Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Sea horses'

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were to investigate genetic issues pertaining to the conservation of the Knysna seahorse, Hippocampus capensis, and to determine the phylogenetic placement of this endangered estuarine species among marine seahorses. This was accomplished by focusing on three aspects of the taxonomy: the interspecific level; the inter-population level; and the intra-population level. To determine which species are closely related to H. capensis, and how the evolutionary history of this lineage relates to that of other seahorses, sequence data derived from four gene fragments (the nuclear RPI and Aldolase and the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome b genes) were used to determine the phylogenetic relationships among 30 species belonging to the genus Hippocampus. There were marked differences in the rate of evolution among these gene fragments, with Aldolase evolving the slowest and the mtDNA cytochrome b gene the fastest. Among individual partitions, the RPI gene recovered the highest number of nodes supported by >70% bootstrap values from parsimony analysis, and >95% posterior probabilities from Bayesian inference. The combined analysis based on 2317 nucleotides resulted in the most robust phylogeny. A distinct phylogenetic split was identified between the pygmy seahorse, H. bargibanti, and a clade including all other species. Three species from the western Pacific Ocean included in this study, namely H. bargibanti, H. breviceps, and H. abdominalis, occupy basal positions in the phylogeny. This and the high species richness in the region suggest that the genus probably originated in this region. There is also fairly strong molecular support for the remaining species being subdivided into three main evolutionary lineages: two West Pacific clades and a clade of species present in both the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean, which includes H. capensis. The phylogeny obtained herein suggests that seahorses belonging to the latter clade colonised the Atlantic Ocean at least twice, once before the closure of the Tethyan Seaway, and once afterwards. Phylogenies reconstructed using mitochondrial DNA gene fragments (l6S rRNA, cytochrome band 382 bp of the rapidly evolving control region) indicate that H. capensis is closely related to an Indian Ocean lineage of H. kuda and a Red Sea lineage of H. fuscus. Other lineages closely associated with these taxa include H. kuda from the West Pacific, the East Atlantic species H. algiricus, the West Atlantic species H reidi, the East Pacific species H ingens, and the Hawaiian species H fisheri. No control region alleles were shared among H capensis and any of the marine seahorses, suggesting that the Knysna seahorse is phylogenetically distinct. The evolutionary history of H capensis, and the extent of gene flow between its three known populations, were investigated using control region sequences from 138 specimens. Most samples were obtained by taking fin clips; this method was studied on captive seahorses and no negative effects were found. Similarly high levels of genetic diversity were found in two of the wild populations (Knysna and Keurbooms Estuaries), whereas diversity in the third population (Swartvlei Estuary) was lower. Although most haplotypes are shared among at least two populations, based on the haplotype frequency distributions the three assemblages constitute distinct management units. The extant population structure of H capensis suggests that the Knysna seahorse originated in the large Knysna Estuary. The presence of seahorses in the two smaller estuaries is either the result of a vicariance event at the beginning of the present interglacial period, or colonisation of the estuaries via the sea, or a combination of the two. Population genetic parameters of the Knysna population and those of two populations of closely related marine seahorses (H kuda from the Philippines and H fuscus from the Red Sea) were similar, suggesting that the Knysna population is not genetically impoverished, despite its comparatively small area of occupancy.
DEUTSCHE ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Die hier prasentierte wissenschaftliche Studie beschaftigte sich mit genetischen Themen relevant flïr den Artenschutz des Knysna Seepferds, Hippocampus capensis, und den phylogenetischen Beziehungen dieser ausschliesslich in Estuaren (Flussmtindungen) vorkommenden gefahrdeten Art mit den im Meer lebenden Seepferden. Die folgenden taxonomischen Einheiten wurden verglichen: Arten, Populationen und Sub-Populationen. Urn festzustellen, welche Arten nah mit H. capensis verwand sind, und wie die Evolution dieser Gruppe sich von der anderer Seepferdgruppen unterscheidet, wurden genetische Sequenzen von vier Genen (den nuklearen RPI und Aldolase und den mitochondrischen 16S rRNA und Cytochrom b Genen) von 30 Seepferdarten verwendet und phylogenetische Beziehungen rekonstruiert. Betrachtliche Unterschiede wurden festgestellt hinsichtlich der Geschwindigkeit in der Mutationen stattgefunden haben: Aldolase mutierte am langsamsten und Cytochrom b am schnellsten. Eine auf RPI Sequenzen basierende Phylogenie hatte die hëchste Anzahl von Gabelungspunkten, die sowohl von parsimonischen Analysen, als auch von bayesischer Inferenz untersttitzt wurden. Die robusteste Phylogenie wurde jedoch gefunden, wenn Sequenzen von allen vier Genen kombiniert wurden (im ganzen 2317 Nukleotide). Eine betrëchtliche genetische Distanz wurde zwischen dem Pygmaen-Seepferd, H. bargibanti, und einer Gruppe, die aus allen anderen Arten bestand, gefunden. Drei Arten vom westlichen Pazifik, namlich H. bargibanti, H. breviceps und H. abdominalis, hatten basale Positionen in der Phylogenie. Das, und der Artenreichtum dieser Region, sind Anzeichen daflïr, dass Seepferde mëglicherweise ursprtinglich aus dem westlichen Pazifik stammen. Es wurde weiterhin gefunden, dass alle tibrigen Seepferdarten in drei Hauptgruppen unterteilt werden kannen: die Verbreitungsgebiete zweier dieser Gruppen beschranken sich hauptsachlich auf den westlichen Pazifik, aber die dritte Gruppe kommt sowohl im Indo-Pazifik, also auch im Atlantik vor (H. capensis ist mit dieser letzteren Gruppe assoziiert). Es gibt gute Anzeichen dafllr, dass die Seepferde der letztgenannten Gruppe den Atlantik mindestens zweimal kolonisiert haben, einmal vor der Schliessung der tethyschen Seeverbindung, und einmal danach. Phylogenien, die ausschliesslich mit mitochondrischen Genen rekonstruiert wurden (16S rRNA, Cytochrom b und 382 Nukleotide der schnell-mutierenden Kontollregion), zeigen, dass H capensis sehr nah verwandt mit H kuda aus dem Indischen Ozean und H fuscus aus dem Roten Meer ist. Andere nah verwandte Arten sind H kuda from westlichen Pazifik, H algiricus vom ëstlichen Atlantik, H reidi vom westlichen Atlantik, Hingens vom ëstlichen Pazifik, sowie die in Hawaii vorkommende Art H fisheri. Keine der Kontrollregionallele, die in H capensis gefunden wurden, kamen in anderen Arten vor. Dies zeigt, dass das Knysna Seepferd eine eigenstandige Art ist, und Paarungen mit anderen Arten nicht vorkommen. Die Evolutionsgeschichte von H capensis, und das Ausmass von genetischem Austausch zwischen den drei Populationen dieser Art, wurden untersucht, indem Kontrollregionsequenzen von 138 Individuen analysiert wurden. Die meisten Proben stammten von Flossenschnitten; diese Methode wurde zuvor an in Gefangenschaft lebenden Seepferden ausprobiert, und es wurden keine negativen Folgeerscheinungen beobachtet. Genetische Diversitat war ungefahr gleich hoch in zwei der Populationen (Knysna und Keurbooms Estuare), aber eine deutlich niedrigere Diversitat wurde in der dritten Population gefunden (Swartvlei Estuar). Obwohl die meisten Allele in mindestens zwei Populationen gefunden wurden, sind die drei Populationen unterschiedliche genetische Einheiten, eine Schlussfolgerung, die hauptsachlich auf Unterschiede in der relativen Haufigkeit der Allele beruht. Die Populationsstruktur von H capensis deutet darauf hin, dass diese Art ihren Ursprung im Knysna Estuar hat. Die Prasenz von Seepferden in den beiden anderen Estuaren ist entweder das Resuitat von Vikarianz (eine Spaltung der urspri.inglichen Population) zu Beginn der jetzigen Interglazialzeit, oder Kolonisierung der Estuare durchs Meer, oder eine Kombination beider Szenarios. Populationsgenetische Parameter der Knysna Population und die zweier Populationen von nah verwandten Arten (H kuda aus den Philippinen und H fuscus aus dem Roten Meer) zeigten keine grossen Unterschiede. Dies deutet darauf hin, dass das Knysna Seepferd trotz seines vergleichbar kleinen Verbreitungsgebietes nicht unter geringer genetischer Diversitat leidet.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING Die doelwitte van hierdie studie was om die Knysna seeperdjie, Hippocampus capensis, te ondersoek relatief tot die spesie se bewaring asook om die filogenetiese posisie van hierdie bedreigte estuariene spesie binne mariene seeperdjies te bepaal. Drie aspekte van die taksonomie word ondersoek: interspesie verwantskappe, interbevolking verwantskappe en intra-bevolking verwantskappe. Om te bepaal watter spesies na verwant is aan H capensis, asook om die evolusionêre geskiedenis van hierdie groep met die van ander groepe te vergelyk, word nukleotieddata van vier ONS fragmente (die nukleêre RPI intron en Aldolase, en die mitochondriale 16S rRNA en sitokroom b fragmente) van 30 spesies van die genus Hippocampus gebruik. Aansienlike verskille in die tempo van evolusionêre verandering tussen hierdie ONS fragmente word gevind: Aldolase was die stadigste en die mitochondriale sitokroom b die vinnigste. Die RPI intron het die meeste knoesteringe gehad wat ondersteun word deur hoë stewelvasgordnommers (>70%) van parsimoniese analises en hoë agterwaarskynlikheide (>95%) van Bayesiese gevolgtrekkinge. Die kombineerde analise wat 2317 nukleotiede ingesluit het, het die beste filogenie geproduseer. 'n Besliste filogenetise verdeling was gevind tussen die pigmee seeperdjie, H bargibanti, en 'n groep wat al die ander spesies ingesluit het. Drie spesies van die westelike Stille Oseaan wat in hierdie studie ingesluit is, H bargibanti, H breviceps en H abdominalis, neem primitiewe posisies in die filogenie in. Dit, en die hoë spesiesrykdom in daardie gebied dui aan dat dit moontlik is dat die genus in die westelike Stille Oseaan ontstaan het. Daar is ook taamlike goeie molekulêre ondersteuning dat al die ander spesies in drie evolusionêre hoofgroepe verdeel kan word: twee groepe wat hoofsaaklik in die westelike Stille Oseaan voorkom, en 'n groep van spesies wat in die Stille Oseaan, die Indiese Oseaan en in die Atlantiese Oseaan voorkom, wat H capensis insluit. Die filogenie wat hier gevind is dui aan dat seeperdjies van hierdie laas genoemde groep die Atlantiese Oseaan minste twee keer gekoloniseer het, een keer voor die sluiting van die Tetiese Seepad, en een keer daarna. Filogenies wat met mitochondriale ONS fragmente gerekonstrueer is (16S rRNA, sitokroom b en 382 nukleotide van die vinnig evolveerende kontrolestreek) dui aan dat H capensis na verwant is aan 'n groep van H kuda wat in die Indiese Oseaan voorkom en H fuscus van die Rooi See. Ander groepe wat na verwant is aan hierdie takson is H kuda van die westelike Stille Oseaan, H algiricus van die Oos Atlantiese Oseaan, H reidi van die Wes Atlantiese Oseaan, en die Hawaiise spesie H fisheri. Geen kontrolestreek allele was gedeel tussen H capensis en enige mariene seeperdj ie spesies; dit dui aan dat die Knysna seeperdjie filogeneties verskillend is. Die evolusionêre geskiedenis van H capensis, en die omvang van die genetiese interaksies tussen sy drie bekende bevolkings, word ondersoek met kontrolestreek nukleotieddata van 138 monsters. Die meeste van hierdie monsters was verkry deur vinknipsels; hierdie metode was getoets op seeperdjies in gevangenskap en geen negatiewe gevolge was gevind nie. Genetiese diversiteit was omtrent dieselfde in twee van die natuurlike bevolkings (Knysna en Keurbooms Estuariums), maar diversiteit in die derde bevolking (Swartvlei Estuarium) was laër. Alhoewel die meeste allele gedeel was tussen ten minste twee bevolkings, dui die verspreiding van allelfrekwensies aan dat die drie bevolkings aparte bestuurseenhede is. Die ekstante bevolkingsstruktuur van H capensis dui aan dat die Knysna seeperdjie in die groot Knysna Estuarium ontstaan het. Die teenwordigheid van seeperdjies in die twee kleiner estuariums is óf die resultaat van 'n vikariansie voorval aan die begin van hierdie interglasiale tydperk, óf kolonisasie van die estuariums deur die see, óf 'n kombinasie van albei. Bevolkingsgenetiese parameters van die Knysna bevolking en van twee bevolkings van na verwante seeperdjie spesies (H kuda van die Filippyne en H fuscus van die Rooi See) was soortgelyk, wat aandui dat die Knysna bevolking nie geneties verarm is nie, alhoewel dit 'n betreklik kleiner streek bewoon.

