Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Corridor of movement'

"A series of full-scale fire tests were performed, using a fire compartment and an adjoining long (30+ m) corridor, as part of an effort to quantify the dynamics associated with smoke transport within a corridor. The tests were performed at the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center’s Fire and Safety Test Detachment in Mobile, Alabama on board the Test Vessel Mayo Lykes. The resulting empirical data was analyzed in an effort to develop a method that could be used to estimate the movement of smoke within a corridor. The objective is to potentially incorporate this method into a smoke movement analysis “tool” that could, in turn, be used in conjunction with a fire safety analysis methodology previously developed by the U.S. Coast Guard; the Ship fire Safety Engineering Methodology (SFSEM). The goal is to develop a smoke movement analysis “module” that can be utilized in conjunction with the SFSEM when conducting an overall fire safety analysis of a ship. Of particular interest is the speed at which the smoke propagates along the length of the corridor. The focus of a smoke movement module would be life safety. A conservative assumption is made that if smoke is present in sufficient quantities to fill a corridor, then the corridor is to be considered untenable and not available as a means of egress. No attempt is made to address toxicity or density issues associated with smoke. This analysis developed correlations for the corridor smoke velocity, both as a function of the heat release rate of the associated fire and the upper layer temperatures within the fire compartment. Problems associated with the data collection and the narrow range of fire sizes used had a detrimental impact on the confidence level in the correlation based on heat release rate. The data do appear to confirm the results of previous efforts that indicated a weak relationship between the heat release rate and smoke velocity, on the order of the one-third to one-fourth power. The temperature data tended to be less problematic. This correlation shows promise for potential use with both the SFSEM and other existing computer models/routines. However, unlike previous studies of this relationship, the results of these data suggest that the velocity-temperature relationship is linear and not a square-root function. The test data were compared to predictive results using the CORRIDOR routine within FPETOOL. In general, the CORRIDOR results provided a reasonable good correlation to the tests data. Both the wave depth and temperature loss within the wave, as a function of distance, were consistently over-predicted. The velocity results were mixed, but were generally within 20 percent of the test data. The results of this study show promise, with respect to developing a correlation that can be used a method for predicting smoke movement in a corridor. However, due to the questionable nature of some of the data estimates, coupled with both a lack of sufficient number of tests and a limited range of fire sizes used, additional test data will be required to further validate the accuracy and refine the correlation(s) suggested by this work."

