com o sistema respiratório, 3,8% (3/79) de origem metabólica, 2,5% (2/79) de etiologia infecciosa, 1,3% (1/79) com origem traumática antropogênica e em 3,8% (3/79) foi indeterminada. Nos pinípedes as causas de morte também estiveram relacionadas principalmente com o trato respiratório (48,5% - 15/31). A morte decorrente de outras causas incluiu: 29,1% (9/31) de causas metabólicas; 3,2% (1/31) nutricional; 3,2% (1/31) digestivo; 3,2% (1/31) urinário; 3,2% (1/31) físico; 3,2% (1/31) síndrome, colapso; 3,2% (1/31) vandalismo; 3,2% (1/31) indeterminado. A análise parasitológica foi realizada em 15,4% (17/110) dos casos e a bacteriologia em 10,9% (12/110) dos casos. As interpretações anatomopatológicas foram associadas aos demais resultados, quando presentes, e então analisados conforme informações recentes de literatura relativas ao assunto. As amostras utilizadas na realização deste projeto complementam o banco de tecidos de animais selvagens mantido pelo Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens da FMVZ, formando dessa forma o primeiro acervo de tecidos de mamíferos marinhos disponível no Brasil. Os resultados alcançados neste estudo reforçam a necessidade da abordagem multidisciplinar dos animais encalhados e também dos capturados acidentalmente em redes de pesca, buscando informações que possam colaborar para uma maior compreensão dos processos patológicos que os acometem e os predispõe à morte.
The known causes of morbidity and mortality of aquatic mammals belonging to the Order Cetacea and Suborder Pinnipedia in Brazil is limited. The aim of this work was to characterize the main processes that contribute to or cause the death of these animals, and included investigating infectious, parasitic, traumatic, metabolic and nutritional diseases. Samples coming from 110 fresh animals were analyzed, including individuals from strandings and incidentally caught in fishing nets along the south and southeastern coasts of Brazil. Circumstantially, carcasses coming from zoological collections, aquariums and rehabilitation centers were also included. The samples consisted of fragments of 1-2 cm3 taken of the main organs and fixed in 10% formalin. All the tissues have been processed according to routine histological procedures and analyzed under light microscopy. Diseases were diagnosed through anatomopathologic examinations, associated, whenever possible, with microbiologic and parasitologic results and then compared to related bibliography. Final results, mentioning the cause of the death, included: cetaceans: 88,6% (70/79) had lesions associated with the respiratory tract; 3,8% (3/79) of metabolic origin, 2,5% (2/79) of infectious etiology, 1,3% (1/79) were human related injuries, and 3,8% (3/79) of the cases were undetermined. For the pinnipeds the main cause of death was also related to the respiratory tract (48,5% - 15/31). The causes of death implicated in the other cases included: 29,1% (9/31) metabolical causes; 3,2% (1/31) nutritional origin; 3,2% (1/31) digestive causes; 3,2% (1/31) urinary tract; 3,2% (1/31) physical causes; 3,2% (1/31) syndrome; 3,2% (1/31) human related injuries; 3,2% (1/31) were undetermined. Parasitological analyses were performed in 15,4% (17/110) of the cases and bacteriology in 10,9% (12/110). The samples utilized in this project were stored to create a tissue bank for further studies. The results achieved in this work reinforce the need for a multidisciplinary view of stranded and by-caught animals, searching for information that can collaborate to better understand the pathologic processes affecting marine mammals and predisposing their death.

Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) can be found worldwide, inhabiting tropical and subtropical coastal waters. The loggerhead was classified as an endangered species and placed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List in 1996 (IUCN 2006).The problem of sea turtle mortality as a result of collisions with vessels is of increasing concern, especially in the southeastern United States, where increased development along the coasts results in increased recreational boat traffic. In the United States, the percentage of strandings that were attributed to vessel strikes has increased from approximately 10% in the 1980's to a record high of 20.5% in 2004 (NMFS 2007). This report presents results from field experiments designed to investigate the ways in which loggerhead sea turtles are injured in boat collisions, and the effectiveness of several mitigation options for reducing the risk of fatal interactions. In order to conduct these field experiments, a synthetic sea turtle carapace was designed and built that approximated the structural behavior of a biological sea turtle carapace. Hodges (2008) quantified the material strength properties of loggerhead sea turtle carapaces. From these results, it was determined that the target parameter for simulating tensile strength in a synthetic carapace should be force per unit width of sample. Hodges designed and constructed an artificial carapace made of composite material for use in controlled experiments. Modifications were made to the design proposed by Hodges (2008) to facilitate rapid construction. Several designs were tested using the force per unit width as the target strength parameter and compared to the strength of the biological carapace. Tests on the design ultimately adopted showed a force per unit width 17.6% stronger than the biological carapace. The composite material being stronger than the biological carapace means the testing will result in conservative reports of damage. Once the design and construction methods were finalized, approximately 60 artificial carapaces were fabricated for field testing. A frame, weighting scheme and buoyancy unit were designed and fabricated so that each test carapace floated at proper draft and had realistic specific gravity and weight. Field testing procedures were designed to investigate the influence of a) boat speed, b) animal position in the water column, and c) vessel propulsion system on the severity of vessel collisions on turtles. All experiments were done with small (<6 m in length) vessels. Boat/sea turtle collisions were simulated by placing a test specimen (a synthetic carapace attached to a test frame) in the water column and striking it with the vessel. The speeds considered were idle (7 km/h), sub-planing (14 km/h), and planing (40 km/hr). The two animal positions in the water column were 1) at the water surface and 2) at "prop depth" (depth to the center of the propeller hub on the standard outboard motor). Five propulsion options were tested: 1) a standard outboard motor, 2) a standard outboard motor with Hydroshield® propeller guard 3) a standard outboard motor with Prop Buddy® propeller guard, 4) a jet outboard motor and 5) a jet-propelled personal watercraft, often referred to generically as a "jet ski". The experiments typically included five trials per test configuration. Catastrophic (presumably fatal) damage was defined to occur when any damage penetrated the carapace. Small wounds (< 4 cm in length) along the sides or rear of the artificial carapace, where the shell and bone extend beyond the edge of the body cavity, were not classified as catastrophic This definition was used to classify the effectiveness of the various mitigation options. Results indicate that reducing the speed of the vessel reduces the odds of severe damage to the animals. Of all of the tests performed with the standard outboard motor (including tests with propeller guards installed), 25% of those performed at idle speed resulted in catastrophic damage, compared to 100% for planing speed tests. The two tested propeller guards both modified the type of damage to the animal when compared to similar tests with the standard motor configuration, but they only slightly reduced the risk of catastrophic damage. At idle speed, with propeller guard installed, 10% of the tests resulted in catastrophic damage. The corresponding number for the standard motor was 40%. At planing speed, 100% of the tests resulted in catastrophic damage, with or without the propeller guard. No catastrophic injuries were observed during testing of both jet propulsion systems (jet outboard and jet ski) at any speed or depth in the water column. Both feature a much smaller draft than the standard outboard, which results in little chance of striking an animal below the surface. And both the jet outboard and the jet-powered watercraft feature water intakes that are relatively smooth and appeared to slide across the animal with minimal damage to the carapace when the model animal was floating on the surface. The experiments described here involved a limited range of hull configurations; results may be different for hulls or propulsion systems drastically different than those tested here. But the results obtained indicate that equipment, in the form of the boat's propulsion system, and the mode in which it is used both play a role in defining the risk of boats to turtles in the field.

Every year hundreds of cetaceans strand on New Zealand beaches. Options for dealing with disposal of their carcasses are few, creating significant problems for the Department of Conservation (DOC). More often than not their carcasses are buried in beaches at or just above high water mark, near where the animals have stranded. The primary objective of this thesis is to determine the effects of cetacean burial on beach sediments, and evaluate potential health and safety risks associated with this practice. A secondary objective of this thesis is to appraise the appropriateness of one location DOC has repeatedly transported cetacean carcasses to and buried within beach sediments, Motutapu Island in Waitemata Harbour. The chemical effects of cetacean burial over a six-month period are reported for two sites at which animals were buried in 2008, Muriwai and Pakiri beaches; the biological effects of this burial are reported for one of these sites, Muriwai Beach, 12 months post burial. Intertidal faunal and floral inventories are provided for six sites around Motutapu Island, and these then compared and contrasted with inventories compiled from an additional 290 intertidal sites between Whangarei Heads and Tauranga Harbour, North Island East Coast, to appraise the relative uniqueness of intertidal species diversity around Motutapu Island. At both Muriwai and Pakiri beaches, nitrogen and phosphate concentrations in surface sands changed considerably following cetacean burial, although over six months the effect was localized and elevated concentrations of these two chemicals that could be attributed to a buried carcass did not extend more than 40 m from the site of whale burial. Deep-core profiles revealed nitrogen and phosphate concentrations at and in the immediate vicinity of cetacean burial approximately six months after burial to be markedly elevated to the level of the water table, but elevated concentrations attributable to the buried carcass were not observed greater than 25 m from the site of burial. Elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphates in beaches persist in surface sediments for at least six months post burial. Twelve months post cetacean burial no significant difference in species richness or abundance were apparent in intertidal communities extending along transects proximal to and some distance from the Muriwai Beach carcass; there is no evidence for any significant short-term (to 12 months) biological effects of cetacean burial in beaches. Of those shores on Motutapu Island accessible by earth-moving equipment and large vessels capable of dealing with and transporting large cetacean carcasses, Station Bay appeared to be the most appropriate site for whale burial. However its small size and relatively high biological value (fairly high species richness for comparable shores between Whangarei Heads and Tauranga) renders it an inappropriate long-term option for whale burial. Other shores on Motutapu Island host some of the highest species richness of all shores surveyed between Whangarei Heads and Tauranga Harbour, rendering them entirely inappropriate locations for burying cetaceans, over and above other variables that may influence disposal location identification (such as archaeological sites, dwellings and accessibility). Motutapu Island is not considered an appropriate location for cetacean burial within beaches. Alternative disposal strategies need to be explored for dealing with cetaceans that strand on Auckland east coast beaches. Although burial is the most convenient and most economical strategy to dispose of cetacean carcass, especially in mass stranding events or when cetaceans are of large size, and the biological effects of this practice are not considered significant (for the one whale that could be studied), persistent enrichment of beach sediments with organic matter could result in prolonged persistence of pathogens in beaches, causing unforeseen risks to human health and safety. Recommendations are made to minimize possible threats to public following burial of cetaceans in beaches, until the potential health risks of burial are more fully understood.