My thesis examined the implications of life history and ecology for population-level responses of the European long-snouted seahorse ( Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier 1829) to habitat alteration, exploitation and a recommended minimum size limit for seahorse management. The research employed a mark-recapture study, underwater visual censuses (UVCs) and catch data from an unrelated experimental sampling program in the Ria Formosa Lagoon (southern Portugal). These small-bodied fish are characterized by rapid growth rate, early age at maturity, high natural mortality, short generation time, short life span and multiple spawnings per year, traits that are usually associated with resilience to exploitation. However specialized parental care, complex social interactions, small adult home ranges and benthic habit confer risk to H. guttulatus. Population-level responses to experimental reductions in non-selective fishing effort differed in magnitude and direction between H. guttulatus and its smaller congener, Hippocampus hippocampus: the abundance of H. guttulatus increased significantly while its congener decreased in abundance. Hippocampus guttulatus preferred more complex, vegetated habitats, while H. hippocampus preferred more open, sparsely vegetated habitats. Thus it seems probable that H. guttulatus fared better in the more complex habitats that developed when seining stopped, whereas H. hippocampus fared better in the less complex habitat arising from repeated seining. I used an age-structured stochastic simulation to evaluate the biological implications of a recommended generic strategy (10 cm minimum size limit) for managing the exploitation and international trade of seahorses, using H. guttulatus as a model. The smallest size limit that was robust (using the magnitude of population decline and probability of quasi-extinction as criteria) to a range of fishing rates, maximum population growth rates (rmax) and models of density-dependence

