Lessons Learnt From Ragweed and Birch Studies

Here we review some of the most important aspects of recent work on Ragweed (Ambrosia) and birch (Betula) concerning: 1) sources, 2) trends & phenology and 3) dispersion and transformation. Sources: At Northern latitudes the birch fraction in forests usually exceeds 50% of all broadleaved trees and the abundance of birch decreases with latitude from 5%-20% in many mid-latitude regions and down to 0%-2% in more southern areas. Birches are also commonly found in small woodlands or planted as ornamental trees in urban areas. Ragweeds are herbaceous weed species that are associated with areas of disturbance. Ragweed is native to North America, but considered an invasive species in Europe, Australia and China. In Europe, the four main centres are: The Pannonian Plain, Ukraine, The Po Valley (Italy) and the Rhone Valley (France). Trends & Phenology: Birch pollen seasons have started earlier during the last decades. This trend appears have decreased during recent years despite increasing spring temperatures. Ragweed tends to experience less change in flowering date as ragweed flowering depends on photoperiod. Ragweed is increasing its distribution in Europe, but airborne concentrations of ragweed pollen are not universally increasing, e.g. due to control measures or pest attacks. Dispersion & transformation: The beginning of the birch pollen season is often heralded by episodes of Long Distance Transport (LDT) from the south. Similar LDT episodes are intermittently seen for ragweed, which can reach as far north as Scandinavia. Humidity and air pollution can modify pollen grains during atmospheric transport. This can cause a change in allergenic potential of the pollen grain and is a direction for future research including the effect of co-exposure of air pollution and the transformation of aeroallergens.

Biodiversidade da Reserva Florestal de Recreio do Pinhal da Paz

Dissertação de Mestrado, Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia Vegetal, 4 de Fevereiro de 2016, Universidade dos Açores.

Utilização de coberturas ajardinadas de vegetação intensiva, extensiva e horta urbana em edificações

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Civil

Cartografia de zonamento geotécnico no apoio ao planeamento e valorização da exploração do georrecurso: o caso do maciço rochoso da Curviã (Joane)

Este trabalho centra-se no estudo do aproveitamento expectável do maciço rochoso da pedreira da Curviã N.o 2 (Joane, Vila Nova de Famalicão, no N Portugal), através da obtenção de um bloco unitário tipo que forneça indicações para a exploração do recurso geológico para fins industriais e/ou ornamentais. Desta forma, investiga-se se num dado limite de zona geotécnica do maciço rochoso e propicio a obtenção de blocos com dimensão, avaliados apos o processo de transformação, nomeadamente, para enrocamento em obras marítimas ou balastro em obras ferroviárias. Foram seleccionados diversos afloramentos, tendo-se recorrido a técnica de amostragem linear as superfícies expostas do maciço. Esta técnica e uma das formas mais expeditas de coligir dados geológico-geotécnicos relativos as descontinuidades. Procedeu-se, ainda, a um tratamento estatístico das descontinuidades, bem como dos parâmetros geológico-geotécnicos e geomecânicos a estas associadas, propostos pela Sociedade Internacional de Mecânica das Rochas (ISRM). Todos os dados foram representados cartograficamente numa base apoiada pelos Sistemas de Informação Geográfica (SIG) e utilizadas as ferramentas de geologia estrutural, analise morfotectónica, modelação digital de terreno e cartografia de zonamento geotécnico. O zonamento geotécnico do maciço granítico foi realizado sempre em estreita ligação com o conhecimento das características do maciço ”in situ”. Pretende-se que esta metodologia contribua para um melhor conhecimento da compartimentação dos maciços rochosos em geral e, em particular, do modelo geotécnico comportamental do maciço rochoso da Curviã N.o2.

Gavel

An ornamental wooden gavel with brass plate from the 1965-66 Brock University Student Assembly. The inscription on the gavel reads: Don Chapman, Brock University Student Assembly, Speaker of the House, 65-66.