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Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior
This work aimed to study the diversity and distribution of marine sea turtles stranded in Potiguar Basin, Rio Grande do Norte, as well as aspects related to feeding behavior associated with human impacts. The study was conducted through the analysis of data from stranded animals, recorded in a daily monitoring in an area bounded on the north by the municipality of Aquiraz, in the state of Cear?, and the east by the municipality of Caicara do Norte, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Stranded dead animals were necropsied and for the analysis of the diet of animals, esophagus, stomach and intestines were fixed in 10% formalin and after that, the stomach contents were sorted and stored in 70% alcohol. Representative fragments of these organs were removed for making histological slides, with a view to histological characterization of the digestive tract. 2.046 occurrences of turtles were recorded during the period from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2012. The Chelonia mydas species showed the highest number of records and it was observed in 66.81 % (N = 1,367) of cases; followed by Eretmochelys imbricata with 4.45 % (N = 91) and by Lepidochelys olivacea with 1.22% (N = 25). The Caretta caretta and Dermochelys coriacea species were, respectively, 0.93 % (N = 19) and 0.05 % (N = 1) records of strandings. In 26.54 % of cases, it was not possible to identify the species. Regarding the spatial distribution, the stretch A was the one that had the highest number of strandings and a larger number of records were registered in the warm months of the year. The dietary analysis showed that C. mydas fed preferentially on algae; C. caretta had a diet with a predominance of the item "coral?s fragments" and E. imbricata species showed preference for an animal origin material. Related to this anthropic interaction, 57.14 % (n = 76) of animals that died at the rehabilitation s base, showed cause of death due to complications from ingesting debris. According to the data presented, the Potiguar Basin presents itself as an area with important diversity and distribution of marine sea turtle as well is characterized as a feeding and nidification area for these species
Este trabalho objetivou estudar a diversidade e distribui??o das tartarugas marinhas encalhadas na Bacia Potiguar, RN, bem como os aspectos relacionados ao comportamento alimentar associados aos impactos antr?picos. O estudo foi realizado com animais encalhados, registrados por monitoramento di?rio, na ?rea delimitada a noroeste pelo munic?pio de Aquiraz, Cear?, e a leste pelo munic?pio de Cai?ara do Norte, RN. Os animais encalhados mortos foram necropsiados e coletados es?fago, est?mago e intestinos, fixados em formol a 10%, sendo posteriormente o conte?do estomacal triado e armazenado. Destes mesmos ?rg?os foram retirados fragmentos para confec??o de l?minas histol?gicas. Foram registradas 2.046 ocorr?ncias de tartarugas marinhas durante o per?odo de 01/01/2010 a 31/12/2012. A esp?cie Chelonia mydas apresentou o maior n?mero de registros (66,81%, N = 1.367); seguido de Eretmochelys imbricata (4,45%, N = 91) e Lepidochelys olivacea com 1,22% (N = 25). Caretta caretta e Dermochelys coriacea apresentaram, respectivamente, 0,93% (N = 19) e 0,05% (N = 1) registros. Tanto a distribui??o espacial, como a temporal, variaram evidenciando maior ocorr?ncia de encalhes no trecho A- Grossos-RN/Icapu?-CE e um maior n?mero de registros nos meses quentes do ano. A an?lise da dieta das tartarugas demonstrou que Chelonia mydas alimentou-se preferencialmente de algas; Caretta caretta de resto calc?rio e Moluscos e E. imbricata de material de origem animal. Dos animais que vieram a ?bito, 57,14% (n = 76) apresentaram como causa mortis ? ingest?o de detritos. A an?lise da histologia demonstra que o es?fago apresenta papilas esof?gicas, revestidas de epit?lio pavimentoso estratificado queratinizado, igualmente a mucosa deste ?rg?o. Aus?ncia de sub mucosa e camada muscular com m?sculos estriados e liso em diferentes dire??es. Est?mago e intestino apresentam as quatro camadas: mucosa, submucosa, muscular e serosa, com destaque para as fossetas g?stricas no est?mago e a presen?a de vilos nos intestinos. De acordo com os dados apresentados, a Bacia Potiguar apresenta-se como uma ?rea de grande diversidade de esp?cies de tartarugas marinhas, sendo caracterizada como ?rea de alimenta??o para essas esp?cies

The size and trend of a population is fundamental to the assessment of its conservation status, yet cetacean abundance data are often biased and lack statistical power to detect trends. As a result, the conservation status of many species is unknown and the population-level effects of conservation pressures such as anthropogenic sound cannot be quantified. Failing to account for cetaceans that are unavailable for detection at the surface during abundance surveys will negatively bias estimates of abundance. Analysis of time-depth data revealed that pilot whale dive and surface interval durations, and availability for detection, varied with time of day, but this bias was accurately estimated using the mean dive and surface interval durations. A global analysis of cetacean density estimates compiled from multiple line-transect surveys incorporated covariates describing availability bias, and other sources of variability, to facilitate the detection of underlying temporal trends. Decadal global trends in cetacean density were detected for four species, while significant yearly ocean-scale trends were detected for six families. Exploratory analysis of data compiled from line-transect surveys found some evidence that trends in the density of minke whales and sperm whales in the northeast Atlantic varied between areas with and without seismic survey effort. However, there were insufficient data to clearly identify chronic exposure to anthropogenic sound from seismic surveys as a driver of population change. Analysis of strandings data from the UK and Ireland identified some evidence that harbour porpoise and sperm whale stranding rates were related to seismic survey effort and wind farm construction, but the results were not conclusive. Large-scale cetacean surveys provide valuable information on the density and spatial and temporal distribution of cetaceans that is vital for monitoring populations, but these surveys cannot replace dedicated studies of the population-level effects of sound on cetaceans.

In questa tesi sono stati affrontati con metodologie genetiche diversi aspetti riguardanti la biologia riproduttiva, la filogeografia e il valore conservazionistico della tartaruga marina Caretta caretta. Il campionamento, strettamente non invasivo, ha coperto diverse aree italiane e maltesi e tutti gli stadi vitali della specie. La caratterizzazione genetica della principale colonia di nidificazione italiana (Calabria ionica) ha individuato marcatori nell’mtDNA specifici di questa popolazione. La diversità genetica riscontrata di questa colonia ha portato inoltre a riconsiderare la filogeografia complessiva di questa specie nel Mediterraneo. Il DNA moderno e quello antico, analizzato per marcatori mitocondriali e nucleari, ha chiarito la composizione degli aggregati costieri che frequentano le acque italiane e maltesi. Queste informazioni possono risultare utili anche per la formulazione di piani di gestione. In ultimo, le nuove possibilità aperte dagli studi genetici sono state divulgate tramite un DVD destinato al grande pubblico, che illustra il prezioso lavoro di diverse Istituzioni scientifiche e autorità pubbliche nel recupero delle tartarughe spiaggiate e nello studio e salvaguardia di specie a rischio di estinzione.
Genetic methodologies were used in this thesis to increase the knowledge on the reproductive biology, the phylogeography and the conservation value of the sea turtle Caretta caretta. Non-invasive sampling covered different Italian and Maltese areas and all the life stages of this species. The genetic characterization of the main Italian nesting colony (Ionian Calabria) identified specific mtDNA markers of this population. Genetic diversity found in this colony led also to reconsider the phylogeography of this species in the entire Mediterranean. Modern and aDNA, analyzed for both mitochondrial and nuclear markers, shed light on the composition of loggerhead coastal aggregates in Italian and Maltese waters, useful as well for management plans. Finally, the new possibilities opened by genetic studies were disseminated through a DVD, addressed to a broad audience. It explains the invaluable work of several scientific Institutions and public authorities in the rescue of stranded sea turtle and in the study and protection of endandered species.