This thesis investigates the potential role of historical isolation of ocean basins in promoting diversification among marine organisms in Southeast Asia. It also questions the possible effects of Pleistocene exposure of the Sunda Shelf on present day marine distributions and genetic diversity. Four species of exploited seahorses (genus Hippocampus), with differing ecological parameters, are used to test historical hypotheses. The results (based on cytochrome b DNA sequencing) suggest that significant phylogeographic structure does exist among seahorse populations in Southeast Asia, but that the patterns are only partially concordant across species. Distinct phylogeographic breaks are seen in H. barbouri, H. kuda, and H. trimaculatus, whereas greater spatial overlap of haplotypes in H. spinosissimus indicates more extensive gene flow. The phylogeographic history of the two shallow water species (H. barbouri and H. kuda) appears to have been primarily shaped by fragmentation and/or long-distance colonisation events. Both species show patterns consistent with hypotheses of divergence mediated by ocean basins separations. The deeper water species (H. spinosissimus and H. trimaculatus) show more evidence of range expansion and isolation by distance. Hippocampus trimaculatus shows a deep east-west phylogeographic division at right angles to that predicted by the separation of the Indian versus Pacific Ocean basins and instead parallels the terrestrial division known as Wallace's Line. Different species have also responded differently to the reflooding of the Sunda Shelf at the end of the last Ice Age: the two deeper water species have colonised it extensively suggesting limited barriers to movement, whereas the shallow water species have not. It is possible that the populations of H. kuda now inhabiting the shelf may stem from populations that found refuge in brackish water lakes when the shelf was exposed to the air. All four species are heav

Orientador: Wagner Cotroni Valenti
Coorientador: Ricardo Jorge Guerra Calado
Banca: Alessandra da Silva Augusto
Banca: Cintia Miyaji
Banca: Helcio Luis de Almeida Marques
Banca: Márcia Santos Nunes Galvão
Resumo: Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar o mercado, a produção e a comercialização de cavalos-marinhos com foco no atendimento da demanda mundial de forma mais sustentável e na conservação desses animais. Assim, a tese foi dividida em cinco artigos: (1) apresenta um panorama da pesquisa mundial no século XXI sobre cavalos-marinhos. Observou-se que os campos de pesquisa fundamentais para subsidiar decisões governamentais e que abordam as questões que afetam a produção, o comércio e a manutenção das populações naturais de cavalos-marinhos não vem sendo cobertos adequadamente. Cinco áreas foram identificadas como prioritárias para o avanço do conhecimento científico, atendendo à demanda e a conservação dos cavalos-marinhos. (2) Discute a comercialização e o mercado; mostra que o mercado é pouco conhecido e que as regulamentações internacionais para comércio de cavalos-marinhos estão sendo ineficientes na conservação. (3) Apresenta as principais oportunidades e limitações de se cultivar cavalos-marinhos em estuários em Manguezal como alternativa para produção de baixo custo. Observou-se que essa prática é bastante promissora, podendo aproveitar a disponibilidade local de reprodutores, água, espaço, alimento natural, mão de obra e gerar renda adicional para comunidades locais de forma mais sustentável. Alterações ambientais bruscas, predadores, obstrução das redes e escapes são as principais limitações. (4) Visa otimizar o transporte de animais vivos. Observou-se que Hippocampus re... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the trade, the production and the commercialization of seahorses focusing on meeting world demand in a more sustainable way and on the conservation of these animals. Thus, this thesis was divided in five articles: (1) shows an overview of the seahorse research in the 21st century. It was observed that the key research fields necessary to support government decisions on addressing issues affecting the production, trade and maintenance of wild seahorses populations, have not been properly studied. Five knowledge gaps were identified as priorities for improving scientific knowledge, considering both world demand and seahorse conservation. (2) Discusses commercialization and trade; Shows that there is little information on trade and that international regulations of seahorse trade have been ineffective to promote their conservation. (3) Shows the main opportunities and constraints to produce seahorses in mangrove estuary as an alternative for low-cost aquaculture. It was observed that this system has great potential; it can rely on the availability of local broodstock, water, space, natural food, labour, and provide additional income for local communities in a more sustainable way. Sudden environmental changes, predators, net obstruction, and escapees are the main constraints of this system. (4) Aims to optimize transport of live seahorses. It was reported that Hippocampus reidi could be transported in plastic bags containing 300 mL of water, sal... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Doutor

The Knysna seahorse Hippocampus capensis is South Africa’s only endemic seahorse species, and is found in only three adjacent estuaries along the southern coast. The conservation of this endangered species is important on a national and international level. This study presents the first research on this species within the Knysna estuary since 2001 and specifically focuses on aspects of its ecology within a residential marina estate (Thesen Islands Marina). The physico-chemical and habitat features of the marina were described and the population ecology, habitat use, and behaviour of the Knysna seahorse were investigated. Physico-chemical conditions within the western section of the marina, characterised by high water current velocities, were similar to that of the adjacent estuary. The eastern section of the marina was characterised by lower water current velocities and higher turbidity. Four major habitat types were identified within the marina canals: (I) artificial Reno mattress (wire baskets filled with rocks); (II) Codium tenue beds; (III) mixed vegetation on sediment; and (IV) barren canal floor. Seahorse densities within the marina were significantly higher compared to densities found historically within the estuary. Highest seahorse densities were specifically found within the artificial Reno mattress structures and within the western section of the marina. Seahorse density varied spatially and temporally and the type of habitat was an important predictor for seahorse occurrence. An experimental investigation found that H. capensis chooses artificial Reno mattress habitat over Zostera capensis when given a choice. GoPro cameras were used successfully to investigate daytime seahorse behaviour within the Reno mattress habitat. Seahorses were more active during the morning, spent most of their time (> 80 %) feeding, and morning courting behaviour for this species were confirmed. However, during the summer holiday period (mid-December to mid-January) few seahorses were observed on camera, which suggests that the increase in motor boat activity and the related increase in noise had a negative effect on H. capensis feeding and courting behaviour. The marina development, and in particular the Reno mattresses, created a new habitat for this endangered species within the Knysna estuary. In addition to the protection and restoration of natural habitats in which H. capensis is found, the conservation potential of artificial structures such as Reno mattresses should be realised.

