Wild Ungulate Decision-Making and the Role of Tiny Refuges in Human-Dominated Landscapes

Wildlife conservation in human-dominated landscapes requires that we understand how animals, when making habitat-use decisions, obtain diverse and dynamically occurring resources while avoiding risks, induced by both natural predators and anthropogenic threats. Little is known about the underlying processes that enable wild animals to persist in densely populated human-dominated landscapes, particularly in developing countries. In a complex, semi-arid, fragmented, human-dominated agricultural landscape, we analyzed the habitat-use of blackbuck, a large herbivore endemic to the Indian sub-continent. We hypothesized that blackbuck would show flexible habitat-use behaviour and be risk averse when resource quality in the landscape is high, and less sensitive to risk otherwise. Overall, blackbuck appeared to be strongly influenced by human activity and they offset risks by using small protected patches (similar to 3 km(2)) when they could afford to do so. Blackbuck habitat use varied dynamically corresponding with seasonally-changing levels of resources and risks, with protected habitats registering maximum use. The findings show that human activities can strongly influence and perhaps limit ungulate habitat-use and behaviour, but spatial heterogeneity in risk, particularly the presence of refuges, can allow ungulates to persist in landscapes with high human and livestock densities.

Reduced common-mode voltage operation of a new seven-level hybrid multilevel inverter topology with a single DC voltage source

In this study, analysis of extending the linear modulation range of a zero common-mode voltage (CMV) operated n-level inverter by allowing reduced CMV switching is presented. A new hybrid seven-level inverter topology with a single DC supply is also presented in this study and inverter operation for zero and reduced CMV is analysed. Each phase of the inverter is realised by cascading two three-level flying capacitor inverters with a half-bridge module in between. Proposed inverter topology is operated with zero CMV for modulation index <86% and is operated with a CMV magnitude of V-dc/18 to extend the modulation range up to 96%. Experimental results are presented for zero CMV operation and for reduced common voltage operation to extend the linear modulation range. A capacitor voltage balancing algorithm is designed utilising the pole voltage redundancies of the inverter, which works for every sampling instant to correct the capacitor voltage irrespective of load power factor and modulation index. The capacitor voltage balancing algorithm is tested for different modulation indices and for various transient conditions, to validate the proposed topology.

Bajo Dios y bajo la ley : fundamentos de Derecho natural en el sistema del Common-law inglés

Resumen: El common-law inglés tiene una herencia cristiana increíblemente rica. Los juristas ingleses más prestigiosos –incluyendo a Blackstone, Coke y Fortescue– frecuentemente partían desde la fe cristiana a la hora de iluminar y desarrollar lo que ahora son ya principios bien establecidos de la doctrina del common-law. Por consiguiente, este sistema fue desarrollándose históricamente con una particular referencia a la tradición cristiana del derecho natural. Este artículo demuestra cómo el common-law inglés fue mayoritariamente inspirado y desarrollado por estos principios cristianos de la teoría del derecho natural y cómo estos principios todavía subsisten válidos para la interpretación del common-law aun en el presente.

Effects of preceding crop and weed control method on weeds and common bean (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.) yield in a no-tillage cropping system

En 1994, se inició un trabajo de investigación el cual se continuo durante tres años, con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de cultivos antecesores y métodos de control de malezas sobre el rendimiento frijol común ( P h a s e o l u s vulgaris L.) y la dinámica de las malezas. El frijol y los cultivos antecesores fueron sembrados en sistema de cero labranza. Las secuencias de cultivos estudiadas fueron: maíz (Zea mays L), seguido de frijol y frijol seguido de frijol. Se analizaron tres ciclos de los cultivos (1994, 1995 y 1996). La secuencia de cultivo que produjo el máximo rendimiento fue maíz seguido de frijol en 1994, así como también el promedio de rendimiento a través de los años. Por otro lado, los mayores valores de vainas por planta y semillas por vaina se obtuvieron cuando el frijol antecedió al frijol en 1994. Parcelas con controles de malezas mecánico y químico obtuvieron menores densidades y peso seco de malezas y mejores rendimientos que aquellas parcelas en las cuales se controlo la maleza a través de cobertura muerta.