Dissertação(mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Programa de Pós–Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, 2006.
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Este trabalho objetiva avaliar a estrutura e dinâmica da associação de macroinvertebrados bentônicos da zona entremarés de dois locais com distintas características ambientais da praia do Cassino, RS, Brasil. O local 1 possui características de praia dissipativa extrema, sedimentos finos e baixa hidrodinâmica, enquanto que o local 2 características dissipativas/intermediárias, sedimento mais grosseiros e maior hidrodinâmica. Eventos esporádicos de deposição de lama são observados no local 1. Foi realizado um acompanhamento durante 14 meses (abril/04 até maio/05) com amostragens mensais. Os 2 primeiros meses foram considerados como piloto, sendo seus dados abordados no capítulo III. Em cada local, foram demarcadas três transversais (separadas por 50m) perpendicular a linha d’água, nas quais amostras foram coletadas em triplicata em 4 níveis (separados por 10 m). As transversais se estenderam desde 10m acima do varrido superior, até cerca de 1m de profundidade. No capítulo I, foi considerada a variabilidade temporal da associação. Esta apresentou uma marcada dinâmica, sendo as principais variações ligadas às dinâmicas populacionais e perturbações físicas. Durante o inverno foram observadas baixas densidades, as quais foram relacionadas à ausência de recrutamentos, deposição de lama em abril e embancamentos de baixas intensidades. Na primavera ocorreu explosão populacional de Scolelepis gaucha, migração de adultos de Mesodesma mactroides do infralitoral para a zona entremarés e um evento de embancamento. Durante o verão foram observados recrutamentos de M. mactroides, Donax hanleyanus e Emerita brasiliensis. O outono foi caracterizado por baixas densidades, exceto pelo recrutamento de D. hanleyanus. O capítulo II abordou a distribuição perpendicular à linha d’água e paralela à linha d’água da fauna em diferentes escalas. O local 2 apresentou maior diversidade do que o local 1. A diversidade foi maior provavelmente devido a presença dos anfípodes Phoxocephalopsis sp. e Plastyschnopidae, os quais estiveram praticamente ausentes no local 1. Verificou-se que praias dissipativas/intermediárias podem suportar maior diversidade da macrofauna bentônica do que as dissipativas extremas, possivelmente, pela capacidade da associação macrozoobentônica de se beneficiar da maior hidrodinâmica na zona de varrido. As diversidades menores no local 1, podem ainda, ser atribuídas as perturbações causadas pelas deposições esporádicas de lama. Através de análises multivariadas foram identificadas 3 zonas: o mesolitoral médio, o superior do varrido e o inferior do varrido juntamente com a arrebentação interna. As espécies características de cada zona variaram com a estação do ano. Foram observadas densidades decrescentes do mesolitoral em direção ao infralitoral. Não foram evidentes padrões de distribuição paralela à linha d’água na escala de dezenas de metros, devido a grande homogeneidade sedimentar registrada nesta escala. No capítulo III foram analisados com maiores detalhes dois eventos: mortalidade pós deposição de lama em abril/04 e embancamento em outubro/05. A recomposição da fauna mostrou-se bastante rápida, em ambos eventos, registrou-se a mesma composição após 3 meses, entretanto as populações foram caracterizadas por organismos juvenis e recém assentados. Sendo que a manutenção de estoques adultos foi afetada. A deposição de lama ocasionou a mortalidade de toda a associação. O evento de embancamento afetou, principalmente, os juvenis+adultos do bivalvo M. mactroides. É provável que esses eventos sejam o principal fator estruturador de longo prazo das associações destes locais.
The present study aims to analyze the structure and dynamics of the intertidal macrobenthic assemblages in two sites with distinct environmental characteristics of Cassino beach, RS, Brazil. Site 1 can be characterized as an extreme dissipative beach, with fine sediments and low hydrodynamics and site 2 is a dissipative/intermediate beach, with coarser sands and high hydrodynamics. Sporadic muddy deposition events occur in site 1. Sampling was conduct monthly from april/2004 to may/2005. Data from the fist two months was considered as a pilot study and was included just in chapter III. In each site, three transect lines, spaced 50 m apart, were defined perpendicular to the shore line, samples were collect in triplicate in 4 levels (10 m apart). Each transect was extend from 10 above de swash limit to 1m deep in the inner surf zone. Chapter I aimed to describe the temporal variability of the intertidal assemblages. A striking dynamics was recognized through samplings times. The mains temporal changes were influenced by the population dynamics of numerically dominants species and physical disturbances. In winter was found a low density and diversity of the assemblages, with were related to absence of recruitments, an event of muddy deposition and stranding events of low effects. In spring was observed a population explosion of the polychaeta Scolelepis gaucha, migration of Mesodesma mactroides adults from the subtidal to the intertidal and a strand event. During summer was observed recruitments of tidal migrant species as M. mactoides, Donax hanleyanus and Emerita brasiliensis. Fall was characterized by low densities, except for an expressive recruitment of D. hanleyanus. Chapter 2 aimed to describe the spatial distribution across shore and along shore in distinct scales. Site 2 showed a higher diversity than site 1. The higher diversity were probably due the presence of amphipods Phoxocephalopsis sp. and Plastyschnopidae in site 2, which were absent in site 1. The results showed that dissipative/intermediate can support higher diversities than extreme dissipative conditions, probably because the assemblage can be beneficiated by the higher hydrodynamics of swash. The low diversities found in site 1, may be also related to sporadic muddy deposition events. The multivariate analyses showed three macrofaunal zones: mesolitoral; the higher swash; the lower swash together with the inner surf zone. The characteristics species of each zone varied according to the season. A decrease of density was verified from mesolitoral zone to the lower levels. No patterns were identified in a smaller scale (50m) of the along shore distribution, probably due the high homogeneity of the morpho-dynamics and sediments in this scale. In Chapter III, the period that occurred two mortality events were analyzed with more detail: muddy deposition in april/2004 and stranding in october/2004. The recuperation of the macrofauna assemblages was extremely fast, in three months they showed the same composition, although the populations were characterized by high densities of recruitments and juvenis. The adult stokes may be heavily impacted by this events. The muddy deposition caused a mortality of all population of the intertidal assemblages. The bivalve M. mactroides juvenis+adults was the organism most affected by the strand event. It’s likely that these events are the main long term factors structuring this assemblage.

Beaked whales are comparatively unknown social mammals due to their deep-ocean distribution and elusive habits. The deep-ocean is the largest biome on Earth and the final frontier for human expansion. Since their first discovery, beaked whales have remained largely hidden from science. In this era of rapid technological advancement, genetic and genomic methods are key tools for population biologists and are particularly useful in describing rarely seen species. Using DNA-barcoding and nuclear markers, the publications in this thesis provide data on the distribution and external appearance of two species of beaked whale: the spade-toothed (Mesoplodon traversii) and Derinayagala’s whale (Mesoplodon hotaula). These whales were previously known from only a handful of tissue and bone specimens. Long-term efforts have facilitated the collection of samples of Gray’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon grayi) and we have used shot-gun sequencing to characterise the mitochondrial genome and isolate species-specific nuclear microsatellite loci. Using genetic species and sex identification, together with museum specimens and multivariate analyses, we provide clear evidence of sexual dimorphism in cranial dimensions and geographic variation in external morphology. No genetic differentiation was evident in Gray’s beaked whales across a large study area (~ 6,000 km). With a large female effective population size (Ne) and genetic homogeneity, we hypothesise that gene flow is facilitated by large-scale oceanographic features, such as the sub-tropical convergence. Genetic kinship analyses within Gray’s beaked whale groups suggest that the whales that strand together are not related. Both sexes disperse from their parents and these groups are not formed through the retention of kin. These results are consistent with a ‘fission-fusion’ social system that has been observed in some oceanic dolphin species. Taken together, these data provide the first insights into the population dynamics, dispersal and social organisation in Gray’s beaked whales. These publications highlight the value of using genetics alongside other techniques to describe inter- and intraspecific diversity. For beaked whales, the dead can tell us much about the living.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
Five sea turtle species use the Brazilian coast for reproduction and feeding: loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), olive turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). These species are included in the threatened categories, as much globally, according to the Red List of Threatened Species, issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as regionally, according to the Livro Vermelho da Fauna Brasileira Ameaçada de Extinção, published by the Ministério do Meio Ambiente. Sea turtles naturally face a wide variety of stressors, both natural and anthropogenic, like diseases, predation by other animals, incidental capture in fishing artifacts, marine pollution and the hunt. Systematic data collection from stranded sea turtles can provide useful biological information, such as seasonal and spatial patterns in their occurrence, and mortality, age structure, sex ratio, diet, interannual variations associated with climatic or anthropogenic events, as well as possible mortality causes. Thus, this study aimed to examine sea turtle strandings on the coast of Paraíba State, from August 2009 to July 2010, emphasizing the observation of the occurrence of ingestion of anthropogenic debris. In this period, 124 strandings were recorded. The species observed were C. mydas (n = 106), E. imbricata (n = 15), L. olivacea (n = 2) and C. caretta (n = 1). Of the total strandings that could be measured (n = 122), only twelve individuals (9.7%) could be considered adults. In 20 individuals, synthetic anthropogenic debris were found inside the gastrointestinal tract and of these, in 13 individuals it was concluded that the death cause was the ingestion of these residues. In 43 individuals, other traces of human interactions were observed, such as injuries caused by entanglement in fishing lines or nets, collisions with vessels, direct contact with oil spills, and lesions caused by knives and harpoons. In 28.5% of the stranded turtles, the presence of external tumors was noted, suggestive of fibropapillomatosis. Moreover, in 9.7%, shark bite marks were observed. A significant difference was found in the occurrence of strandings between males and females, being that the females were more frequent. Also, a significant difference was found in the occurrence of strandings between the different seasons, being that in the spring/summer (dry season), the strandings were more frequent. The most worrying result of this study was the observation of human interactions in half of the strandings analyzed. Stranding monitoring is necessary along the whole coast of Brazil and, indeed, along those of the entire world, because it has a fundamental role in studies of the ecology, biology and conservation of these species, generating benefits for local action, directed to the major problems observed.
Cinco espécies de tartarugas marinhas utilizam a costa brasileira para reprodução e alimentação: a tartaruga cabeçuda (Caretta caretta), a tartaruga verde (Chelonia mydas), a tartaruga de couro (Dermochelys coriacea), a tartaruga oliva (Lepidochelys olivacea) e a tartaruga de pente (Eretmochelys imbricata). Estas espécies estão incluídas em categorias de ameaça, tanto mundialmente, de acordo com a lista vermelha de animais ameaçados de extinção da União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza (IUCN), como regionalmente, de acordo com o Livro Vermelho da Fauna Brasileira Ameaçada de Extinção, do Ministério do Meio Ambiente. As tartarugas marinhas, naturalmente, encontram uma ampla variedade de estressores, tanto naturais quanto antrópicos, como doenças, predação por outros animais, captura incidental em artefatos de pesca, poluição marinha e a caça. A coleta sistemática de dados de tartarugas marinhas encalhadas pode fornecer informação biológica útil, como por exemplo, padrões sazonais e espaciais na ocorrência e mortalidade, estrutura etária, proporção sexual, dieta, variações interanuais associadas a eventos climáticos ou antropogênicos bem como as possíveis causas de mortalidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os encalhes de tartarugas marinhas na costa do estado da Paraíba, no período de agosto de 2009 a julho de 2010, enfatizando a observação da ocorrência de ingestão de material antropogênico. Neste período foram registrados 124 encalhes. As espécies observadas foram C. mydas (n = 106), E. imbricata (n = 15), L. olivacea (n = 2) e C. caretta (n = 1). Do total de encalhes que puderam ser mensurados (n = 122), apenas doze indivíduos (9,7%) puderam ser considerados adultos. Em 20 indivíduos, foram encontrados resíduos antropogênicos sintéticos dentro do trato gastrointestinal e destes, em 13 indivíduos foi possível concluir que a causa da morte foi a ingestão destes resíduos. Em 43 indivíduos foram observados outros vestígios de interações humanas, como ferimentos provocados por emaranhamentos em linhas ou redes, ferimentos provocados por colisões com embarcações, contato direto com manchas de óleo e ferimentos provocados por facas e arpões. Em 28,5% das tartarugas encalhadas notou-se a presença de tumores externos sugestivos de fibropapilomatose. Em 9,7% foi possível observar marcas de mordidas de tubarões. Observou-se uma diferença significativa na ocorrência de encalhes entre machos e fêmeas, sendo que as fêmeas foram mais frequentes. Também verificou-se uma diferença significativa na ocorrência de encalhes entre as diferentes estações, sendo que no período de primavera/verão (estação seca) os encalhes foram mais frequentes. O resultado mais preocupante deste estudo foi a observação de evidências de interação com atividades antrópicas em metade dos encalhes analisados. O monitoramento de encalhes se faz necessário em toda a costa do Brasil e do mundo, pois este tem papel fundamental em estudos de ecologia, biologia e conservação destas espécies, gerando assim subsídios para ações locais e direcionadas aos principais problemas observados.