Syngnathidae (seahorse, pipefish, pipehorses & seadragons) are highly visual feeders with different species feeding on specific types of prey, a behaviour that has been related to snout length. Worldwide, many species have become threatened by habitat destruction, collection for the aquarium trade and exploitation for traditional medicine, as well as recreational and commercial bycatch. Attempts to establish aquaculture programs have been of limited success. Little is known about their visual capabilities in detail. The visual systems of fishes are known to have evolved specific adaptations that can be related to the colour of water in which they live and specific visual tasks such as predator detection and acquisition of food. This study examined the ocular and retinal morphology, photoreceptor structure and spectral sensitivity of adult individuals of a local pipefish (S. argus), local seahorse (Hippocampus subelongatus) which both inhabit green water seagrass beds, and a tropical species of seahorse (Hippocampus barbouri) from blue water coral reefs. Some juveniles were also investigated. Accordingly, we developed an understanding of the features that are common to all syngnathids and those that have evolved for specific environments. Cryosections of the eyes were taken to determine morphological distinctions of this group. Lens characteristics measured using a spectrophotometer determined 50% cut-off wavelengths below 408nm for all 3 species, hence no transmission of UV light to the retina. Histological examination determined a cone dominated fovea in the ventro-temporal retina and very large rods concentrated in the peripheral retina and adjacent to the optic nerve. Microspectrophotometry measured the absorption characteristics of the visual pigments within the photoreceptors showing the presence and maximum sensitivity (λmax) of rods, SWS single cones, and a broad, complex array of LWS double/twin cones. The results are discussed in relation to the light environment inhabited by each species and their feeding requirements. The implications for the design of suitable light environments for aquarium and aquaculture programs for the Syngnathidae are also discussed. Rearing success of this family of fish, for both the aquarium trade and re-stocking programs, would be advised to take lighting regimes and specifics of the animals’ vision into account

Through an exploration of both sculptural and thought processes undertaken in making my Masters exhibition, ‘Hippocampus’, I unpack some possibilities, instabilities, and limitations inherent in representation and visual perception. This thesis explores the Hippocampus as image (seahorse) and concept (brain-structure involved in cognitive mapping of space). Looking at Gilles Deleuze’s writings on representation, I will expand on the notion of the map as being that which does not define and fix a structure or meaning, but rather is open, extendable and experimental. I explore the becoming, rather than the being, of image and concept. The emphasis here is on process, non-representation, and fluidity of meaning. This is supportive of my personal affirmation of the practice and process of art-making as research. I will refer to the graphic prints of Maurits Cornelis Escher as a means to elucidate a visual contextualization of my practical work, particularly with regard to the play with two- and three-dimensional space perception. Through precisely calculated ‘experiments’ that show up the partiality of our visual perception of space, Escher alludes to things that either cannot actually exist as spatial objects or do exist, but resist representation. Similarly I will explore how my own sculptures, although existing in space resist a fixed representation and suggest ideas of other spaces, non-spaces; an in-between space that does not pin itself down and become fixed to any particular image, idea, objector representation.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
“The constitution of the narrative and figural self in the complex temporality of Lobo Antunes” has as study object the novel What horses are those that make shade on the sea? (2009), by the contemporary Portuguese writer Antonio Lobo Antunes. In the novel it is narrated the story of the affective de-structure and the loss of the material goods of a traditional Portuguese family, through the voices of family‟s components. It is confused in the narrative, thus, the past experiences of the characters and their projections for the future. The characters-narrators, when remembering the past experiences and when projecting expectations for the future, defocus the present of the narrative in reflections that seem not to finish any conclusion about their experiences. It results from that a chaotic and bitter world, marked by multiple and contradicted affections of the characters in relation to their relatives, manifesting in the own structure of the narrative, with its ramifications, deviances and fragmentations. The configuration of the intrigue ends to evince, then, the conflicting and problematic nature of the own characters. This incessant returning to the past allied to this expectative of future and the reflections about the events reconstruct these distinct moments of experience of time in a present time always distended, in transition. The novel seems to reconstruct certain aporia of time, once that the time shows itself as makeable in the consciousness of the characters, and paradoxically, as fluid and transitory. This thick and complex character of temporality in the narrative configuration, the intertwine among told present, remembered past and expected future confers a psychological density to the characters, and never attributing to them an stable and cohesive identity and an integral image. We find, thus, in this dissertation, a reflection about the contemporary Portuguese literature, the work of the author, and an analysis of the novel based, mainly, on the studies of Paul Ricoeur about the interdependence among the configuration of intrigue, temporality and the constitution of a narrative identity.
“A constituição do eu narrativo e figural na temporalidade complexa de Lobo Antunes” tem como objeto de estudo o romance Que cavalos são aqueles que fazem sombra no mar? (2009), do escritor português contemporâneo António Lobo Antunes. No romance, é narrada a história de desestruturação afetiva e de perda dos bens materiais de uma tradicional família portuguesa, através das vozes dos componentes dessa família. Confundem-se na narrativa, então, as vivências passadas das personagens e as suas projeções para o futuro. As personagens-narradoras, ao relembrar as experiências do passado e ao projetar expectativas para o futuro, desfocam o presente da narrativa em reflexões que parecem não encerrar conclusão alguma sobre suas vivências. Resulta disso um mundo caótico e amargo, marcado pelos múltiplos e contraditórios afetos das personagens em relação aos seus familiares, manifestado na própria estrutura da narrativa, com suas ramificações, desvios e fragmentações. A configuração da intriga acaba por evidenciar, então, o caráter conflitante, problemático das próprias personagens. Esse retorno incessante ao passado aliado a essa expectativa do futuro e às reflexões sobre os eventos reconstroem esses momentos distintos da experiência do tempo em um tempo presente sempre distendido, em transição. O romance parece reconstituir certa aporia do tempo, visto que os tempos mostram-se como marcantes na consciência das personagens e, paradoxalmente, como fluidos e transitórios. Esse caráter denso e complexo da temporalidade na configuração da narrativa, o entrelaçamento entre presente contado, passado relembrado e de um futuro esperado confere uma densidade psicológica às personagens, sem nunca atribuir-lhes uma identidade estável e coesa e uma imagem íntegra. Encontra-se nessa dissertação, uma reflexão sobre a literatura portuguesa contemporânea, a obra do autor, e uma análise do romance com base, principalmente, nos estudos de Paul Ricoeur sobre a interdependência entre a configuração da intriga, a temporalidade e a constituição de uma identidade narrativa.

Master of Science
Department of Clinical Science
Elizabeth Davis
Background: While there is a commercially-available vaccine for Streptococcus equi subsp. equi licensed for the intranasal route of administration, some equine practitioners are administering this vaccine orally despite a lack of evidence for its efficacy by this route of administration. Objectives: To compare systemic and local immune responses following intranasal or oral administration of the USDA-approved, live-attenuated Streptococcus equi subspecies equi vaccine (Pinnacle IN®, Zoetis, Florham Park, New Jersey). Study Design: Experimental, randomized clinical trial Methods: Eight healthy horses with low Streptococcus equi M protein (SeM) titers (<1:1600) were randomly assigned to an intranasal or oral two-vaccine series. SeM-specific serum immunoglobulins G (IgG) and A (IgA) and nasal secretion IgA were assessed using a commercially-available ELISA (Equine Diagnostic Solutions, LLC, Lexington, Kentucky) and a novel magnetic microsphere assay utilizing fluorescence. A general linear mixed models approach was used for statistical data analysis. Results: As expected, intranasal vaccinates showed substantial increases in both serum SeM-specific IgG and IgA levels post-vaccination (P=0.0006 and P=0.007, respectively). Oral vaccinates showed an increase in serum SeM-specific IgG post-vaccination (P=0.0150), though only one-third the magnitude of intranasal vaccinates. Oral vaccinates showed no evidence of change in SeM-specific IgA post-vaccination (P=0.15). Main Limitations: Changes in mucosal antibody responses were not identified in this study which may be related to small change in antibody response, timing of sample collection, or method of nasal secretion collection. Conclusions: Results indicate that intranasal or oral vaccine administration resulted in increased serum SeM-specific IgG, though the magnitude of response differed between routes.