This thesis considers numerical, physical and theoretical modelling approaches to investigate the influence of a person's wake on the dispersion of an airborne pathogen in a hospital corridor and the implications this has in terms of infection risk. The various physical and computational modelling approaches were conducted using geometries corresponding to a 1:15 reduction in length-scale, when compared to the full-scale, and then interpreted in the context of a full-scale scenario in a hospital corridor. The movement of people in a corridor was approximated using a translating circular cylinder. A physical water-bath model was used to investigate contaminant transport using food-dye in a channel with different sized cylinders and translation frequencies. Dye concentrations were quantified through a calibration method dependent upon changes in light-intensity, leading to accurate tracking of the dye and allowing the amount of dye in different regions of the water-bath to be calculated over time. The centre of mass of the dye cloud was found to be dependent upon the square root of the translation frequency, amplitude, cylinder diameter and elapsed time. Based on the hypothesis that the dispersal of the dye could be described by a turbulent diffusion process, a theoretical model was constructed to predict the evolution of the dye concentration using a Gaussian function, which agrees well with experimental data for a broad range of cylinder diameters and translation properties. Two and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed to investigate the transport of a passive scalar due to a translating cylinder in a channel, their geometries and boundary conditions bearing close resemblance to the water-bath. Seven turbulence models were tested to determine the most suitable, using the water-bath data for validation. The shear-stress transport (SST) model was found to offer solutions in closest agreement with experimental results and theoretical predictions, as well as offering up to a 70% reduction in computation time compared to SAS, DES and LES turbulence models. The commonly used k-epsilon model was found to be inappropriate for modelling the flows encountered here. The numerical and theoretical models were used to investigate a number of scenarios in a corridor at the full-scale where an infectious contaminant is released. This includes a unidirectional flow applied along the corridor, where it was shown that the wake of the cylinder was still able to transport contaminant `upstream' against the direction of the flow. This implies that a walking person may be able to transport an airborne contaminant in their wake even in the presence of ventilation. Infection risks were calculated for a person making a single pass and multiple passes of the corridor based on the amount of contaminant inhaled and published data on the infectiousness of different pathogens. Results showed that the theoretical model developed here led to each individual breath having its own infection risk based on temporal and spatial differences, whereas a model assuming a well-mixed contaminant distribution did not. Results demonstrate that a person's wake is likely to influence the spread of an airborne contaminant in a hospital corridor, even if ventilated within current recommended guidelines. This highlights that a person's risk of infection, in the presence of airborne pathogens, is partly determined by any human traffic passing through the space before them and not solely on any ventilation within the space, as is often assumed in airborne infection models. Furthermore, the experimental work has provided strong validation data for the CFD models and allowed for the construction of uncomplicated yet powerful theoretical models. It has been shown that, when appropriate modelling assumptions are taken, confidence can be had in CFD predictions of contaminant transport involving complex flow behaviour, such as eddy shedding, within a built environment. The study also confirms that poor selection of `default' modelling assumptions, for example use of the k-epsilon turbulence model, will provide very poor predictions, highlighting need for careful selection of each aspect of a model.

In this thesis entitled ,,Analysis of motion of the bicycle when riding in a straight line”, I deal with the history of the bicycle, classifications and descriptions of the various parts of the bicycle and the analysis of accidents. The main objective is to analyze the movement of cyclists (bicycle) in a straight line in the implementation of tasks, typical for him - pedaling, showing a change in direction, or looking back for him. In conclusion evaluation, which can then be used in the processing of judicial opinions by experts.

This thesis analyzes resistance songs as key representations of the identity and political formation that took place during the 1960s Chicano movement. Examining particular musical traditions, this thesis highlights the value of placing songs of the Chicano struggle in national narratives of history as well as in the context of an enduring and thriving legacy of political and social activism that continues to allow the Chicano community to recognize and validate their current social realities.

Habitat loss and fragmentation occur at unprecedented rates, especially in tropical countries where human activities have deforested or degraded around 80% of tropical rainforests. Tropical forest fragmentation is considered the main cause of extinction of tropical forest avifauna, yet the mechanisms by which fragmentation affects bird populations are poorly understood. The present study investigates the pattern of bird species distribution in a fragmented landscape in tropical southeastern Mexico and the relation of bird community and species distribution patterns to landscape and fragment characteristics. Area and isolation of forest fragments were the main determinant of species richness and abundance in fragments, especially for forest-dependent species. The significant effect of isolation on species persistence in forest fragments suggests that limitation of dispersal is one potential mechanism by which fragmentation affects species distribution in the landscape. To understand how fragmentation can affect bird dispersal in a fragmented landscape, the effect of open areas and corridors on movement patterns of forest birds was investigated. The evidence presented in this study supports the idea that bird movement is restricted by open areas, especially for forest-restricted birds. Forested corridors had a positive effect on movement rates of forest birds, potentially acting to preserve movement and dispersal processes, and ultimately species persistence, in heavily fragmented landscapes.