Le mémoire de thèse propose une méthode de modélisation multi physique capable de quantifier l’influence des paramètres des processus d’écrouissage, le câblage et le compactage, sur le comportement mécanique et électrique des câbles électriques. Les propriétés électriques d’un câble dépendent de la nature du matériau utilisé, de son état métallurgique, des contraintes mécaniques exercées et de la conductance électrique des aires de contact inter-fils. De nombreuses mesures ont permis de définir les caractéristiques des câbles mais aussi des matériaux utilisés, comme par exemple la variation de la conductivité électrique d’un fil de cuivre en fonction de l’écrouissage. La modélisation mécanicoélectrique, réalisée avec le logiciel Abaqus®, est utilisée pour étudier les différents paramètres impliqués dans les processus de câblage et de compactage. Cela a permis de déterminer les déformations géométriques des fils ainsi que les contraintes mécaniques dans le câble. Les résultats de simulation sont comparés aux mesures afin de valider la précision des modèles numériques développés.Un couplage faible entre les modèles mécanique et électrique permet de mettre en évidence la distribution non-homogène de la conductivité électrique à l’intérieur d’un conducteur après qu’il ait subi des contraintes mécaniques dues au processus de déformation à froid, le câblage et le compactage. Ensuite, en appliquant une procédure d’optimisation, nous avons identifié les paramètres capables de réduire de 2 % la masse du matériau conducteur utilisés dans les processus de fabrication, tout en conservant des propriétés mécaniques et électrique répondant aux exigences normatives des constructeurs de câbles
The presented PhD thesis propose multi-physics modeling method able to predict the impact of stranding and compacting processes parameters on the mechanical and electrical behavior of stranded conductors. The electrical properties of stranded conductors depend on the nature of the material, on its metallurgical state, on the mechanical pressure within the conductor and on the electrical conductance of contact areas between wires. A wide range of measurements has allowed us to define the characteristics of structures and materials, such as for example the resistivity as a function of the stresses due to material hardening. The electromechanical modeling with Abaqus and Vector Fields software are used to study different parameters involved in the stranding and compacting processes to determine actual wires shapes, induced deformations and actual stresses between wires within the conductor. The results obtained by simulation were compared with experimental measurements to analyze the accuracy of the model. By coupling mechanical and electrical simulations, we pointed out the non-homogeneous distribution of the electrical conductivity along conductor cross sections resulting from the hardness of each single wire. Applying the optimization procedure, we have identified the parameters able to reduce the mass of conducting material by 2 % while maintaining mechanical and electrical properties that meet the prescriptive requirements of cables manufacturers and standards

Les espèces élusives sont difficiles à suivre individuellement et il est difficile d'estimer leur mortalité ce qui freine la mise en place de politiques de gestion. En tant qu’espèce élusive, le dauphin commun, Delphinus delphis présente des enjeux de conservation importants. La population Atlantique Nord-Est est affectée par les captures accidentelles qui menacent sa viabilité. Les informations démographiques sur cette population sont insuffisantes et notre compréhension de la structure spatio-temporelle des captures ne permet pas de fixer des objectifs de gestion appropriés. Ce projet vise à déterminer le statut actuel de la population au regard des objectifs de conservation européens. Premièrement, une approche flexible d'estimation des taux vitaux a été développée afin de mettre en évidence les variations temporelles et les effets de covariables en tenant compte de l'hétérogénéité individuelle. Ensuite, l'utilisation de cette méthode, combinée à un suivi transversal, nous a permis de mettre en évidence les variations temporelles des taux vitaux de la population et l'impact des captures sur sa démographie. La population n'est pas viable et son taux de croissance semble s'être détérioré depuis le milieu des années 2000. Troisièmement, en utilisant les données biaisées d’observateurs embarqués, le nombre de captures accidentelles a été quantifié sur une base hebdomadaire pour dix divisions CIEM sur seize ans. Quatrièmement, les taux vitaux obtenus combinés aux estimations de captures permettent de produire des seuils de captures soutenables. Cette évaluation a été effectué par une approche d'évaluation de stratégies de gestion en accord avec l'objectif de conservation européen
Elusive species are notoriously difficult to monitor individually and therefore it is difficult to estimate their anthropogenic mortality and to implement management policies. As an elusive species, the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis is a good example of these conservation challenges. The North-East Atlantic population is affected by bycatch that threatens its viability. However, demographic information on this population is very limited and our understanding of the spatio-temporal structure and dynamics of bycatch is insufficient to set appropriate management objectives. This project aims to determine the current status of this common dolphin population with regard to conservation objectives in European waters with a focus on the Bay of Biscay. First a flexible vital rates estimation approach has been developed in order to highlight variations in vital rates over time and the effects of covariates while taking into account individual heterogeneity. Second, using such a methodological approach through a cross-sectional monitoring, allowed us to highlight both the temporal variations of the population vital rates and the impact of bycatch on the common dolphin population demography. The population is not viable and the population growth rate seems to have deteriorated since the mid 2000's. Third, using biased data from on-board observers, the number of incidental catches on a weekly basis was quantified for ten ICES sub-area over sixteen years. Fourth, the resulting vital rates combined with by catch estimates finally allowed the production of sustainable bycatch thresholds through a Management Strategy Evaluation approach in line with the European conservation objective

Tasmanian cetacean stranding reports are examined and reviewed to establish the composition of the record and identify possible causes of the strandings. The record, to the end of February 1986, comprises 213 stranding events (152 single and 61 herd strandings) dating from 1825. These events involve 22 species and over 3000 animals. Five species (the pygmy right whale, sperm whale, long-finned pilot whale, common dolphin and bottle-nosed dolphin) have each stranded on more than 20 occasions, and represent 66% of the events. Four species (the false killer whale, strap-toothed whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, and Gray's beaked whale) have each stranded between nine and 13 times. The remaining 13 species have stranded on less than five occasions, usually only once each, and there are nine strandings in the record for which the species involved is not known. In general, areas with high numbers of strandings have complex oceanographic conditions. It is proposed that the high number of strandings on the western section of the north coast of Tasmania, and the Storm Bay - southeast area are due to cetaceans experiencing difficulties with the combination of the areas' oceanographic conditions and extensive shoaling waters, while the low number of strandings in the central section of the north coast is due to the low number of cetaceans that enter the shallow central region of Bass Strait Active strandings are shown to occur predominantly on shelving coasts, the frequency of which is significantly higher than that expected from the proportion of these topographies along the coast as a whole. This relationship does not exist on the north coast because of the high proportion of beaches in this area, indicating that steep coasts may prevent strandings rather than shelving coasts causing them. Active stranding sites tended to occur at or near local minima in the geomagnetic field intensity but they were not characterised by having intensity contours running perpendicular to the coast's alignment. The stranding record shows a strong seasonality with most events being reported during the summer months. It is proposed that a major influence is that the summer months are the peak period of human activity on the beaches, thus a period of high observer effort. Long-finned pilot whale strandings are significantly correlated with sea surface temperature, possibly indicating that part of the seasonal pattern is induced by seasonal variations in the physical environment. The overall long-term trend are of more strandings being reported each year, and it is proposed that the increase is due to greater scientific interest and public awareness of cetacean strandings rather than changes in the actual rate of strandings. The annual fluctuations in the number of stranding reports, however, can not be explained by variations in observer effort. Several environmental factors were investigated including aspects of the Tasmanian weather, variations of, and disruptions to, Tasmania's oceanography, and the disruption of the navigation systems of cetaceans. Only strandings of two species and two species groups were significantly correlated with some of these features, at varying time lags (-1, 0, + 1 years), which indicates that either the availability or susceptibility of cetaceans to strand is affected by some features of the physical environment around and to the south of Tasmania.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
生態學與演化生物學研究所
94
In order to understand spatiotemporal distribution of cetacean stranding in Taiwan and investigate the relationship between stranding occurrence and natural environment, I confirmed the details and locations of 250 cetacean stranding events during the period of October 1996 to April 2005, and approached the following factors：coastal zone, seasonal monsoon, lunar cycle, and weather harshness（cold air mass and typhoon）. The results indicated that the stranding rate was significantly correlated with coastal zones, but not significantly with other temporal as well as weather factors. Sranding events clumped most at the northeast coast from Tou-Cheng to Bei-Fang-Aou, and next along north coast, and this might be relevant to the sea current and submarine topography. Besides, the proportion of dead or live strandings interacted significantly with seasons, more dead strandings in NE monsoon seasons than in SW monsoon seasons. It may be related with the impact on cetacean physical condition by bad sea condition. In addition, the interaction between spatial and temporal factors existed obviously, i.e. strandings distruibuted more or less even among whole coastal zones during SW monsoon seasons, but accumulated much more at southwest Taiwan during NE monsoon seasons. Mutual effects from wind direction and ocean current could be the causes of unequal distribution of stranding site between two monsoon periods.