A variety of inflammatory markers, coupled with changes in a number of haematological and biochemical parameters have classically been used to diagnose, monitor, and prognosticate disease in horses. Unfortunately these traditional markers respond fairly slowly to the presence of disease and inflammation and have wide normal ranges (Allen and Cold 1988; Pepys et al., 1989). Serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin are acute phase proteins common to humans, cattle, sheep, mice, and several other species, including the horse. In several of these species, plasma concentration of SAA has been shown to increase 1000-fold following tissue injury, cellular necrosis, inflammation, and infection and decline rapidly in the recovery phase. In the studies presented here the concentration of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin and fibrinogen and other indices of health were measured in a number of different groups of horses, including; normal horses, those subjected to operative surgery, horses with surgical colic, racehorses in training, some of which had evidence of gastric ulceration, and foals with respiratory disease. Acute phase protein concentration was modeled with the outcome and with other commonly measured indices of health relevant to the disease states of interest. The study indicates that there is an association between acute and chronic inflammation and between the present of disease both overt and latent and suggests that the concentration of a number of acute phase proteins could be used to aid decision making when planning diagnostic or treatment interventions in horses.

Pain induced by bad adjustment or inappropriate placement of the saddle is a frequent cause of back pain. This study evaluated 62 saddles used on 129 jump horses. Data such as age, breed, gender, body score, competition level, changes in performance, reactions at saddling or at performing certain exercises and evidence of back pain were obtained from the horses. Information regarding years of use, number of horses and riders that use the saddles and the rider s competition level were also registered. Before and after training sessions horses were subjected to thermography of the thoracic-lumbar region. Saddles were also evaluated by thermography soon after their removal from the animal after finishing the training session. Each saddle was used on an average of 4.6 ± 3.7 horses. Thermography identified asymmetry between panels in 62.8% of the saddles and contact with the thoracic-lumbar column on 37.2% of the evaluated saddles. After exercise, abnormal heat points were detected on the column and withers of 28.7% and 33.3% of the horses, respectively. The thermographic image of the thoracic-lumbar column after training showed asymmetry on 55.8% (n=72) of the animals. Contact of 76 to 100% of the saddle dashboard area with the back of the horse was observed on only 51.2% of the saddles. At rest, 39.5% of the horses showed a heat point compatible with an area of pressure from the saddle. There was no interaction between asymmetry on the saddle and the horse. Thermography proved to be a useful tool in evaluating the adjustment and position of saddles used on jumpers.
A dor e/ou desconforto induzidos por mau ajuste ou posicionamento inadequado da sela é uma causa freqüente de dorsopatia. O presente trabalho avaliou 62 selas usadas em 129 cavalos de salto. Dos cavalos foram colhidos dados sobre idade, raça, sexo, escore corporal, nível de competição, alterações no desempenho ou ao selar, dificuldade na execução de determinados exercícios e dor lombar. Das 62 selas foram tabuladas as informações referentes ao tempo de uso, número de cavalos e cavaleiros que a utilizam e, do cavaleiro o nível em que este compete. Antes e após o treinamento os cavalos foram submetidos à termografia da região tóraco-lombar. A sela usada foi avaliada com auxílio da termografia logo após sua retirada do animal depois de finalizado o treinamento. Cada sela foi usada em média por 4,6 ± 3,7 cavalos. Com a termografia, foi identificada assimetria entre os painéis em 62,8% e contato com a coluna tóraco-lombar na sua linha média dorsal em 37,2% das selas avaliadas. Também foram encontrados, após o trabalho, pontos assimétricos de calor na coluna em 28,7% e na cernelha em 33,3% dos cavalos. A imagem termográfica da coluna tóraco-lombar após o exercício foi assimétrica em 55,8% (n=72) dos animais. Somente 51,2% das selas apresentaram de 76 a 100% de contato entre seus painéis e o dorso do cavalo. Em repouso, 39,5% dos animais apresentaram um ponto de calor compatível com uma área de pressão da sela. Não houve interação entre assimetrias na sela e no dorso dos cavalos. A termografia mostrou ser uma ferramenta útil na avaliação do ajuste e posicionamento da sela usada em cavalos de salto.

The Fogdarp hoard from Scania in Sweden is an unusual deposit from the Late Bronze Age. Unlike similar hoards this was not found in a wetland, but was buried in the ground with a rock placed on top of it. Deposits in dry land have sometimes been considered to be a hiding place for a smith’s metalwork. But since the Fogdarp hoard contains ritual bronze objects, it has been called a ritual deposit. The aim of this paper is to investigate the Fogdarp hoard by using a landscape analysis. By doing so the study will contribute to the understanding of the hoards context, and why this hoard was buried and not deposited in a wetland. The landscape analysis shows that the hoard is buried closed to the water and in a ritual landscape on the edge of a valley. The discussion will also analyze the objects in this particular hoard: their symbolic value will be elaborated in the analysis. As a comparison, this paper includes other deposits from the Late Bronze Age. My interpretation of the objects in the Fogdarp hoard is that they are a part of the sun cult of the Nordic Bronze Age, where sun-goddess and the divine twins play an important role.