A análise da morfologia é uma importante ferramenta para avaliação das características internas do sistema bacia hidrográfica. Os atributos morfológicos podem demonstrar um padrão de comportamento dos processos ocorridos em seu interior, sobretudo os processos hidrogeomorfológicos, como enxurradas e corridas de detritos. As corridas de detritos possuem características específicas, em sua maioria relacionadas aos canais de drenagem, portanto, sua análise morfológica é fundamental para o entendimento do processo. São importantes os estudos que visam compreender de forma mais aprofundada os condicionantes relacionados à ocorrência de corridas de detritos, devido tanto à magnitude quanto e, principalmente, ao seu poder destrutivo, e, sobretudo, devido a recorrência do processo. Conforme o exposto, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo central avaliar a suscetibilidade de bacias hidrográficas a partir da análise de parâmetros morfológicos e sua relação com a magnitude das corridas de detritos ocorridas em 1967 no município de Caraguatatuba/SP, visando a elaboração de um índice de potencial de magnitude e suscetibilidade com base nos resultados. Para alcançar tal objetivo, as seguintes etapas metodológicas foram definidas: i) seleção de bacias hidrográficas com evidência de ocorrência de corridas de detritos; ii) mapeamento dos parâmetros morfológicos; iii) caracterização morfológica dos depósitos e definição da magnitude das corridas de detritos de 1967; e iv) elaboração de índice de potencial de magnitude e suscetibilidade à ocorrência de corridas de detritos. Os resultados mostraram a influência dos parâmetros morfológicos na magnitude das corridas de detritos, com destaque para perfil longitudinal, hierarquia de drenagem e área da bacia acima de 25°. As bacias classificadas com nível de magnitude maior obtiveram os valores mais críticos com relação a estes parâmetros. A metodologia utilizada para determinação da magnitude se mostrou eficiente, ficando as consequências potenciais condizentes com a realidade. Com o estabelecimento da relação entre os valores críticos dos parâmetros e a maior magnitude, foi possível a elaboração de um índice de potencial de magnitude e suscetibilidade com base nos parâmetros morfológicos. Esta pesquisa contribui para os estudos referentes às corridas de detritos, sob uma perspectiva geomorfológica, agregando mais informações a respeito do processo e colaborando para o melhor entendimento de sua dinâmica na Serra do Mar.
The morphological analysis is an important tool in the evaluation of the inner characteristics of the hydrographic basin system. Its attributes demonstrate a pattern of behave of the processes occurred in the basin, especially hydrogeomorphic processes, such as flood and debris flow. Debris flow have specific characteristics, mostly related to the drainage channels, being primordial the study of the characteristics of the hydrographic basin. Studies which aim to better understand the conditioning factors related to the occurrence of debris flow are important due to the magnitude but also the recorrence of the process. As explained before, the main goal of this research was to evaluate susceptibility of hydrographic basins through morphological parameters and its relation with the magnitude of the debris flows occurred in Caraguatatuba, 1967, aiming to elaborate an index of potential of magnitude and susceptibility based in the results. To achieve this goal, the following methodological steps were defined: (i) selection of hydrographic basins with evidence of occurrence of debris flow; (ii) morphological parameters mapping; (iii) morphological characterization of the deposits and definition of the magnitude of debris flow; and (iv) elaboration of an index of potential of magnitude and susceptibility to de occurrence of debris flow. The results showed the influence of the morphological parameters in the magnitude of debris flows, highlighting the parameters longitudinal profile, drainage hierarchy and area above 25°. The basins classified with higher magnitude obtained the most critical values relation to those parameters. The methodology used to determine the magnitude proved to be efficient, with the potential consequences consistent with the reality. With the establishment of the relation between the critical values of the morphological parameters and the basins with higher magnitude, it was possible to elaborate an index of potential of magnitude and susceptibility. This research contributes to the studies related to debris flow from a geomorphological approach, adding more informations about the process and collaborating to better understand the debris flow dynamics in the Serra do Mar.