The stranding of crude oil on the beaches of southern Australia was first recorded approximately 150 years ago. This material, locally known as coastal bitumen, was used by the early maritime visitors and settlers to caulk their vessels and is the first recorded commercial use of crude oil in Australia. Historical records indicate that the greatest amount of coastal bitumen strands along the coasts of South Australia and western Victoria. The Otway Basin, which straddles part of this shoreline, is one of a series of basins located along the southern passive margin of the Australian continent. These basins formed during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous in response to the rifting and final breakup of eastern Gondwanaland 95 million years ago. The circumstantial evidence of coastal bitumen, and the more recent discovery of offshore gas seeps, have been used to promote petroleum exploration in the Otway Basin. As a result, several small but commercial gas fields and numerous oil shows have been discovered. The moderate success of exploration in the Otway Basin may not be a true indication of its ultimate reserves, given that Australia’s most prolific petroleum province, the Gippsland Basin, lies immediately to the east. The aims of this study were twofold: to appraise the hydrocarbon potential of the western Otway Basin, and to identify the origin(s) of the coastal bitumen. Source rocks were identified using an interdisciplinary approach which included wireline log interpretation, lithological descriptions, organic petrology (viz. maceral analysis, vitrinite reflectance) and organic geochemical analyses (viz. TOC and Rock-Eval pyrolysis). Oil-source rock and oil-oil correlations were attempted using carbon isotope mass spectrometry, gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the western Otway Basin the most important hydrocarbon plays occur within the Early Cretaceous Otway Group (Crayfish Subgroup and Eumeralla Formation). Terrigenous source rocks with potential to generate both oil and gas were identified in the lower Eumeralla Formation. The waxy paraffinic-naphthenic crude oils recovered from Windermere-1 and 2, Lindon-1 and Port Campbell-4 have biomarker signatures that are indicative of a terrestrial source to which conifer resins made a significant contribution. These oils have been correlated with coaly facies of the lower Eumeralla Formation. In the Crayfish Subgroup, lacustrine mudstones in the Pretty Hill Sandstone contain kerogen derived from a mixture of algal and biodegraded plant remains which appears to have generated significant volumes of gas (Katnook-Ladbroke Grove Gas Field; Troas-1) and minor quantities of oil (Sawpit-1). Reservoir bitumens occur in the Pretty Hill Sandstone at Crayfish-A1 and Zema-1. These bitumens are unlike any other oil found within the Otway Basin. Their distinctive biomarker assemblage indicates that they were derived from algal and bacterial remains preserved in carbonate-evaporite sediments. Although no such source rocks have yet been penetrated by any exploration well, it is believed that they may be located within either the lower Crayfish Subgroup or the Casterton beds. These inferred source rocks are likely to be overmature in most areas of the western Otway Basin, precluding any significant future hydrocarbon generation. However, their required presence indicates that hydrocarbons were generated very early in the history of the basin. A bimonthly survey documenting the stranding of coastal bitumen between Kangaroo Island, South Australia and Cape Otway, Victoria was carried out from September 1990 to September 1991. The physical characteristics of the coastal bitumens collected during this period enabled three categories of beached petroleum to be identified: waxy bitumen, asphaltite and oil slicks. Elemental, isotopic and biomarker analyses of representative samples confirmed that these three categories of petroleum are not geochemically related. Of extreme significance is the fact that they bear no resemblance to oil discoveries in the Otway Basin. Waxy bitumens are the most common type of coastal bitumen, accounting for 90% of the total beached petroleum. They represent the weathered remains of paraffinic-naphthenic crude oils which have low to moderate sulphur (0.1-2.6%) contents. Their medium to low density (10-40°API) ensures that they float in sea water. These waxy bitumens contain a unique association of source-specific biomarkers, notably botryococcane, oleanane, isomeric bicadinanes and 4-methyl steranes, which is not found in any indigenous Australian oils. The biological precursor of botryococcane is synthesized only by the freshwater green alga Botryococcus sp. and 4-methyl sterols are abundant in dinoflagellates. Oleanane originates from angiosperms which first appeared in the Late Cretaceous. High concentrations of bicadinane are derived from the resins (dammars) of the fossil angiosperm family Dipterocarpaceae. In terms of their biogeographic range, both extant and fossil dipterocarps are confined to the tropics of Southeast Asia, although their dammars have been found on South Australian beaches. Together, these biomarkers imply that the waxy bitumens were derived from Tertiary lacustrine source beds which were deposited at low palaeolatitudes. When the effects of extensive weathering and biodegradation are taken into account, the waxy bitumens are similar to bitumens stranded on the coasts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, and to Tertiary crude oils produced from Sumatra. Hence, it has been deduced that the waxy bitumens originate from oil seeps within the Indonesian Archipelago. These crude oils are transported into southern Australian waters as flotsam by a complex system of surface ocean currents which include the South Equatorial Current, Leeuwin Current and West Wind Drift. Asphaltite is the least common variety of coastal bitumen. These jet black bitumens are heavy (~8°API) and characteristically exhibit deep desiccation cracks on their upper surface. The oldest asphaltite analysed in this study was collected before the year 1900 on Kangaroo Island, and the stranding of comparable samples continues to the present day. The asphaltites have a uniform aromatic-asphaltic composition and are rich in sulphur (S=3-6%). Their unimodal n-alkane distribution centred about C¹⁵, the predominance of cholestane among their C ₂₇-C ₂₉ desmethyl steranes and the presence of dinosterane (a marine dinoflagellate biomarker) as the major C₃₀4-methyl sterane, highlight the marine source affinity of the asphaltites. The presence of rearranged steranes and hopanes indicates that their parent crude oils were generated from clay-rich sediments. The asphaltite samples are isotopically light (δ¹³Csat~-30.0‰; δ¹³Carom~-29.5‰) relative to the waxy bitumens. These depleted δ¹³C values, combined with the presence of dinosterane and C₂₈ /C₂₉ sterane ratios ranging from 0.7 to 1.2, suggests that their source rocks are of Mesozoic age. The South Australian and Victorian asphaltites are almost identical to asphaltic bitumen which strands on the west and south coasts of Tasmania. The biomarker geochemistry of the asphaltite was compared with those of many other Australian and non-Australian marine sediments and oils. However, no matching signatures were found and so the source of the asphaltite could not be identified. Nevertheless, the long stranding history of the asphaltite suggests that it is a natural phenomenon. A third group of ‘coastal bitumens’ represents stranded oil slicks. These films and sheets of liquid oil are of sporadic occurrence and have been linked to local maritime operations. The bitumens assigned to this category have variable geochemical signatures depending on the type of oil discharged; both refined and unrefined crude oils were among the samples collected. The majority of these crude oils originated from either Southeast Asia or the Middle East, the two main provinces from which oil is imported into Australia. The stranding of coastal bitumen along the southern margin of Australia can be attributed to both natural and anthropogenic causes but not, as first suspected, to oil seepage from the offshore sector of the Otway Basin.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Department of Geology and Geophysics, 1995

Despite a widely held view that serialism is incompatible with jazz improvisation, there are many instances of jazz musicians successfully engaging with this concept. This conflict seems likely to have arisen from differing interpretations of ‘serialism’; however, the question of how a jazz improviser’s approach to serialism might, or perhaps should, differ from a classical composer’s, has been left unasked. In addition, most attempts at the use of serialism within improvisation remain undocumented by the musicians concerned. The chord stranding techniques of Lutoslawski are less well known and less controversial than serialism. Connections between Lutoslawski’s twelve-note chords and traditional twelve-note rows are obvious, as are connections between the concept of harmonic ‘strands’ and the jazz harmonic device of superimposition. The possibilities for use of Lutoslawski’s ideas within a jazz context are interesting and worthy of consideration. This research project involves the composition and performance of jazz pieces applying serialism and chord stranding, as well as the exploration of precedents for these ideas within the jazz tradition. The four CD recordings within this thesis present the initial development of these concepts (CDs 1 and 2); an exploration of serialism in the music of John Coltrane (CD 3); and an album of original material demonstrating the integrated application of these concepts (CD 4). The exegesis describes the broader context of this project and examines the relevant music theory concepts. It uses analysis of transcriptions to show the specific application of techniques. The key outcomes from this research are (i) the development and (ii) the demonstration of techniques for pitch organisation based on serialism and chord stranding that are appropriate for jazz improvisation. The recordings and exegesis show the successful integration of these techniques with existing melodic and harmonic ideas familiar to jazz musicians. It is argued that the approach to jazz improvisation explored within this research represents a novel and radical reinterpretation of the traditional concept of serialism and that this approach is helpful when considering the effective use of serialism in a jazz context. From a broader perspective, this research offers a case study of an improviser grappling with the challenges of synthesis and stylistic integrity and, as such, it has the potential to inform contemporary debates concerning tradition and innovation within jazz.
v. 1 Exegesis -- v. 2 CD Recordings: CD1. Serialism concept development ; CD2. Chord stranding concept development ; CD3. Chris Martin Trio play A love supreme ; CD4. Triptych, 1+1=1
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music, 2008

A Brucelose é uma zoonose de origem bacteriana frequentemente reportada tanto em animais terrestres como marinhos. Foram reportados casos de Brucelose marinha em países do Sul da Europa e América do Sul. É uma bactéria causadora de arrojamentos de animais marinhos, por originar problemas de natação e flutuabilidade. Como potenciais foram identificadas 130 espécies de animais marinhos, entre os quais 86 espécies de cetáceos e 36 espécies de pinípedes. Brucella ceti e Brucella pinnipedialis são as duas espécies mais comuns e importantes de brucelose em animais marinhos. Este agente patogénico dissemina-se principalmente para os órgãos e tecidos, como o baço, gânglios linfáticos, útero, testículos, glândula mamária e tecido nervoso através de inclusões intrafagocitárias. Nos dias de hoje, existe um grande contacto entre o Homem e animais marinhos, como tal, a redução ou eliminação desta bactéria é um passo essencial para minimizar e prevenir o problema, evitando assim a perda de espécies tão importantes e prevenindo uma questão de saúde pública. Este trabalho de revisão tem como objetivo rever o conhecimento atual sobre brucelose em animais marinhos, as respetivas espécies infetantes, as suas manifestações clinicas, epidemiologia, diagnóstico e a terapêutica utilizada. Adicionalmente pretende-se abordar o que poderá ser feito para aumentar a eficácia de diagnóstico e tratamento desta patologia nestes animais, melhorando as suas condições de vida em cativeiro e evitando a sua morte em liberdade.
Brucellosis, is a zoonosis of bacterial origin, frequently reported both in terrestrial and marine animals. It has the ability to infect humans. Marine brucellosis has already been reported in countries from South Europe and South America. This pathogenic agent is the cause of live and dead animal strandings due to swimming disorders and buoyancy problems. It is already recognized 130 species of marine mammal hosts of Brucella spp., of which, 86 species are cetaceans and 36 species are Pinnipeds. Brucella ceti and Brucella pinnipedialis are the two most important species in marine mammals brucellosis. This pathogenic agent spreads primarily through organs and tissue like spleen, lymph nodes, uterus, testicles, mammary gland and nervous system due to intra-phagocytic inclusions. In fact, nowadays, there is a great relationship and contact between humans and marine mammals, therefore, it is very important to avoid the spreading of the disease, and control and eliminate this agent, which is crucial to minimize losses, such as, dead animals and infected Humans, avoiding a public health problem. The aim of this study was to perform a review over brucellosis in marine mammals, its infection and clinical signs, its manifestation in different species of marine mammals, define its transmission from host to host, available treatment and what can be done in the near future to create new ways to diagnose and treat this disease in this animals, contributing to better health and living conditions in captivity and avoiding death in the wild.