La nanoscience est basée sur les changements de propriétés des particules lorsque leur diamètre est inférieur à 100 nm (i.e. nanoparticules, NPs). Devant l’utilisation croissante de tels NPs, et leur déversement probable dans l’environnement, l’évaluation de leurs risques sur la santé humaine et l’environnement est un enjeu majeur. Dans le cadre de la protection des eaux et des sols, l’évaluation de la qualité des eaux de surface est particulièrement importante, notamment dans les zones humides (ZHs), où la dynamique des métaux toxique (i.e. As, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg) est complexe et dépend des conditions redox du milieu. Comme les NPs de magnétite (nano-Fe3O4), naturelles ou manufacturées, sont reconnues pour leur capacité d’adsorption importante face aux métaux lourds, leurs interactions dans les ZHs ripariennes (ZHRs) avec les ETMs restent critiques quant à leurs impacts directs ou indirects. Ainsi, l’objectif de cette thèse était d’étudier le rôle des nano-Fe3O4 manufacturées (~10nm) et des oxydes de fer naturels sur la dynamique des ETMs dans les eaux de surfaces et les sols de ZHRs. Ainsi, dans un premier volet portant sur des précipités colloïdaux naturels provenant de produits de reoxydation en milieu riparian (soumis à des oscillations redox), la distribution spatiale des éléments a été effectuée par cartographie isotopique nanoSIMS (i.e. 75As-, 56Fe16O-, le soufre (32S-) et la matière organique (12C14N-), alors que la spéciation du soufre a été évaluée par adsorption des rayons X au seuil K du soufre (S) (XANES). Ces analyses ont permis de mettre en évidences les interactions entre les oxydes de fer naturels, la matière organique naturelle (MON) et un métalloïde toxique, l’arsenic. Nos résultats suggèrent, par colocalisation statistique des images nanoSIMS, l’existence de deux types d’interaction : (1) 12C14N-, 32S-, 56Fe16O- et 75As-, et (2) 12C14N-, 32S- et 75As-. La coexistence des formes de S oxydées et réduites, confirmées par les analyses XANES, pourrait être attribuée à la lente cinétique d’oxydation de la MON. Ainsi, ce premier volet montre qu’en plus des interactions MON, oxydes de fer et As, de possibles interactions directes entre As et NOM à travers des groupements fonctionnels soufrés (e.g. thiols) sont aussi possibles en milieu oxydé. Dans un second volet, l’effet des nano-Fe3O4 (~ 10 nm) sur la mobilité des éléments traces (ETs) et des colloïdes, dans l'horizon organominéral d’un sol naturel de ZHR, a été évaluée à l’aide de colonnes de sol. Nos résultats montrent que l’enrobage des nanoparticules semble influencer la mobilité de la MON et des ETs du sol. En effet, la mobilité des ETs semble augmenter en présence de nano-Fe3O4 nus, suggérant des associations où la MON stabiliserait les nanoparticules et augmenterait leur mobilité ainsi que celle des ETs associés
Nanoscience is based on changes in particle properties when their diameter is below 100 nm (ie nanoparticles, NPs). Considering the increasing use of such NPs and their discharge into the environment, the assessment of their risks to human health and the environment is a major issue. Underneath the protection of waters and soils, the surface water assessment quality is particularly important, especially in wetlands, where the toxic metals dynamic (e.g. As, Pb, Ni, Cr , Hg) is complex and depends on the redox conditions of the environment. As magnetite (nano-Fe3O4), a natural or manufactured NP, is known for its significant adsorption capacity with heavy metals, their interactions in riparian wetlands with trace metals (TMs) remain critical concerning their direct of indirect impact on trace metals (TMs) mobility. The objective of this thesis was to study the role of manufactured nano-Fe3O4 (~ 10nm) and natural iron oxides on the TMs dynamics in wetland surface waters and soils. Therefore, in a first part considering natural colloidal precipitates from reoxidation products from riparian areas (subject to redox oscillations), a spatial distribution of elements was performed using nanoSIMS isotope mapping (i.e. 75As-, 56Fe16O-, sulfur (32S-) and organic matter (12C14N-), while the sulfur speciation was evaluated X-ray adsorption at K edge of the sulfur (S) (XANES). These analyzes allowed to highlight the interactions between natural iron oxides, natural organic matter (NOM) and a toxic metalloid, As. Our results suggest, with a statistical colocalization of nanoSIMS images, the existence of two interaction types: (1) 12C14N-, 32S-, 56Fe16O- and 75As-, and (2) 12C14N-, 32S- and 75As-. The coexistence of the oxidized and reduced forms of S, confirmed by the XANES analyses might be attributed to the slow oxidation kinetic of MON. Thus, this first part shows that in addition to the known interactions between MON, iron oxides and As, a possible direct interaction between As and NOM through sulfur functional groups (e.g. thiols) are also possible in oxidized environment. In a second part, the effect of nano-Fe3O4 (~ 10 nm) on trace elements (TEs) and colloids mobility in the organomineral horizon of a natural wetland soil was assessed using soil columns. Our results show that the nanoparticles coating influences the mobility of NOM and TMs. Indeed, the TMs mobility increases in presence of naked nano-Fe3O4, suggesting associations where NOM stabilizes the nanoparticles and increase the nanoparticles and associated TMs mobility. This mechanism seems less possible with coated nano-Fe3O4 where MON blocks the coating adsorption sites and therefore the adsorption of metals

Existen múltiples factores que podrían ejercer influencia sobre la satisfacción laboral, dentro de los cuales se incluyen la fatiga, monotonía, condiciones de trabajo y supervisión. El personal de enfermería constituye un importante grupo laboral en todas las instituciones sanitarias del país y del mundo, que representa aproximadamente 60% del recurso humano vinculado a las instituciones hospitalarias, en consecuencia constituye la columna vertebral de los servicios asistenciales. Este grupo presenta condiciones particulares de trabajo, representadas por la continuidad de su servicio durante las 24 horas. La práctica de enfermería es una actividad muy estresante, que brinda largas horas al cuidado de los pacientes, por lo que es necesario estar bien. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia que requiere ser un enfermero sano, es importante conocer cuáles son las causas, y consecuencias que padecen los enfermeros con sobrepeso, y así también la existencia de una dieta sana, orientada a lograr un equilibrio psicofísico. Y también poder saber acerca de los riesgos del hábito tabáquico, como causa directa de varias enfermedades graves. A pesar de ello se aprecia con frecuencia el consumo de cigarrillos en enfermeros (as), quienes constituyen la unidad de análisis del estudio que se presenta y que pretende identificar la prevalencia de hábito tabáquico. Este trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo determinar cuáles son los factores de riesgo que presentan los enfermeros de la Clínica de Cuyo S.A. en el servicio de Clínica Médica Quirúrgica S.A. de la provincia de Mendoza, en el periodo de abril de 2012. Para ello se realizó un estudio de campo, cuantitativo, mediante una encuesta entregada a todo el personal de enfermería de dicho servicio, en donde se evaluaron distintas variables como son: horarios y hábitos de alimentación; calidad de los alimentos; consumo de líquidos; sobrepeso; carga horaria; trabajo por turnos; hábitos y consumo de tabaco.
Fil: Navarrete, Danilo. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Escuela de Enfermería..
Fil: Rojas Cancino, Valezca. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Escuela de Enfermería..

Dr. Eleine Mad är Madeleine Jacobsssons talesperson för dom vetenskapliga och paranormala upptäckter som uppstår i hennes världar. Hon beskriver innehåll, teknik och estetik utifrån ett kategoriseringssytem där konsten delas upp som olika typer av komponenter och därefter avkodas dessa allteftersom. För att förstå intuitionens inblandning i arbetsprocessen omförvandlas den till tre separata roller av en Sökare, Samlare och Myntare. Med rollerna försöker jag beskriva på vilka sätt som intuitionen är till gagn eller av förödelse för det konstnärliga arbetet. Sagan om M handlar om en grodlik karaktär, Delop, som lämnar sin hemplanet för att uppsöka andra världar. I sitt sökande hittar Delop ett folkslag vars syn och levnadssätt skiljer sig från hennes erfarenheter av “verkligheten” såsom hon lärt sig att överleva i den.
Dr. Eleine Mad is Madeleine Jacobsson's spokesperson for the scientific and paranormal discoveries that arise in her worlds. She describes content, tecniques and aesthetics based on a categorization system where art is divided into different types of components and then decoded as they go. To understand the intuition's involvement in the work process, it is transformed into three separate roles by a Seeker, Collector and a Myntare(In swedish language the one who is a "myntare" -is verbally declaring a concept or term). With these roles I try to describe in what ways intuition is beneficial or devastating to the artistic work. The story of M is about a frog-like character, Delop, who leaves the home planet to seek out other worlds. In her search, Delop finds a world whose views and lifestyles differ from her experiences of "reality" as she learned to survive in it.

Recorded sound and image material of the presentation is available for private use.