En ny skola för årskurs 4-9 planeras i Kungsör. Den gamla skolan är delvis riven på grund av de fukt- och mögelskador som upptäckts. Mitt projekt är en tillbyggnad till den del av den gamla skolan som inte skadats. Den nya skolan ska rymma både mellan- och högstadie med 525 barn och ungdomar, samt 45 lärare och övrig personal. Det är en stor arbetsplats i en liten kommun. Sedan tidigt i projektet har essän 'Att kasta tjejkast' av Iris Marion Young påverkat grundidén bakom utformningen av den nya skolan. Denna text, i kombination med ett kritiskt förhållningssätt till den idag rivna skolans planutformning med många korridorer, ledde tillundersökningar om rörelsemönster och möjligheten att påverka sina rörelsemönster, i mitt fall för elever i en skola. Jag har jobbat emot korridorer som enda kommunikationselement och för ett alternativt rörelsemönster som istället låter människan själv att bestämma sina rörelsemönster i byggnaden.
A new school for years 4-9 is planned to be built in Kungsör, Västmanland. The old school, at the same site, is partially demolished because of damp damages. My project is an extension to the part of the old school that is not damaged and still exists. The new school will accommodate both elementary and secondary school with 525 children,  45 teachers and other staff. It's a big work place in a small community. Since early in the project, the essay 'Throwing like a girl' by Iris Marion Young affected the basic idea of the design of the new school. This text, combined with a critical approach to the floor plan of the now demolished school with many corridors, led to studies of movement patterns and the ability to influence your movement pattern. I have tried to eliminate corridors and instead creating a large room where the alternative movements is taking place. Here the people, instead of corridors, decide where to go and how to move.