The aim of the research study is to apply mass spectrometric geochemical techniques to the investigation of palaeoenvironmental, chemostratigraphic and provenance questions from several South Australian Phanerozoic basins. Results of a multi-pronged palaeoenvironmental investigation of Early Cambrian marine sediments, employing trace and REE abundances, TOC and stable isotopes (C, S) are reported from three formations in the Stansbury Basins; Heatherdale Shale, Emu Bay Shale and Talisker Formation. The multiproxy approach in conjunction with sedimentological information provides a powerful tool for interpreting palaeoenvironmental conditions. Prevalent palaeoredox conditions of the Heatherdale Shale and Talisker Formation were dysoxic, evolving progressively more reducing natures up section. The Emu Bay Shale conversely demonstrates consistently aerobic interpretations for the redox proxies. Comparison of trace element and REE distributions to similar sequences of the Yangtze platform, South China shows striking similarities, Analogous basinal environments and common provenance may have lead to the seawater trace element chemistry of the Palaeo Pacific & Asian oceans exhibiting a homogenous nature. The Emu Bay Shale biota is the richest Burgess Shale-type (BST) fauna in the southern hemisphere. The implied oxic water column during accumulation appears difficult to reconcile with the exceptional preservation exhibited. Micro-scale sealed vessel (MSSV) pyrolysis of isolated kerogen and δ¹³Corg values provided confirmation of its redox status and implicate cyanobacteria in the preservation mechanism. Molecular signatures diagnostic of Gloeocapsomorpha prisca were identified, the first indication that microbial mats were involved in the taphonomy of a BST deposit. The biostratigraphic definition of GSSP horizons though the use of cosmopolitan taxa biohorizons is problematical for sections such as lower Cambrian deposits where few candidate fossils exist. Instead, an integrated approach comprising chemostratigraphy and/or sequence stratigraphy with the known biostratigraphy greatly increases our ability to make high-resolution correlations., δ¹³Ccarb profiles from three South Australian basins; the Stansbury, the Arrowie and the Officer are correlated regionally with the existing data from the Flinders Ranges. Globally identified excursions such as the negative ROECE and AECE event and the positive CARE and MICE events, are recognised in the profiles. This chemostratigraphic interpretation appears to support the biostratigraphic assignment of the sections. Asphaltic bitumens are long known to strand along coastlines of southern Australia and as far afield as New Zealand and Macquarie Island. Widely regarded as artefacts of an unidentified submarine oil seepages, a common source is interpreted from remarkably uniform compositions. An important consideration when attempting to locate their point of origin is the degree of weathering exhibited, which will reflect the residence time in the marine environment and proximity of the seep to the stranding site. Biomarker signatures and n-alkane C-isotopic profiles from interior and weathered exterior sub-samples of asphaltum from four localities in South Australia and New Zealand were compared. No distinction could be made between strandings despite their widely separated localities. The degree of degradation and isotopic variance suggest an origin from low intensity seeps in the western Otway Basin as strandings on the Limestone Coast and Kangaroo Island appear less weathered than those from Eyre Peninsula and New Zealand.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2012