Feeding and oviposition preferences of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on six Brassicaceae host plant species

Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth, DBM) is a globally distributed Lepidopteran that feeds and oviposits almost exclusively on plants in the Brassicaceae family. DBM disperses from the southern United States and Mexico into Canada in the spring and summer. Establishment of DBM in Ontario is partially dependent upon the quantity and quality of host plants available and the preference of DBM for different hosts. Host plants include many crops such as broccoli, canola and cabbage, as well as landscape ornamentals and wild plants. It has previously been established that DBM are attracted to host plants by chemicals, specifically glucosinolates. I examined the preference of DBM among crop, wild and ornamental host plant species and how preference varies with insect life stage (3rd and 4th instar larvae and adults). Experiments included exposing DBM larvae from five populations coming from different locations in Canada to six Brassicaceae species and evaluating the preferences and weight gain over one hour. Then adult females were exposed to these same plant species and their oviposition preferences were examined. Populations from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario were compared to assess differences in preference associated with geographic region or species of host plant. The ultimate goal of my study was to understand the potential of various Brassicaceae species to act as reservoirs to sustain and promote population growth of DBM, as well as sinks that may decrease DBM abundance. Results showed that garden cress (Lepidium sativum) was highly preferred over other species (wintercress, black mustard, aubretia, broccoli and ornamental kale) for both food and oviposition sources. Previous studies report that garden cress contains saponins, chemicals shown to be toxic to developing DBM larvae, however no studies have yet shown a preference for garden cress. These results provide information on a novel host plant with the potential to control DBM population growth. No difference in preferences was found among populations of DBM from various sources in Canada.

Various Cards

1. Notice of a testimonial to Samuel Zimmerman to be held at Moffatt’s Hotel, Niagara Falls on Feb. 13th 1854. Members of the committee were Walter H. Dickson, Daniel McDougal, William Kingsmill and Joseph A. Woodruff, 1854. 2. Business card of Granger and Billings House, Sign and Ornamental Painters of Queen Street, Niagara Falls, 1855. 3. Membership card of Agricultural Society, Electoral Division No. 25 of the Town and Township of Niagara made out to W. S. Winterbottom, 1881. 4. Invitation to the Centennial Celebration of the settlement of the Niagara District by the United Empire Loyalists to be held on Aug. 14, 1884. The card is from Dan Servos, secretary of the committee, June 1884.

Receipt from J.W. Fiske of New York

Receipt from J.W. Fiske of New York, Manufacturer of Ornamental Iron and Zinc Work for brackets, sponge racks and saddle brackets. There are 2 copies of this receipt; one has an extra set of brackets (for the home) marked on it, Aug. 11, 1876.

Représenter et construire la psychiatrie en France, 1801-1863 : l'art des premiers aliénistes

Depuis les quatre dernières décennies, des publications célèbres analysent l’histoire, l’art et l’architecture de la psychiatrie de la fin du dix-neuvième siècle afin de dénoncer les aspects négatifs de la science psychiatrique : voyeurisme sur la personne du fou, déshumanisation de l’asile, autoglorification du psychiatre, abus de pouvoir. C’est ce regard à sens unique que j’ai voulu déjouer dans cette thèse en consacrant ma recherche aux œuvres produites en amont de cette période. Leur analyse a permis de prendre conscience de l’autre versant de la science psychiatrique, celui qui est philanthropique, bienveillant et animé d’un réel espoir de guérison. Mon objectif a été de construire, par l’analyse de ce domaine iconographique inédit ou négligé, une nouvelle histoire de la naissance de la psychiatrie, celle de sa culture visuelle. Une histoire qui révèle ses idéaux du début du siècle et les écarts à ses propres aspirations par son besoin de légitimation et de professionnalisation. Ma thèse propose une enquête épistémologique de l’histoire de l’aliénisme français, par le biais du discours porté par les œuvres d’art commandées par ses fondateurs. Le premier chapitre est consacré aux premiers asiles conçus comme le prolongement du corps du psychiatre et ils sont analysés selon les valeurs de la nouvelle science. Je me suis appliquée à y démontrer que le concept même d’asile, agissant sur nos sensations et sur notre cognition, relève autant des théories architecturales des Lumières que des besoins spécifiques de l’aliénisme. Le deuxième chapitre identifie, pour la première fois, un ensemble de portraits de la première génération d’aliénistes et de leurs disciples. J’argumente que ce corpus voulait imposer l’image de l’aliéniste comme modèle de raison et établir sa profession. Pour ce faire, il s’éloigne des premières représentations des aliénistes, paternalistes, et philanthropiques. Le troisième chapitre analyse les représentations des aliénés produites pour les traités fondateurs de la psychiatrie publiés en France. Le vecteur de mon analyse et le grand défi pour l’art et la science viennent de l’éthique des premiers psychiatres : comment représenter la maladie mentale sans réduire le malade à un être essentiellement autre ? Une première phase de production accorde à l’aliéné autonomie et subjectivité. Mais la nécessité d’objectiver le malade pour répondre aux besoins scientifiques de l’aliénisme a, à nouveau, relégué l’aliéné à l’altérité. Le sujet du quatrième et dernier chapitre est le cycle décoratif de la chapelle de l’hospice de Charenton (1844-1846), principal asile parisien de l’époque. J’y interroge comment l’art religieux a pu avoir un rôle face à la psychiatrie, en empruntant à l’iconographie religieuse sa force et sa puissance pour manifester l’autorité de l’aliéniste jusque dans la chapelle de l’asile. Le dix-neuvième siècle a été porteur d’espoirs en la reconnaissance de la liberté des êtres et de l’égalité des droits entre les personnes. Ces espoirs ont pourtant été déçus et les œuvres de l’aliénisme montrent un nouvel aspect de ces promesses non tenues envers les groupes fragilisés de la société, promesses de reconnaissance de leur subjectivité, de leur autonomie et de leur dignité.