Orientador: Rene Brenzikofer
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação Física
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-16T01:10:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Campos_MarioHebling_D.pdf: 6224071 bytes, checksum: c66d59aff4b31c64858f5f1d04d932ed (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010
Resumo: Introdução: Apesar de ser reconhecida a importância da postura vertebral durante a corrida, pouco se sabe sobre este assunto. Não encontramos um método automático de baixo custo para avaliação detalhada da curvatura vertebral durante a locomoção. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um sistema automático de análise de movimento para a avaliação da postura vertebral durante a corrida no teste de esforço máximo incremental. Materiais e Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um sistema de rastreamento automático de marcadores retro-refletivos colocados na coluna vertebral, com três câmeras de luz visível de baixo custo. Iluminadores foram construídos com Led de alto brilho para serem acoplados às câmeras. Em Matlab, foi desenvolvido um software para processamento de imagem digital e análise. Foi implementado um algoritmo de rastreamento automático que utiliza pontos de controle para previsão da trajetória dos pontos da coluna vertebral. O DLT foi implementado para a reconstrução 3D. Quinze atletas amadores foram avaliados (10,4 ± 68,6 kg, 1,73 ± 0,09 m, 41,8 ± 12,2 anos). Quatro destes voluntários realizaram um pré-teste, três semanas antes. Foi quantificada a curvatura geométrica 2D da coluna projetada nos planos sagital e frontal de um sistema local instantâneo de coordenadas no tronco, com origem na Junção Tóraco-Lombar Geométrica (GJTL), um ponto de inflexão da coluna exibido no plano sagital, na região de T12. A postura vertebral foi descrita pela Curva Neutra, a postura média apresentada no ciclo da passada. Foi avaliada a variabilidade intra e inter-individual da Curva Neutra no teste de esforço. A reprodutibilidade entre dias desta variável foi estimada e comparada com variáveis angulares. Resultados e Discussão: O rastreamento dos marcadores com os pontos de controle permitiu o rastreamento automático de todo o teste de esforço máximo, mesmo com o ruído presente nas imagens das câmeras de luz visível, oclusão, impacto e a proximidade de 2,3 ± 0,3cm entre os marcadores posicionados ao longo da coluna vertebral. A acurácia do sistema foi avaliada em 0,55mm e 0,81°. A Curva Neutra é estável e apresentou características individuais no teste de esforço. Por outro lado, no plano sagital, houve um aumento progressivo e linear (p <0,05) do pico de curvatura da Curva de Neutra, especialmente na região lombar que apresentou a maior variação. No plano frontal, na fase final do teste de esforço, houve um aumento significativo (p <0,05) do pico de curvatura na parte superior da coluna torácica, sugerindo que a eminência de fadiga provoca um aumento dos desvios laterais nessa região. Os picos de curvatura da Curva Neutra apresentaram maior reprodutibilidade entre dias do que as variáveis angulares e, ao contrário destas, não dependem da identificação exata do processo espinhoso de T12 com palpação. Conclusão: O sistema proposto mostrou-se eficiente e acurado. A Curva Neutra é uma boa descritora da postura vertebral durante a corrida.
Abstract: Introduction: Although it recognized the importance of spinal posture during running, little is known about this subject. We did not find a low cost and automatic method for detailed evaluation of spinal curvature during gait. The purpose of this study was to develop an automatic motion analysis system for evaluation of the spinal posture during running in the incremental maximum effort test. Materials and Methods: We developed a system for automatic tracking of retro-reflective markers placed on the spine, with three low cost cameras of visible light. Were built illuminators with high brightness Led to be attached to the cameras. In Matlab, was developed a software for digital image processing and analysis. Was implemented an algorithm for automatic tracking that uses control points for prediction of the trajectory of the points in the spine. The DLT was implemented for 3D reconstruction. Fifteen amateur athletes were avaluated (10.4 ± 68.6 kg, 1.73 ± 0.09 m, 41.8 ± 12.2 years). Four of these volunteers performed a pretest, three weeks before. Was quantified the 2D geometric curvature of the spine projected in the sagittal and frontal planes of an instantaneous local coordinate system at the trunk with origin at the Geometric Junction Thoraco-Lumbar (GJTL), a inflection point of the column displayed in the sagittal plane, close to T12. The Neutral Curve, the average posture presented in the gait cycle, was adopted as a descriptor of the spinal posture. It was measured the intra and intersubject variability of the Neutral Curve in the effort test. The inter-day repeatability of this variable was estimated and compared with angular variables. Results and Discussion: Tracking markers with control points enabled the automatic tracking throughout the maximum effort test, even with the image noise of the visible light cameras, occlusion, impact and the proximity of 2,3 ± 0,3cm between the markers positioned along the spine. The accuracy of the system was 0,55mm and 0,81°. The Neutral Curve is stable and presented individual caracteristcs in the effort test. On the other hand, in the sagittal plane, there was a progressive and linear increase (p <0.05) of the curvature peak of the Neutral Curve, especially in the lumbar region that showed the greatest variation. In the frontal plane, in the final stages of the effort test, there was a significant increase (p <0,05) of the curvature peak in the upper thoracic spine, suggesting that the eminence of fatigue causes an increase in lateral deviations in that region. The curvature peaks of the Neutral Curve showed higher inter-day reproducibility than angular variables and, unlike these, do not depend on the exact identification of the spinous process of T12 with palpation. Conclusion: The proposed system proved to be efficient and accurate. The Neutral Curve is a good descriptor of the spinal posture during running.
Doutorado
Biodinamica do Movimento Humano
Doutor em Educação Física

Thesis (M.S.)--Northwest Missouri State University, 2006.
The full text of the thesis is included in the pdf file. Title from title screen of full text.pdf file (viewed on January 28, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.