The main aim of this thesis was to provide information about harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Western Iberian peninsula (NWIP), as they are designated as ”vulnerable” in Spain (Catálogo Nacional de Especies Amenazadas, Law 4/1989, 2000; Livro vermelho dos vertebrados de Portugal) and are included in Annex-II of the EU Habitats Directive, thus requiring the designation of Special Area of Conservation (SAC) by EU Member States in areas of critical habitat. The study of their populations is a priority issue and both IWC (International Whaling Commission) and ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) recommended studies to determine the population structure and develop appropriate management in order to reduce negative impacts on the populations. Also, the distribution, abundance and population dynamics of cetaceans are considered in some EU members as indicators of Good Environmental State (GES) of the EU’s marine waters under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). As conservation requires an understanding of the species´ distribution and population structure, the population structure of the harbour porpoise in the North East Atlantic and Black Sea was examined using ten DNA microsatellite markers and sequence variation from the mitochondrial control region. A Structure-based analysis of microsatellite structure identified three main genetic groups: the Iberian Peninsula, the rest of Northeast Atlantic, and the Black Sea. A median joining network of mtDNA sequences highlights the isolation of the Aegean-Marmara Sea and Black Sea populations. Neither microsatellite nor mitochondrial DNA markers detected genetic differentiation between Galicia and Portugal, nor any significant pattern of population genetic structure along the Iberian coast. However there were differences between Iberia and the rest of the populations studied. Values of genetic diversity for both markers were lower in the Iberian Peninsula than in all the other populations except those in Aegean, Marmara and Black Seas. Levels of divergence clearly cannot be explained by isolation by distance but instead are likely to be associated with population separation based upon oceanographic conditions due to the presence of upwelling conditions in West Iberia and North West Africa providing suitable conditions for porpoises. Overall the genetic data suggest that the Iberian Peninsula and West Africa should be considered as a separate population. Secondly, habitat modelling was used as it represents a potentially powerful tool for describing and predicting cetacean distributions and understanding the ecological processes determining these distributions. Two data collection methods were used by the NGO CEMMA (Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos MAriños): 1. Targeted boat surveys were carried out in Galician coastal waters during the years 2003-2010. 2. Data from systematic monthly surveys from a series of evenly spaced observation points along the Galician coast were collected from 2003 to 2011. Results from boat surveys showed that: i) higher sea state negatively influenced the detection of porpoises, ii) field-of-view width had a positive effect; and, iii) the best boat speed for monitoring harbour porpoises is around 6 knots. There was interannual variation with a significant increase in the number of sightings in 2005 and no detections in 2006. In contrast, no significant differences in porpoise presence were seen between months or in relation to depth. Several environmental variables were found to be important to explain the presence of porpoises: i) they were mostly seen in waters with medium temperatures; ii) as chlorophyll concentration and the depth of the eutrophic zone increase there was an increase in the probability of porpoise presence; iii) finally, there were positive relationships between number of sightings and both steeper seabed slope and its facing to the South. The analysis of coastal observations showed that five variables had some influence on the observers in relation to the detection of porpoises. i) the duration of the observation; and, ii) the field of view had positive relationships with sightings; iii) there was a linear decrease in sightings as the Beaufort value increases; iv) porpoises were most frequently seen when Douglas values were in the range 2 to 3, and v) the presence of bottlenose dolphins (Turisops truncatus) had a negative effect on porpoise presence. There was a temporal trend during the study period, with an increase in the number of sightings over the years. Also, there was an increase in the number of sightings later in the day, and the number of sightings increased northwards with more detections in Lugo and A Coruña (Northern stations). Environmental variables also appear to affect porpoise distribution: more porpoises were detected in waters where the depth of the eutrophic zone (ZEU) was higher, depth was more variable, seabed slope was greater and the continental shelf was narrower. Finally, stranding data from 1990 to 2013 from Galicia recorded by CEMMA and from 2000 to 2013 from Portugal recorded by Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS) were analysed. A total of 424 strandings of harbour porpoises were recorded in the whole area. The results showed that porpoise strandings occur throughout the year, with differences between years. The highest numbers of porpoises stranded were recorded in Galicia in 1998, and in Portugal in 2011. Also differences between months were found. In Galicia porpoise strandings were more common in winter with a peak in March and in April; and in Portugal a peak in May was detected. When analysing data from both areas together, the number of strandings is higher in winter than in summer. There was an increase in the number of porpoises stranded from North to South with two regions having the most strandings: sub-areas 5 and 9. Overall, sex ratio in strandings was close to 1:1, although the number of females was slightly lower in Portugal. The total body length ranged from 81 to 202 cm with a mean length of 146.66 cm, the Portuguese porpoises being larger than Galician, and females larger than males. Overall, 33.4% of the stranded porpoises had signs of by-catch with a higher proportion in the Portuguese coast (56.0%) than in the Galician coast (26.2%), which could be due to the difference of the gears used in each area by fishermen. Results provide evidence of an absence of genetic structure in the harbour porpoise population along the WIP and a clear isolation of this population from the populations of the North East Atlantic and Black Sea, with an important influence of the predominant oceanographic features such as currents and upwelling. These results support the recommended definition of Iberian Peninsula as a separated management unit for harbour porpoise for the MSFD and also the definition of a third subspecies, Phocoena phocoena meridionalis. Both sightings and strandings showed that porpoises are present in the area all year around with variations in the number of sightings between years, months and subareas, which leads us to think that they may move between areas. Thus, i) protected areas cannot be seasonal, because the species is present throughout the year, ii) Galicia is one of the key areas in the Iberian peninsula, with four localities with particularly high occurrence of porpoises: Punta Candieira, Vilán and Touriñán Cape, Punta Remedios (Lira) and Faro de Corrubedo, iii) the main areas used by harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins are different. Moreover, while a part of the bottlenose dolphin population was described as a resident population, the porpoise population does not seem to behave in the same way; therefore the same SAC is not going to be useful for both species, unless it is big enough to cover those different areas. It is well known that by-catch is one of the principal threats for small cetaceans, especially harbour porpoises, and it is of concern in an area of high fishing effort such as WIP. A higher proportion of by-caught porpoises was found on the Portuguese coast than on the Galician coasts, maybe due to the difference in the fishery arts used in each area. In any case, in both areas (Galicia and Portugal) bycatch mortality is unsustainable as the limit of mortality of 1.7 % of the best population estimate according to ASCOBANS (1997). However by-catch is not the only threat for this species, and is essential to carry out further studies to enrich the knowledge about Iberian harbour porpoises and to support its conservation.
O principal objectivo desta tese consistiu em fornecer informação sobre boto (Phocoena phocoena) no Nordeste da Península Ibérica (NOPI), uma vez que esta espécie é designada como “Vulnerável” em Espanha e Portugal (Catálogo Nacional de Especies Amenazadas, Lei 4/1989, 2000; Livro vermelho dos vertebrados de Portugal) e está incluida no Anexo II da Directiva Habitats, requerendo assim a designação de Áreas Especiais de Conservação (AEC) pelos estados membros da UE. O estudo das populações desta espécie é uma prioridade e tanto a IWC (International Whaling Commission) como a ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) recomendam a realização de estudos para determinar a sua estrutura populacional e desenvolver estratégias de gestão adequadas, de forma a reduzir os impactos negativos nas populações. Adicionalmente, o estudo da distribuição, abundância e dinâmica populacional de cetáceos são considerados em alguns membros da EU indicadores do “Bom Estado Ambiental” das águas marinhas europeias, segundo a Directiva Quadro Estratégia Marinha (DQEM). Como a conservação requer o conhecimento da distribuição e estrutura populacional das espécies, neste estudo a estrutura populacional do boto no nordeste Atlântico e Mar Negro foi examinada utilizando dez microsatélites e a variação da região controlo do ADN mitocondrial (mtADN). A análise de microsatélites detectou três grupos genéticos principais: a Península Ibérica, o restante nordeste Atlântico e o Mar Negro. Uma rede de haplótipos mitocondriais evidenciou o isolamento das populações do Mar Egeu-Mármara e do Mar Negro. A análise de microsatélites e de mtADN não detectou diferenças genéticas entre a Galiza e Portugal, nem qualquer padrão de estrutura genética populacional ao longo da costa Ibérica. No entanto, ocorreram diferenças entre a Península Ibérica e as restantes populações analisadas. Ambos os marcadores mostraram níveis de diversidade genética mais baixos na Península Ibérica comparativamente com outras populações, excepto as populações dos mares Egeu, Mármara e Negro. Os níveis de divergência detectados não aparentam dever-se a isolamento por distância, mas antes a segregação populacional devido a condições oceanográficas, já que os afloramentos costeiros presentes no oeste Ibérico e no nordeste Africano apresentam condições adequadas para a ocorrência de boto. Assim, os dados genéticos sugerem que os animais da Península Ibérica e do oeste Africano deverão ser considerados como uma população separada. De seguida, foram aplicadas técnicas de modelação de habitat para estudar a distribuição de boto, uma vez que representam uma ferramenta poderosa para descrever e prever a distribuição de cetáceos e compreender os processos ecológicos que influenciam essas distribuições. Foram utilizados dois métodos para a recolha de dados de distribuição de cetáceos, pela ONG CEMMA (Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños): 1. monitorizações dedicadas de barco, realizadas em águas costeiras Galegas, de 2003-2010; 2. monitorizações mensais em pontos costeiros localizados ao longo da costa Galega, de 2003 a 2011. Os resultados das monitorizações de barco mostraram que: i) estados do mar superiores influenciaram negativamente a detecção de botos; ii) a largura do campo de visão tem um efeito positivo; iii) a melhor velocidade de barco para monitorizar boto é aproximadamente seis nós. Verificou-se a ocorrência de variação inter-anual, com um aumento significativo de observações em 2005 e ausência de detecções em 2006. Em contraste, não se verificou a influência das variáveis mês ou profundidade na presença de boto. Diversas variáveis ambientais parecem ser importantes para explicar a presença de botos, já que: i) foram maioritariamente visto em águas de temperaturas médias; ii) à medida que a concentraçao de clorofila e a profundidade da zona eutrófica (ZE) aumentam, verifica-se um aumento na probabilidade de presença de boto; iii) verificou-se uma relação positiva entre o número de avistamentos e a ocorrência de inclinações do fundo marinho mais acentuadas e viradas a sul. Por sua vez, a análise de avistamentos costeiros mostrou que cinco variáveis parecem influenciar a capacidade de detecção de botos, pelos observadores, nomeadamente: i) a duração da observação; ii) o campo de visão, que apresentou uma relação positiva com o número de avistamentos; iii) verificou-se um decréscimo linear nos avistamentos à medida que o Beaufort aumenta; iv) botos foram avistados mais frequentemente com valores de Douglas entre 2 e 3; v) a presença de roaz (Tursiops truncatus) teve um efeito negativo na presença de botos. Verificou-se um padrão temporal durante o período de estudo, com um aumento do número de avistamentos ao longo dos anos. De igual modo, verificou-se um aumento do número de avistamentos no final do dia e em localizações mais a norte, com maior número de detecções em Lugo e A Coruña. Condições ambientais também parecem afectar a distribuição de botos, a partir de pontos costeiros: foram detectados mais animais em águas onde a profundidade da ZE era superior, onde a profundidade era mais variável, onde a inclinação do fundo marinho era superior e onde a plataforma continental era mais estreita. Por último, foram analisados os arrojamentos de boto recolhidos pela CEMMA na Galiza, de 1990 a 2013, e pela Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS) em Portugal, de 2000 a 2013. Foram registados 424 arrojamentos desta espécie na área de estudo. Verificou-se a ocorrência de arrojamentos ao longo do ano, bem como diferenças inter-anuais, com um acréscimo no número de arrojamentos com o tempo. Os números mais elevados de arrojamentos ocorreram em 1998 na Galiza e em 2011 em Portugal. De igual modo, verificou-se a ocorrência de diferenças de diferenças no número de arrojamentos entre meses. Em particular, enquanto que na Galiza os arrojamentos foram mais comuns no Inverno, com um pico em Março e Abril, em Portugal o pico de arrojamentos foi detectado em Maio. Dados de ambas as áreas mostram um maior número de arrojamentos no Inverno comparativamente com o Verão. Verificou-se um aumento no número de arrojamentos de boto de norte para sul, com picos em duas regiões: a sub-area 5 e 9. No geral, o rácio sexual nos arrojamentos foi aproximadamente de 1:1, apesar de o número de fêmeas ser ligeiramente inferior em Portugal. O comprimento total dos animais variou de 81 a 202 cm, com um tamanho médio de 146.66 cm, com botos maiores em Portugal comparativamente com a Galiza e com as fêmeas maiores que os machos. No geral, 33.4% dos botos arrojados apresentaram evidências de captura acidental em artes de pesca, com uma proporção superior na costa Portuguesa (56.0%) comparativamente com a costa Galega (26.2%), o que poderá dever-se a diferenças no tipo de artes de pesca usadas em cada área. Os resultados do presente estudo mostram evidências de ausência de estrutura genética na população de boto no NPI e um claro isolamento desta população comparativamente com outras populações do nordeste Atlântico e Mar Negro, devido à importante influência de processos oceanográficos, como correntes e afloramento costeiro. Estes resultados suportam a recomendada definição da população de boto da Península Ibérica como uma separada unidade de gestão para a DQEM e também a definição de uma terceira sub-espécie, Phocoena phocoena meridionalis. Tanto os resultados de avistamentos como os de arrojamentos mostraram que esta espécie está presente na área de estudo durante todo o ano, com variações temporais (anos, meses) e espaciais (sub-áreas), sugerindo a movimentação dos animais entre áreas. Assim, i) as áreas protegidas não podem ser sazonais, uma vez que esta espécie está presente durante todo o ano; ii) a Galiza é uma das áreas importantes para boto na Península Ibérica, quando também pode ser o caso do Golfo de Cádiz, com quatro localizações a apresentar elevada ocorrência desta espécie: Punta Candieira, Vilán e Cabo Touriñán, Punta Remedios (Lira) e Faro de Corrubedo; iii) as áreas utilizadas por boto e roaz são distintas. Adicionalmente, enquanto que parte da população de roaz foi descrita como sendo residente, a população de boto não parece comportar-se de igual modo; assim, a mesma AEC não será útil para ambas espécies, a não ser que seja suficientemente grande para abranger as áreas utilizadas por ambas. A captura acidental em artes de pesca é uma das principais ameaças para pequenos cetáceos, especialmente boto, e constitui um factor preocupante na conservação desta espécie em áreas com elevado esforço de pesca, como NIP. Foi descrita uma maior proporção de captura acidental de boto na costa Portuguesa relativamente à Galega, potencialmente devido às diferenças nas artes de pesca usadas em cada área. De qualquer forma, em ambas as áreas (Galiza e Portugal) a mortalidade devido a captura acidental é insustentável, considerando o limite de mortalidade de 1.7% definido pela ASCOBANS (1997). No entanto, captura acidental em artes de pesca não constitui a única ameaça para esta espécie e é essencial a realização de mais estudos para enriquecer o conhecimento sobre os botos na Península Ibérica e suportar a sua conservação.
El objetivo principal de esta tesis fue proporcionar información sobre la marsopa (Phocoena phocoena) en el noroeste de la península ibérica (NOPI), ya que está clasificadas como especie “Vulnerable” en España (Catálogo Nacional de Especies Amenazadas, Ley 4/1989, 2000; Livro vermelho dos vertebrados de Portugal) y está incluida en el Anexo-II de la Directiva Hábitats de la UE, requiriendo la designación de Areas de importancia para la Conservación (AIC) por parte de los Estados Miembros de la UE en áreas de hábitats críticos. El estudio de su población es una cuestión prioritaria y tanto la CBI (Comisión Ballenera Internacional) y el ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) recomiendan estudios que determinen la estructura poblacional y que desarrollen una gestión apropiada para reducir los impactos negativos sobre la población. Así mismo, se considera en algunos estados miembros de la EU la distribución, abundancia y dinámica poblacional de los cetáceos como indicadores de “buen estado medioambiental” de las aguas marinas de la UE bajo la Directiva Marco sobre la Estrategia Marina (DEME). Ya que la conservación requiere un conocimiento de la distribución y estructura poblacional, aquí se examinó la estructura poblacional de las marsopas del noreste Atlántico y mar Negro usando diez marcadores ADN microsatélite y la secuenciación de la variación de la región control mitocondrial. El análisis Structure del ADN microsatélite identificó 3 grupos principales: la Península Ibérica, el resto del Atlántico noreste, y el mar Negro. El análisis de median joining network destacó el aislamiento de la población del mar Egeo, Mármara y Negro. Ni los DNA microsatélite ni el DNA mitocondrial detectó diferencia alguna entre Galicia y Portugal, ni tampoco patrón significativo alguno en la estructura poblacional a lo largo de la costa ibérica. En cualquier caso, hubo diferencias entre la península ibérica y el resto de las poblaciones estudiadas. Los valores de variabilidad genética en ambos marcadores fueron más bajos en la península ibérica que en el resto de las poblaciones estudiadas, excepto las del mar Egeo, Mármara y Negro. Los niveles de divergencia claramente no explican el aislamiento por distancia, pero en cambio posiblemente puede asociarse con la separación de las poblaciones por las condiciones oceanográficas presentes por la presencia de las condiciones de upwelling en el oeste peninsular y el noroeste de África, que proporcionan unas condiciones favorables para la marsopa. En general los datos genéticos sugieren que la península ibérica y el oeste africano deberían ser considerados como una población separada. En segundo lugar, se usó la modelización del hábitat ya que representa una herramienta potencialmente potente para describir y predecir la distribución de los cetáceos y entender los procesos ecológicos que determinan esas distribuciones. Se usaron dos métodos de toma de datos por la ONG CEMMA (Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos MAriños): 1. Emarques específicos desarrollados en aguas costeras gallegas durante los años 2003 – 2010. 2. Datos del seguimiento sistemático mensual en una serie de puntos de observación distribuidos homogéneamente a lo largo de la costa gallega recogidos de 2003 a 2011. Los resultados de los embarques mostraron que: i) valores altos de estado del mar influyen negativamente en la detección de marsopas; ii) el ancho de campo de observación tiene un efecto positivo; y, iii) la mejor velocidad del barco para el muestreo de marsopas fue de 6 nudos. Hubo variabilidad interanual con un aumento significativo del número de avistamientos en 2005 y sin detecciones en 2006. Por el contrario, no hubo diferencias significativas en la presencia de marsopas entre meses o en relación a la profundidad. Se encontró que varias variables medioambientales eran significativas para explicar la presencia de marsopa: i) se vieron principalmente en aguas con temperaturas medias; ii) al aumentar la concentración de clorofila y la profundidad de la zona eutrófica, aumenta la probabilidad de presencia de marsopa; iii) finalmente, hubo una relación positiva entre el número de avistamientos y tanto la mayor pendiente de los fondos como su orientación al sur.El análisis de las observaciones costeras mostraron que cinco variables tenían alguna influencia sobre los observadores en relación a la detección de marsopas: i) la duración de la observación, y ii) el ancho de campo, tuvieron una relación positiva con los avistamietnos; iii) hubo una disminución linear en los avistamientos al aumentar los valores de Beaufort; iv) las marsopas se vieron más frecuentemente cuando los valores de Douglas estaban entre 2 y 3; y v) la presencia de delfines mulares (Turiops truncatus) tuvo un efecto negativo en la presencia de marsopas. Durante el periodo de estudio hubo una tendencia temporal con el aumento del número de avistamiento a lo largo de los años. Así mismo, hubo un aumento en el número de avistamientos al final del día, y el número de avistamientos aumentó hacia el norte con más detecciones en Lugo y A Coruña (estaciones más norteñas). Las variables medioambientales también parecieron afectar la distribución de las marsopas: se detectaron más marsopas en aguas con la profundidad de la zona eutrófica mayor, zonas de profundidad más variable, pendiente del fondo marino mayor y plataforma continental más estrecha. Finalmente, se analizaron los datos de varamientos recogidos desde 1990 a 2013 por la CEMMA en Galicia y de 2000 a 2013 por la Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS) en Portugal. Se registraron un total de 424 varamientos de marsopa en toda la zona. Los resultados mostraron que los varamientos de marsopa ocurren a lo largo de todo el año con diferencias entre ellos. El mayor número de varamientos registrado en Galicia fue en 1998 y en Portugal en 2011. También se detectaron diferencias entre meses. En Galicia los varamientos de marsopa fueron más comunes en invierno con un pico en Marzo y Abril, y en Portugal se detectó el pico en Mayo. Al analizar conjntamente los datos de ambas zonas, el número de varamientos es mayor en invierno que en verano. Hubo un aumento de las marsopas varadas del norte al sur, teniendo dos zonas la mayoría de los varamientos: subárea 5 y 9. En general, la proporción de sexos fue cercana a 1:1, aunque el número de hembras fue ligeramente menor en Portugal. La longitud total del cuerpo varió entre 81 a 202 cm, con una longitud media de 146.66 cm, siendo las marsopas portuguesas mayores que las gallegas, y las hembras más grandes que los machos. En total, un 33.4% de las marsopas varadas tenían signos de captura accidental, con una mayor proporción en las costas portuguesas (56.0%) que en las gallegas (26.2%), lo que podría ser debido a las artes de pesca usadas en cada zona por los marineros. Los resultados muestran evidencias de la ausencia de una estructura genética poblacional de las marsopas en la costa noroccidental peninsular y un claro aislamiento de esta población con otras del noreste atlántico y del mar Negro, con una influencia importante de las características oceánicas predominantes como las corrientes y el upwelling. Estos resultados apoyan la recomentación de la definición de la Península Ibérica como una unidad de gestión de marsopa separada para el DEME y así mismo la definición de una tercera especie, Phocoena phocoena meridionalis. Tanto los avistamientos como los varamientos mostraron que las marsopas están presentes en el area todo el año con variaciones en el número de avistamietnos entre años, meses y subáreas, lo que nos lleva pensar que deben de moverse entre zonas. Por lo tanto, i) las zonas de protección no pueden ser estacionales, al estar la especie presente a lo largo de todo el año; ii) Galicia parece ser una de las zonas clave en la Península Ibérica, junto probablemente con el golfo de Cádiz, con cuatro localidades con una particular presencia de marsopa: Punta Candieira, Cabo Vilán y Touriñán Cape, Punta Remedios (Lira) y Faro de Corrubedo; iii) las áreas principales usadas por las marsopas y los delfines mulares son diferentes. Además, mientras que parte de la población de delín mular ha sido descrita como residente, la población de marsopa no parece comportarse del mismo modo, y por lo tanto el mismo AIC no va a ser útil para ambas especies, salvo que sea lo suficientemente grande como para cubrir ambas zonas. La captura accidental es considerada como uno de los principales amenazas para los pequeños cetáceos, especialmente marsopas, y es preocupante en una zona de gran presión pesquera como la noroccidental peninsular. Se detectó una mayor proporción de capturas accidentales en las costas portuguesas que en las gallegas, tal vez debido al uso de distintas artes de pesca en cada zona. En cualquier caso, en ambas áreas (Galicia y Portugal) la mortalidad por captura accidental es insostenible según el límite de mortalidad del 1.7% de la mejor estima poblacional de acuerdo con ASCOBANS (1997). De todas formas, la captura accidental no es la única amenaza para esta especie, y es básico llevar a cabo más estudios para aumentar el conocimiento de las marsopas ibéricas y apoyar su conservación.
Apoio financeiro da FCT e do FSE no âmbito do III Quadro Comunitário de Apoio.
Programa Doutoral em Biologia