Systematics, Germplasm evaluation and pattern of distribution and abundance of freshwater fishes of Kerala (lndia)

The overall focus of the thesis involves the systematics,germplasm evaluation and pattern of distribution and abundance of freshwater fishes of kerala (india).Biodiversity is the measure of variety of Life.With the signing on the convention on biodiversity, the countries become privileged with absolute rights and responsibility to conserve and utilize their diverse resources for the betterment of mankind in a sustainable way. South-east Asia along with Africa and South America were considered to be the most biodiversity rich areas in the world .The tremendous potential associated with the sustainable utilization of fish germplasm resources of various river systems of Kerala for food, aquaculture and ornamental purposes have to be fully tapped for economic upliftment of fisherman community and also for equitable sharing of benefits among the mankind without compromising the conservation of the rare and unique fish germplasm resources for the future generations.The study was carried during April 2000 to December 2004. 25 major river systems of Kerala were surveyed for fish fauna for delineating the pattern of distribution and abundance of fishes both seasonally and geographically.The results of germplasm inventory and evaluation of fish species were presented both for the state and also river wise. The results of evaluation of fish species for their commercial utilization revealed that, of the 145, 76 are ornamental, 47 food and 22 cultivable. 21 species are strictly endemic to Kerala rivers. The revalidation on biodiversity status of the fishes assessed based on IUCN is so alarming that a high percentage of fishes (59spp.) belong to threatened category which is inclusive of 8 critically ndangered (CR), 36 endangered and 15 species under vulnerable (VU) category.The river wise fish germplasm inventory surveys were conducted in 25 major river systems of Kerala.The results of the present study is indicative of existence of several new fish species in the streams and rivulets located in remote areas of the forests and therefore, new exclusive surveys are required to surface fish species new to science, new distributional records etc, for the river systems.The results of fish germplasm evaluation revealed that there exist many potential endemic ornamental and cultivable fishes in Kerala. It is found imperative to utilize these species sustainably for improving the aquaculture production and aquarium trade of the country which would definitely fetch more income and generate employment.

Bionomics, cryopreservation of gametes and captive breeding behaviour of threatened hillstream cyprinid, garra surendranathanii(shaji, arun & easa, 1996)

Garra surendranathanii is a hill stream cyprinid endemic to Kerala. According to IUCN based classification, G. surendranathanii is grouped under the threatened category. This endemic fish is having highly restricted and fragmented distribution and reported only from 5 river systems viz. Chalakudy, Periyar, Pamba, Achenkoil and Bharathapuzha. Categorization of this fish as a potential ornamental candidate can invariably add more pressure on the threat status of this particular species. Hence, this species is considered as one which requires foremost attention for conservation. Hitherto, no infomiation is available on the bionomics, resource characteristics and any conservation attempts of G. surendranathanii. Studies on detailed life history traits and development of captive breeding technique are indispensable for successful fishery management.The present study was undertaken with the following obj ectives: To study the Length-weight relationship and condition factor to ascertain the relationship between length and weight and general wellbeing ofthe fish To study the age and growth to understand the age composition of the exploited stock, age at first maturation and life span of the species. To study the reproductive biology of G. surendranathanii to gain insights in the process of gametogenesis, spawning, sex ratio, fecundity and other related aspects which are essential for developing captive breeding technology of this species. To develop captive breeding technology and cryopreservation ofgametes of G. surendranathanii for conservation