Le maintien de la connectivité à travers les paysages urbains, par nature très fragmentés, est un enjeu majeur de conservation de la biodiversité urbaine. On observe une prise en compte croissante de la connectivité dans les politiques d’aménagement du territoire, notamment avec l’établissement de la trame verte et bleue. De multiples outils cartographiques permettent de mettre en évidence les continuités écologiques (zones de forte connectivité), mais leur validation fonctionnelle fait souvent défaut. L’objectif de cette thèse est de valider les prédictions d’un modèle de chemin de moindre coût, sur plusieurs villes et avec différents modèles biologiques. Les espèces étudiées présentent différents modes et capacités de dispersion (vol, marche, reptation) et des exigences écologiques spécifiques (préférences pour les milieux herbacés ou boisés). Des protocoles de validation basés sur l’écologie du mouvement et la génétique du paysage sont appliqués, dans un souci de réplication (au sein de plusieurs villes) et de contrôle de la variabilité inter-individuelle. Nos résultats montrent des mouvements accrus au sein des continuités écologiques comparés à ceux observés en contextes paysagers prédits comme non connectés : les hérissons transloqués s’y déplacent sur des distances plus longues, plusieurs passereaux répondent à la repasse de chant sur de plus longues distances et les papillons de nuit montrent des taux de recapture beaucoup plus élevés. Par ailleurs, les analyses indirectes réalisées sur l’escargot petit-gris montrent une relation assez faible entre la différenciation génétique des populations et les modèles de connectivité. Ce travail fournit des arguments scientifiques pour soutenir la mise en place de continuités écologiques en milieu urbain
Maintaining connectivity across urban landscape, intrinsically fragmented, is a major issue of urban biodiversity conservation. Connectivity is increasingly taken into account by policy and stakeholders, especially through the establishment of the blue-green infrastructure. Multiple mapping tools allow to detect ecological networks (highly connected areas), however their functionnal validation is often lacking. The objective of this study is to validate least cost path analysis predictions in several cities with different biological models. Studied species vary in terms of dispersal means and capacities (flight, walk, crawling) and habitat requirement (e.g. herbaceous or forested habitats). Several protocols based on movement ecology and landscape genetic are applied, focusing on replication (within and among cities) and control of inter-individual variability. Our results indicate that movement is increased in predicted ecological networks when compared with areas predicted as poorly connected: the translocated hedgehogs travelled longer distances, several passerine responded to song playback over longer distances, and moths showed increased recapture rates. Indirect analysis on the garden snail showed a weak relation between population genetic differentiation and connectivity models. This work provides scientific support for the establishment of ecological networks in urban landscapes

碩士
國立高雄第一科技大學
環境與安全衛生工程所
94
Abstract The numerical simulation and small-scale burning tests were conducted to study the variations in smoke temperature and velocity for investigating smoke movement phenomenon in a long corridor. The demonstration of scale law carried out by FDS model showed that good results were achieved between the model and prototype for the physical properties of smoke movement, such as gas temperature, velocity, and flame height as a specific geometric scale are selected to keep the flame structures between full-scale and small scale model is similar. On the other hand, smoke temperature under the ceiling and velocity in a corridor were studied experimentally and numerically. The shadowgraph method and laser sheet method were used to detect the smoke front for deducing the velocity. Meanwhile, the 20 points of thermocouples were used to measure the smoke temperature under the ceiling. Predicted FDS results on flame structure and smoke temperature for the near field of fire agreed not well with experiments. A possible reason is the boundary conditions and burning parameters were different in this study. Further, the results showed that temperature distribution along a corridor fell into exponential decays, but the decay of velocity along the corridor was not evident. The numerical and experimental results III investigated the velocity of smoke front was approaching to a constant value. The depth of smoke flow under the ceiling was 1.5m approximately.

The dissertation summarises the result of the study of small terrestrial mammals (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) along natural (watercourses) and anthropogenic (road, highway) landscape barriers. It points to an interesting phenomenon of road drainage ditches as a transitional migration environment, further it assesses the level of locomotion activity, the rate of structure of subpopulations and the frequency of crossing watercourses in the case of selected rodent species. It contributes with its results to solving problems concerning the effect of these landscape structures on the species diversity, ground mobility or genetic structure of small terrestrial mammals. ˙˙˙˙