The Optimality of the Common Fisheries Policy: the Northern Stock of Hake

We evaluate the management of the Northern Stock of Hake during 1986-2001. A stochastic bioeconomic model is calibrated to match the main features of this fishing ground. We show how catches, biomass stock and profits would have been if the optimal Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) consistent with the target biomass implied by the Fischler’s Recovery Plan had been implemented. The main finding are: i) an optimal CFP would have generated profits of more than 667 millions euros, ii) if side-payments are allowed (implemented by ITQ’s, for example) these profits increase 26%.

Activation of violaxanthin cycle in darkness is a common response to different abiotic stresses : a case study in Pelvetia canaliculata

Background: In the violaxanthin (V) cycle, V is de-epoxidized to zeaxanthin (Z) when strong light or light combined with other stressors lead to an overexcitation of photosystems. However, plants can also suffer stress in darkness and recent reports have shown that dehydration triggers V-de-epoxidation in the absence of light. In this study, we used the highly stress-tolerant brown alga Pelvetia canaliculata as a model organism, due to its lack of lutein and its non-photochemical quenching independent of the transthylakoidal-ΔpH, to study the triggering of the V-cycle in darkness induced by abiotic stressors. Results: We have shown that besides desiccation, other factors such as immersion, anoxia and high temperature also induced V-de-epoxidation in darkness. This process was reversible once the treatments had ceased (with the exception of heat, which caused lethal damage). Irrespective of the stressor applied, the resulting de-epoxidised xanthophylls correlated with a decrease in Fv/Fm, suggesting a common function in the down-regulation of photosynthetical efficiency. The implication of the redox-state of the plastoquinone-pool and of the differential activity of V-cycle enzymes on V-de-epoxidation in darkness was also examined. Current results suggest that both violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) and zeaxanthin-epoxidase (ZE) have a basal constitutive activity even in darkness, being ZE inhibited under stress. This inhibition leads to Z accumulation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that V-cycle activity is triggered by several abiotic stressors even when they occur in an absolute absence of light, leading to a decrease in Fv/Fm. This finding provides new insights into an understanding of the regulation mechanism of the V-cycle and of its ecophysiological roles.

Population Dynamics of Cyrtobagous salviniae on Common Salvinia in South Florida

Common salvinia (Salvinia minima Baker) is an exotic floating fern that has been in the U.S. from at least 1928(Small 1931). Its pest status in Florida is less clear perhaps due to the presence of the specialized herbivore Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Our objective was to sample populations of adult C. salviniae in south Florida in order to assess temporal abundance and estimate density on common salvinia. (PDF has 4 pages.)

Grazing by manatees excludes both new and established wild celery transplants: Implications for restoration in Kings Bay, FL, USA

We conducted a field experiment between August 2001 and February 2002 in Kings Bay, FL, USA, designed to determine whether the amount of time allowed for wild celery (Vallisneria americana Michx) transplants to establish altered the effect of herbivorous manatees (Trichechus manatus L.)on their survival.

Spawn production of common carp

(4 p.)

Recognizing and managing common fish diseases

(4pp.)

Selectivity of Metsulfuron Methyl to Six Common Littoral Species in Florida

Many Central Florida lakes, particularly those in the Kissimmee River watershed, are maintained 0.5 to 1.0 m lower than historic (pre-1960) levels during the summer hurricane season for flood control purposes. These lower water levels have allowed proliferation and formation of dense monotypic populations of pickerelweed ( Pontederia cordata L.) and other broadleaf species that out compete more desirable native grasses (Hulon, pers. comm., 2002). Due to the limited availability of data on the effects of metsulfuron methyl on wetland plants, particularly in Florida, the present study was carried out with the objective of testing its phytotoxicity on six wetland species, to determine the feasibility of its use for primary pickerelweed control.

Common Cenozoic Echinoids from Florida

(1 poster)