Bionomics, Resource Characteristics And Distribution Of The Threatened Freshwater Fishes Of Kerala

The previous faunistic studies were concentrated.on the taxonomical and zoogeo— graphical aspects. These studies contributed to many new additions to the fish fauna of Kerala meanwhile many species described earlier are reported missing in recent years. Many fish species were collected only once or twice by scientists. Detailed information on distribution, habitat, feeding habits, reproduction, population size, etc. are available only with regard to a very few fish species. A meaningful assessment on the biodiversity status of the majority of freshwater fishes cannot be done for want of sufficient data base and therefore, no suitable conservation and management programmes are forthcoming for the protection and preservation of the unique fish germplasm resources of Kerala. The present study was conceptualised and undertaken mostly aiming at bridging these gaps by generating an authentic data base on the distribution, resource characteristics and bionomics of the threatened fishes inhabiting the rivers of Kerala. Osteobrama bakeri (Day) is an endemic fish having a very highly restricted and fragmented distribution in Periyar, Chalakudy, Kabini, Kallada and Meenachil rivers of Kerala. This belongs to vulnerable category and is locally known as Mullanpaval which is valued as food fish. Besides, due to its vibrant and attractive colouration and easiness for domestication, it has great potential for being propagated as an ornamental fish. Hitherto, no information is available on the bionomics and resource characteristics of this species. Studies on detailed life history traits are indispensable for fishery management, development of captive breeding technique and implementation of various conservation programmes. In the present study, a pioneer attempt is also made to investigate the life history traits, resource characteristics, proximate composition, etc. of O.baken'.

Ecolabeling and Green Certification for Effective Fisheries Management – An Analysis

Nowadays there is a growing environmental concern and the business communities have slowly started recognising environmental protection and sustainable utilization of natural resources into their marketing strategies. This paper discusses the various Ecolabeling and Certification Systems developed world over to regulate and introduce Fair Trade in Ornamental Fish Industry. Ecolabeling and green certification are considered as part of these strategies implemented partly out of compulsion from the National and International Regulatory Bodies and Environmental Movements. All the major markets of ornamental fishes like European Union, USA and Japan have started putting restrictions on the trade to impose ecolabeling as a non tariff barrier like the one imposed on seafood and aqua cultured products. A review was done on the available Ecolabeling and Green Certification Schemes available at local, national and international levels for fisheries including aquaculture and ornamental fish trade and to examine the success and constraints faced by these schemes during its implementation. The primary downside of certification is the multiplicity of ecolabels and cost incurred by applicants for certification, costs which may in turn be passed on to consumers. The studies reveal serious inadequacies in a number of ecolabels and cast doubt on their overall contribution to effective fisheries management and sustainability. The paper also discusses the inititive taken in India to develop guidelines for Green Certification of Fresh water ornamental fishes.

Danio Fraseri Hora And Mukerji (Pisces: Cyprinidae): A New Report To Kerala And Southern Western Ghats

While conducting surveys for potential ornamental fishes in the fresh water bodies of the river Periyar, three specimens of Danio fraseri Hora and Mukerji, were collected from a stream joining to the river Periyar, at Desom, near Alwaye on 6 October 2001. It is the only species so far known under the genus Danio with a hypertrophied lower lip forming a loose flap along the lower jaw. This is a new locality record for Kerala and southern Western Ghats.

Isolation, Stabilization and Characterization of Xanthophyll from Marigold Flower- Tagetes Erecta-L

The present paper deals with the chemistry, isolation, separation, characterisation and stabilisation of the Marigold oleoresin and its application as a natural food colorant. Marigold (Tagetes Erecta L), an ornamental plant belonging to the composite family, has a rich source of natural antioxidant-Lutein. A natural pigment, xanthophylls offer an alternative to synthetic dyes as a food colorant, due to its non-toxicity. Chromatographic separations of saponified and unsaponified oleoresin were performed and Trans-Lutein identified as the major constituent. Well-preserved flowers exhibit a high yield of Xanthophyll content (105.19 g/Kg) in contrast to the unpreserved flower sample (54.87 g/Kg), emphasizing the significance of flower preservation in the extraction of xanthophyll. The stability and amount of xanthophyll also increased from 105.19 g/Kg to 226.88 g/Kg on saponification and subsequent purification with Ethylene Dichloride