Although the unprotected lands of northern Tanzania support large numbers of elephants, and provide critical linkages for wildlife movements across the region, there is little information on the dispersal patterns of elephants in these unprotected lands. Our home range measures (100% MCP) of 21 elephants with satellite collars in four study regions were highly variable (191 to 3,698 km2). Home range sizes (95% fixed kernel) of bulls were typically larger than those of females, and wet season ranges were typically larger than dry season ranges. There were large differences in average home range sizes reflected varying strategies for obtaining food and water and avoiding humans. All eight radio-collared elephants (3 bulls, 5 females) in the West Kilimanjaro study region crossed the Tanzania-Kenya border, but typically elephants crossed more frequently in the wet than the dry season, and bulls crossed 47% more frequently than females. These extensive transboundary movements indicate that the elephant populations of West Kilimanjaro and Amboseli NP constitute a single transboundary population. Based upon 14,287 fixes from eight collared elephants, the vast majority of time was spent in unprotected (X¯ =91.5%) versus protected (X¯ =8.5%) areas. Amboseli NP was visited by all eight elephants and was the protected area most utilized (X¯ =8%, range 2-24%). Based upon the movements of 15 GPS-collared elephants in northern Tanzania, we identified eight areas that we considered important for wildlife conservation corridors/linkages for elephants. Our conservation priorities for these corridors were based upon the levels of threats and conservation potential. Community interviews and hilltop surveys were used in two Maasai villages to determine the extent of wildlife conflict, community attitudes towards elephants, and if elephants were using a vegetation corridor to move between Tanzania and southern Kenya. Elephants were the most problematic wildlife species and were considered a nuisance. However, they believed they attracted tourists, and generally did not believe elephant numbers should be reduced. Based upon elephant conflict and use and the communities' need to maintain areas for cattle grazing and medicinal plant collection, the two communities established the first wildlife conservation corridor in Tanzania.

Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) occupies 2,974 km2 of mixed wood boreal forest in southwestem Manitoba that is almost completely surrounded by agriculture. There is concern that wide-ranging, large carnivore populations in the park are genetically isolated and consequently nonviable over the long term. This study was carried out to identify areas with potential to support wolf dispersal from RMNP to the nearby Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Forest Reserve (DMPP&F) across the human disturbed land outside the park boundaries. Wolf telemetry data from RMNP provided information about preferred habitats within a protected and relatively undisturbed area. Presence of wolves between the parks was gathered from personal interviews with local landowners as well as wolf tracks. It was found that wolves avoid human disturbed areas within RMNP and select undisturbed areas outside the park boundaries. Furthermore, negative attitudes towards wolves held by local residents and its associated mortality threat comprise the major barrier to wolf-movement between the parks. A regionally connected wolf population depends on protection of remaining undeveloped land between the parks and acceptance by resident humans. Long term viability of the regional wolf population further relies on protection of wolves in the whole area and joint management amongst stakeholders at all levels.

I monitored demography, movement, and reproductive behavior of gray-tailed voles, Microtus canicaudus, in experimental habitat patches with and without corridors. I tested the hypotheses that reproductive rate, juvenile recruitment, and population size and growth rate would be affected negatively by immigrants that were introduced to resident groups (+ male and + female treatments). I hypothesized that "strangers" would commit infanticide thus decreasing juvenile recruitment. Second, I determined if movement corridors facilitated dispersal among habitat patches, thus potentially increasing infanticide, but decreasing reproductive inhibition of opposite-sex relatives by allowing them to separate (corridor treatment). Experiments were conducted in 12 0.2 ha enclosures planted with alfalfa that was fragmented into four patches (each 156 m��) separated by 12.5 m of bare ground. Introduction of unfamiliar conspecifics did not adversely affect reproductive rate, juvenile recruitment, population size, density, or growth rate. Corridors facilitated dispersal movements with males moving more than did females; however, corridors did not result in an even distribution of animals in the four patches. Unconnected habitat patches resulted in female- rather than the typical male-biased dispersal and females dispersed at lower body mass than in controls. Males that did not disperse from their natal patch exhibited a slight delay in sexual maturation. I conclude that movement is deterred in patchy environments, enhanced with corridors, and differentially affects males and females. Behavioral factors that affect an individual's dispersal or reproductive pattern should be considered in landscape planning.
Graduation date: 1997