Dissertação de mestrado em Ecologia
Devido à sua posição de topo na cadeia trófica e à sua resiliência mediante alterações ambientais, as aves marinhas são consideradas bons indicadores do estado dos ecossistemas marinhos. Assim, deteção sistematizada de aves marinhas arrojadas é uma das ferramentas que pode contribuir para a monitorização das zonas costeiras. Diversas situações podem levar ao arrojamento de uma ave marinha tal como, emaranhamento em material de pesca, ingestão de anzóis, intoxicação por biotoxinas, derrames de petróleo, emaciação, entre outros. O principal objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar os arrojamentos de aves marinhas num segmento da costa norte de Portugal, particularmente entre a Cortegaça e a Nazaré. Os transectos realizados permitiram monitorizar 154,83 km da zona costeira. Neste estudo foram utilizadas as monitorizações padrão, realizadas com periodicidade mensal em 10 praias ao longo da costa norte portuguesa, desde outubro 2014 a maio 2015. Foi ainda possível calcular a Taxa de Arrojamentos Estimada (TAE) de acordo com o tipo de áreas monitorizadas. Os grandes larídeos representam o maior número de arrojamentos registado, seguidos dos Gansos-patola, e a maior incidência de arrojamentos foi registada nos meses de outubro e novembro. Além disso, tendo em conta as classes de idade, foi ainda possível verificar que o número de aves juvenis arrojadas foi superior ao número de arrojamentos de indivíduos adultos. O valor total de aves/km nos 8 meses em que foram realizadas as campanhas de monitorização é de 189 aves por km. A estimativa do número de arrojamentos de aves marinhas para a totalidade de troço analisado (154,83 km) no período de estudo é de 29 289 aves arrojadas. Tendo em conta o número elevado de aves marinhas que arrojam na costa portuguesa será importante uma monitorização sazonal durante vários anos, para detetarmos alterações nos padrões de arrojamento de aves marinhas e relacioná-los com as causas de arrojamento mais importantes, quer sejam de origem antropogénica (atividade pesqueira, poluição) ou ambiental (alterações de temperatura média, correntes, etc.).
As marine top predators, and also due to their resilience in adverse environmental conditions, seabirds are considered good indicators of marine ecosystems. Therefore, a systematic survey of stranded seabirds may contribute to monitoring changes in coastal areas. There are several causes for seabird strandings such as entanglement in fishing gear, hook ingestion, biotoxin poisoning, oil spills, emaciation, among others. The main objective of the present study was to characterize seabird strandings in a section of the northern Portuguese coast, particularly between Cortegaça and Nazaré. In the present study, standard surveys were performed monthly covering 154,83 km, in 10 different beaches since October 2014 to May 2015. The Estimated Stranding Rate (ESR) was assessed according to the type of beach surveyed. Large gulls represented the bulk of all strandings, followed by Northern Gannets, and the highest stranding incidence occurred during October and November. According to seabird age class, there were more stranded juvenile individuals than adults. The total number of stranded seabirds per km within the study period (8 months) was 189 birds per km. The Estimated Stranding Rate (ESR) for the total surveyed coastal area (154,83 km) in the study period amounts to 29 289 stranded seabirds. Considering the high number of seabird strandings in the Portuguese coast, it will be important to implement a long-term seasonal monitoring scheme, to allow detecting variations or patterns in seabird stranding records. This data should be integrated with stranding causes, whether anthropogenic (fisheries, pollution, etc) or environmental (changes in average temperature, ocean currents, etc).