Coastal marine habitat mapping using multi-beam acoustics, video data and a decision tree classifier on the temperate south-east Australian continental shelf

In this habitat mapping study, multi-beam acoustic data are integrated with extensive, precisely geo-referenced video validation data in a GIS environment to classify benthic substrates and biota at a 33km2 site in the near shore waters of Victoria, Australia. Using an automated decision-tree classification method, 5 representative biotic groups were identified in the Cape Nelson survey area using a combination of multi-beam bathymetry, backscatter and derivative products. Rigorous error assessment of derived, classified maps produced high overall accuracies (>85%) for all mapping products. In addition, a discrete multivariate analysis technique (kappa analysis) was used to assess classification accuracy. High-resolution (2.5m cell-size) representation of sea floor morphology and textural characteristics provided by multi-beam bathymetry and backscatter datasets, allowed the interpretation of benthic substrates of the Cape Nelson site and the communities of sessile organisms that populate them. Non-parametric multivariate statistical analysis (ANOSIM) revealed a significant difference in biotic composition between depth strata, and between substrate types. Incorporated with other descriptive measures, these results indicate that depth and substrate are important factors in the distributional ecology of the biotic communities at the Cape Nelson study site. BIOENV analysis indicates that derivatives of both multi-beam datasets (bathymetry and backscatter) are correlated with distribution and density of biotic communities. Results from this study provide new tools for research and management of the coastal zone.

Flowering ecology of honey-producing flora in South-East Australia

This report examines the flowering ecology (flowering patterns and the production of floral resources, i.e. nectar and pollen) of important Australian melliferous (honey-producing) flora. Aspects of flowering ecology that can have a negative impact on invertebrates, including honeybees, were also investigated. The research was based on information sourced by highly experienced, commercial beekeepers and, so, provides a valuable written record of long-term observations relating to flowering ecology which otherwise may be lost following the death of beekeepers. Results of this study are of far-reaching importance, not only to the beekeeping industry, but to land managers, the general public and the future of Australian flora and fauna.

An understanding of flowering ecology is vital for many reasons, including implementing appropriate management practices which ensure the sustainability and growth of natural resources and industries like the beekeeping industry. Despite the importance of such studies, very little research has considered flowering ecology in Australian flora. Furthermore, research often was based on short-term data; long-term data are widely acknowledged as being necessary in such research in order to determine ‘real’ flowering patterns. Thus, studies of flowering ecology which use long-term data are vital.

Hydro-acoustic remote sensing of benthic biological communities on the shallow South East Australian continental shelf

Information regarding the composition and extent of benthic habitats on the South East Australian continental shelf is limited. In this habitat mapping study, multibeam echosounder (MBES) data are integrated with precisely geo-referenced video ground-truth data to quantify benthic biotic communities at Cape Nelson, Victoria, Australia. Using an automated decision tree classification approach, 5 representative biotic groups defined from video analysis were related to hydro-acoustically derived variables in the Cape Nelson survey area. Using a combination of multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and derivative products produced highest overall accuracy (87%) and kappa statistic (0.83). This study demonstrates that decision tree classifiers are capable of integrating variable data types for mapping distributions of benthic biological assemblages, which are important in maintaining biodiversity and other system services in the marine environment.

The implementation of chlamydia screening : a cross-sectional study in the South East of England

Background England's National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) provides opportunistic testing for under 25 year-olds in healthcare and non-healthcare settings. The authors aimed to explore relationships between coverage and positivity in relation to demographic characteristics or setting, in order to inform efficient and sustainable implementation of the NCSP.

Methods The authors analysed mapped NCSP testing data from the South East region of England between April 2006 and March 2007 inclusive to population characteristics. Coverage was estimated by sex, demographic characteristics and service characteristics, and variation in positivity by setting and population group.

Results Coverage in females was lower in the least deprived areas compared with the most deprived areas (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.50). Testing rates were lower in 20–24-year-olds compared with 15–19-year-olds (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.72 for females and OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.71 for males), but positivity was higher in older males.

Females were tested most often in healthcare services, which also identified the most positives. The greatest proportions of male tests were in university (27%) and military (19%) settings which only identified a total of 11% and 13% of total male positives respectively. More chlamydia-positive males were identified through healthcare services despite fewer numbers of tests.

Conclusions Testing of males focused on institutional settings where there is a low yield of positives, and limited capacity for expansion. By contrast, the testing of females, especially in urban environments, was mainly through established healthcare services. Future strategies should prioritise increasing male testing in healthcare settings.