The primary aim of this study is to reduce the reliance on Artemia during the culture of pot-bellied seahorses. The results demonstrate that reliance can be reduced significantly if not totally replaced. Early juvenile seahorses can be fed on alternative live diets such as copepods as the growth (F = 0.054, df 1, p > 0.05) and condition (F = 0.416, df 1, p > 0.05) of 3-week old seahorses fed copepods was similar to those fed enriched Artemia. It was also found that seahorses as young as newborns readily consumed copepods and gammarid amphipods (Hippomedon sp and Biribus sp) from the biofouling panels. Later juveniles can continue to be fed on biofouling crustaceans as the growth (F = 0.982, df 1, p > 0.05) and condition (F = 7.401, df 1, p < 0.05) of 17-week old seahorses fed biofouling was similar to those fed Artemia or weaned onto frozen diets. The best predictor for determining prey size was the total length of the seahorse. Based on Cheeson's standardised forage ratio the preferred prey type of 5, 21 and 49 day old seahorses showed a particular preference for copepods with 21 and 49 day old seahorses also positively selecting both amphipod species (Hippomedon sp and Biribus sp). Larger 147 and 175-day old seahorses positively selected both amphipod species and 203-day old seahorses' positively selected Biribus sp and caprellids (Caprella sp). Thirteen week old seahorses were weaned onto either a frozen mysid or amphipod diet with a nil, 10 day and 16 day weaning period and it was found that the growth of seahorses weaned onto frozen diets over a 16 day period had similar growth (F = 83.922, df 7, p < 0.05) to those seahorses fed enriched Artemia. It is possible that younger seahorses could be weaned onto frozen diets if appropriate sized feeds can be attained. It was also found that although a range of commercial enrichment diets had no affect on the growth (F = 0.671, df 5, p > 0.05) and condition (F = 1.637, df 5, p > 0.05) of seahorses, Artemia should be enriched as the liver condition in seahorses fed unenriched Artemia was poor and the optimal feed rate for seahorses was between 5 and 7 % body weight daf1 (F = 0.47, df 5, p < 0.05). This study also examined the anatomy of the digestive system and ontogenetic development of digestive enzymes to provide a better understanding of the potbellied seahorses' nutritional requirements and digestive capacity. Seahorses are released with a near fully developed digestive tract and could be said to be fully developed between day 21 and 35 after the intestinal valve develops on day 7 and the intestine starts to loop around itself on day 21. Trypsin, lipase and amylase were present at every stage studied. The presence of enzymes in unfed newborn seahorses indicates that they are capable of digesting protein, lipid and carbohydrates prior to the onset of feeding, however the digestive system may not be fully functional until around day 28 to 35 when enzyme activities appeared to plateau. It was also found that trypsin and lipase activities were greater than amylase activities indicating that seahorses rely more heavily on protein and lipid than carbohydrate for their early nutrition. Lastly a cost benefit analysis of alternative feed sources was prepared which demonstrated that significant savings in costs can be achieved.

The general aim of this study was to address questions on early juvenile Hippocampus abdominalis husbandry posed by research and commercial ventures. Experiments assessed the effect of tank colour, temperature, salinity, stocking density, photoperiod and substrate on survival, growth and Artemia ingestion of cultured juveniles. Seahorses are visual feeders; experiments tested the effects of eight background colours (black, blue, green red, orange, yellow, white and clear) and three photoperiods on prey intake and growth. Ten minute observations and growth trials indicated no significant differences among treatments. Seahorses improved growth in 16:08 (L: D) compared to constant light and 08:16 (L:D). Seahorses under continuous light did not improve growth despite continuous feeding opportunity. A subsequent study on adults indicated that H. abdominalis produces elevated levels of plasma melatonin during the scotophase and low levels in the photophase. The aquarium trade in seahorses is primarily focused on tropical species. To assess the adaptability of H. abdominalis to tropical conditions, the effect of four temperatures (17, 20, 23 and 26 °C) on juvenile survival and growth was investigated in two 6-week experiments. Seahorse growth was higher at 20 and 23 °C than 17 °C while 100% mortality occurred at 26 °C. The availability of space in seahorse culture depends on the availability of the attachment substrate in addition to free tank space used during swimming and forgaing. The effect of different stocking-densities and substrate preferences on H. abdominalis was examined. Four stocking densities (45, 30, 15 and 5 juveniles 3 `1^-1`) were tested on newborns over six weeks. A second experiment aimed to remove the mortality effect experienced during the first experiment using 21-day-old fish to test three stocking-densities (25, 15 and 5 juveniles 3 `1^-1`). There were no significant differences between treatments in both trials. Juveniles were provided with three choices in substrate diameter (0.17, 0.55, 0.90 mm) and mesh-density (5, 10 and 24 mm in bar-length, giving high, medium and low mesh density). Newborns and 28-day-old seahorses displayed preference for larger diameters and low mesh-density. Commercial facilities culturing H. abdominalis occasionally experience reduced salinities during seasonal rainfall runoff. To determinate the adaptability of this species to low salinities, juveniles were direct- and gradual-transferred from 32 ppt to salinities do iii to 5 ppt. Juveniles grew and survived in a range of 32 to 15 ppt while 5 ppt produced 100 % mortality. From the study, the environmental conditions which potentially promote optimal juvenile growth and survival are a temperature of 20 °C, a salinity of 20 ppt, a stocking density of 5 seahorses r and a photoperiod of 16:08 (L:D). The information from this study identifies the baseline for future research protocols and provides scientific information on the husbandry of If. abdominalis juveniles that can be applied to commercial culture.

An organised fishery and trade of seahorses exist in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar coasts of India. Six species of seahorses namely Hippocampus borboniensis Dumeril 1870, Hippocampus spinosissimus Weber 1913, Hippocampus kuda Bleeker 1852, Hippocampus fuscus Ruppell 1838, Hippocampus trimaculatus Leach 1814 and Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier 1829 were identified from the southern coast, and the total landing at the major fishing centre, Thondi was estimated as 18.25 MT or 26,48,179 numbers of seahorses during 2001 . The volume of seahorse trade from India was estimated as 9.75 MT of dried seahorses. A significant quantity of 1.6 MT (5,61,418 numbers) is also landed along the Quilon coast in Keraia, but it is not involved in any organised trade. H. borboniensis was found to be the major species (27.96%) at Thondi, followed by H. spinosissimus (22.14%). H. kuda (20.9%) , H. trimaculatus (14%) , H. fuscus (9%) and H. guttulatus (4%) . The major size classes represented in the fishery were 145-175 mm, 145-165 mm, 105-190 mm, 110-165 mm, 140-190 mm and 150-190 mm respectively for the six species collected from Thondi in 2001 . Crustaceans (88.85%) , consisting of cope pods (22.8%)' mysids and cumaceans (22.12%), amphipods and isopods (20.86%), decapod larvae and tiny caridean shrimps (20.67%) dominated the gut contents of H. kuda at Thondi. Ova diameter ranged from 0.5-0.8 mm and the mean fecundity was 56.8 g-1 body weight of the female. The length-weight relationships were obtained as W = 0.438615 (L 1.103592) for males, and W = 0.370531 (L 1.231822) for females of H. kuda collected from Thondi. The size at first maturity for males and -females of H. kuda was found to be 66.07 mm and 77.99 mm for males and females respectively. At Thondi H. kuda was fo_und to breed year round, the major breeding season extending from June to September with peak from July to August. The sex ratio remained almost the same, except during the breeding season when more males were seen in the catches. The captive rearing of the hatchlings of H. kuda using different feeds showed that a diet of enriched Artemia nauplii and mixed marine copepods was the best combination, which gave mean survival rates of up to 56% and growth of 49.4 mm and 0.316 g after 60 days of rearing. A stocking density of 3 juveniles per litre was found to be the optimum, which gave high growth increment in length (43.67 mm) and weight (0.313 g) as well as the highest mean production per litre of 1.51 during a rearing period of 60 days. The juveniles of H. kuda were found to grow equally well in salinities ranging from 15 %0 to 35 %0. The highest mean survival (60.56%). mean length (28.7 mm) and mean weight (39.1 mg) were obtained at 30 %0 while rearing for 14 days. Rearing tanks, which were partially covered to improve the feeding efficiency of Artemia nauplli registered the highest mean survival (91%) and mean length (36.2 mm) and weight (66.14 mg) of juveniles during a 14-day period. The juveniles of H. kuda were found to have reasonably high tolerance to extreme levels of salinity, pH and formalin. The LCso values were 4.62, 4.83, 5.43 and 5.56 for low pH and 11 .04,10.52,10.33 and 10.23 for high pH at 12, 24 48 and 72 h respectively. In the case of salinity, LCso values of 1.59, 2.92, 3.63 and 4.67 %0 for low salinity, and 58.08, 54.45, 51 .29 and 49.26 %0 for high salinity were obtained for 12, 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. The LCso for formalin was found to be 315, 296.48, 279.25 and 271 .02 ppm for 12, 24, 48 and 72 h respectively.