Ecology of Pittosporum undulatum Vent. (Pittosporaceae) an environmental weed in south east Australia

Pittosporum undulatum Vent. (Sweet Pittosporum) is a densely foliaged tall shrub or small tree, native to the wet forests of south east Australia, This species now functions as a serious environmental weed in a range of habitats in Australia and on other continents and islands throughout the temperate, sub-tropical and tropical zones. This study investigated some of the ecological causes and consequences of P. undulatum invasion across a range of habitat types in south east Australia. Key aspects of P. undulatum biology and ecology investigated in the current study include; patterns of morphological variation across the range of habitats occupied (as a measure of the species’ plasticity), dispersal ecology and seed germinability, population structure and spatial pattern, community relationships and the ecological impacts of invasion. Phenotypic plasticity is considerable in P. undulatum. No clear patterns of geographic variation emerged from a study of leaf morphological attributes across the current range of this species on mainland south east Australia. The pattern of morphological variation is particularly complex in Victoria, where the invasion of this species is most advanced. The species’ adaptability to a range of environments and environmental conditions will likely promote further range expansion. The abundant winter fruit crop produced by functionally female P. undulatum plants attracts a suite of generalist opportunistic frugivores, which feed on P. undulatum fruits and seeds at various stages of fruit dehiscence, thereby enhancing dispersal opportunities for this species. P. undulatum seed collected from natural and invasive populations, at two stages of fruit maturity and from the scats and pellets of dispersal agents, displayed high germinability. European Blackbirds and Pied Currawongs are implicated as the main avian dispersal agents of P undulatum in south east Australia. The broader ecological implications of developing relationships between invasive fleshy-fruited bird-dispersed plant species and adaptive frugivores are likely to be considerable. The distribution of P. undulatutn seedlings was significantly negatively correlated with adult conspecifics and significantly positively correlated with trees and shrubs of other genera. This pattern reflects the importance of both firugivorous dispersal agents and the species’ germination and establishment requirements, in shaping the contagious distribution pattern typical of this species. These analyses suggest that recruitment opportunities for conspecific seedlings are limited beneath the canopy of adult conspecifics. Densities of P. undulatum were on average, 2.7 times higher in invaded populations, compared to the natural populations sampled. A male-bias was evident in all populations and no relationships between reproductive activity and the density of seedlings and juveniles were evident. Invading populations of P. undulatum impose substantial changes on ecosystem-level properties and functions. Mean species richness and cover-abundance declined notably once P. undulatum cover-abundance exceeded 20% at the invaded sites and 60% at the natural sites sampled. The natural communities sampled displayed comparatively greater resilience to the competitive effects of P. undulatum, but community attributes were affected at high densities and cover-abundance of this species. The cover-abundance of herbs and grasses declined most substantially with increasing P. undulatum at invaded sites, whereas, at the natural sites sampled, the species’ structural analogues appeared to be most affected by increasing P. undulatum cover-abundance. This study has demonstrated that the ecological consequences of P. undulatum population expansion are substantial and contribute to changes in the composition and successional trajectory of affected communities. These processes ultimately lead to the loss and simplification of biodiversity values and the homogenisation of affected habitats. P. undulatum has the potential to emerge as one of south east Australia's most serious environmental weed species.

Exploring barriers to uptake of breast cancer screening in South East London : a study of women's views.

Research on both sides of the Atlantic demonstrates that achieving high uptake of breast cancer screening remains an important area of public heath concern. UK government targets for breast screening uptake are 70%, however, much lower figures are found in many parts of the country, including South East London. This paper reports the findings of a study carried out to explore the views of women aged 50 to 64 (the age group covered by the free National Health Service screening programme) in order to: · establish in what way women who do not attend for screening are different from women who do attend · ascertain the views of the non-attenders with a view to making recommendations to the service which may help address the low uptake locally.

305 women were recruited through a variety of different community sources across the study area. Using a structured questionnaire/interview, women gave their views on their health concerns generally, as well as on breast screening in particular. The analysis (being undertaken now, to be completed by May 2005) will explore the influence of candidacy (women's assessment of the personal risk to them of their disease) on women's screening behaviour and the differences, if any, between the major ethnic groups in the area, indigenous white, black African and black Caribbean.

Learning Objectives:
# At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

* 1. Describe the factors associated with women’s screening behaviour
* 2. Evaluate the relevance of candidacy in understanding screening behaviour
* 3. Assess the relevance of UK findings for screening programmes elsewhere.

Flowering ecology of south-east Australian melliferous flora

The flowering ecology of south-east Australian melliferous (honey) flora was studied, using observational data from our most experienced beekeepers. Short-term variation and long-term trends were observed which may have critical ecological implications. The study is a significant contribution to flowering ecology and provides an important foundation to guide future research.