University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Science.
Seahorses are iconic charismatic species that are threatened in many countries around the world with several species listed on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable or endangered. Populations of seahorses have declined through over-exploitation for traditional medicines, the aquarium trade and for curios and through loss of essential habitats. To conserve seahorse populations in the wild, they are listed on Appendix II of CITES, which controls trade by ensuring exporting countries must be able to certify that export of seahorses is not causing a decline or damage to wild populations. Within Australia, seahorses are protected in several states and also in Commonwealth waters. The focus of this study was White’s seahorse Hippocampus whitei, a medium-sized seahorse that is found occurring along the New South Wales (NSW) coast in Australia. The species is listed as ‘data deficient’ on the IUCN Red List and there is little research information available to assist in the conservation of the species. Research on H. whitei was undertaken from 2006-2009 and primarily focused on determining the species’ life history parameters, its distribution and relative abundance, habitat preferences and site fidelity, and response to marine protected area (MPA) protection and habitat modification. Research primarily occurred within Sydney Harbour and Port Stephens. Field surveys found that H. whitei is endemic to coastal estuaries along 300 km of NSW coastline. It is a medium-sized seahorse (max LT 162 mm) that displays rapid growth (Port Stephens: females L∞ = 149.2 mm and K = 2.03 per year and males L∞ = 147.9 mm and K = 2.52; Sydney Harbour: females L∞ = 139.8 mm and K= 1.28 and males L∞ = 141.6 mm and K=1.22), becomes sexually mature at approximately 6 months, and can live for up to 5 years in the wild. The species displays life-long monogamy with several pairs observed breeding over three consecutive breeding seasons, and strong site fidelity with seahorses remaining at the same site for up to 56 months for males and 49 months for females. Adult male and female H. whitei exhibited a significant preference for sponge and soft coral Dendronephthya australis habitats whilst juveniles had a strong preference for gorgonian Euplexaura sp. habitat. Hippocampus whitei in Port Stephens were significantly less abundant within the no-take MPA and there was a negative correlation with predator abundance. Long-term monitoring of H. whitei in Port Stephens found that populations declined over a period of six months for no apparent reason; however, they recovered within three years. A manipulative experiment undertaken on protective swimming nets in Sydney Harbour found H. whitei had a positive association with epibiotic growth and proximity to the sea floor. An experiment on the effects of flash photography found it had no significant effect on movements, behaviour, or site persistence of H. whitei and concluded that flash photography by divers is a safe and viable survey technique for this species. The information obtained from this study should contribute towards a reassessment of the species under the IUCN Red List and also provides the necessary data to ensure adequate management of the species within NSW waters.

This study investigated the effects of background colour (light and tank colour) on the skin colour changes, colour preferences and retinal structure in the pot — bellied seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis. Most of the seahorses changed their skin colour when held in different coloured tanks (red, yellow, green, blue and white) over 56 days. Exposure to coloured light (56 days), however did not have a significant influence on skin colour. Skin colour was measured every fortnight with the RAL design TM colour charts, where body parts (ventral, dorsal and spots) of fish were compared to the chart and their colour values recorded. In both experiments survival (F = 0.68, df 4, 19; P = 0.617; F = 3.17, df 4, 14; P = 0.063) and growth (F = 0.66, df 4, 19; P = 0.353; F = 1.71, df 4, 14; P = 0.224) was not significantly affected by any of the experimental colours. Measuring the colour preferences of non—adapted seahorses of different life stages in a free — colour — choice experiment for background colour or lighting colour (test colours: red, yellow, green, blue and white) resulted in a significant preference for a white background (F = 39.89 df 4, 45; P < 0.001) and green, blue and white light (F = 1.82, df 16, 225; P <0.05). Seahorses adapted to different tank (F = 9.01 df 24, 100; P < 0.001) and lighting colours (F = 14.37 df 24, 100; P < 0.001) also preferred white in the background colour preference test, while in the light colour preference test, green was significantly preferred over the other test colours (background adapted fish: F = 5.41 df 24, 100; P < 0.001), (light adapted fish: F = 9.61 df 100, 125; P <0.001). Histological examination of the retinal structure of the colour—adapted seahorses (56 d) showed that there was an influence of the green adaptation colour on retinal layer thickness and the blue adaptation colour on cone mosaics in both experiments (tank colour, light colour). Seahorses adapted to a green background or light had relatively thinner pigment epithelia and thicker absolute ganglion cell layers than seahorses of the other colours. Adaptation to a blue background or light caused the number of single cones to change in the retinal mosaic where the square units had two or three central single cones compared to other colours with just one central single cone.

Recent research using stable isotope analysis has shown a dependence on migrating or breeding populations of vertebrates as vectors for the transfer of marine-derived nutrients within coastal ecosystems. Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada supports numerous species of plants, a variety of seabird colonies (including common [Sterna hirundo] and Arctic [Sterna paradisaea] terns), the world’s largest grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) breeding colony, and a self-sustaining population of wild (feral) horses (Equus ferus caballus). I hypothesize that nitrogen cycling within this island ecosystem is highly influenced by the input of nutrients from seals and seabirds (‘biogenic vectors’), affecting primary production and potentially stabilizing higher trophic levels (i.e., horses). To examine this relation I developed a spatially-explicit isoscape for Sable Island through stable isotope analysis of nitrogen (δ15N) in samples (n = 282) of marram grass (Ammophila breviligulata). I incorporated significant variables (i.e., distance to vector colony and distance to shoreline, r2 = 0.41) into the final parsimonious interpolation model using universal co-kriging techniques. The greatest 15N enrichment occurred within the tips and along the perimeter of the island, coinciding with greater densities of grey seals, while the lowest values occurred within the centre of the island. I then identified individual contributions of seal-, tern- and horse-mediated transfer of marine-derived nutrients inland. Marram grass exhibited higher δ15N within seal (μ = 7.5‰) and tern (μ = 5‰) colonies, while horses and biogeochemical processes (i.e., volatilization, ammonification, etc.) most likely contributed to the homogeneity within the centre of the island (μ = 3.6‰). Due to the higher densities, wider distribution, and greater 15N enrichment of marram tissues, grey seals appear to be the most important vector species while seabirds have a more localized effect. The greater availability of N within vector colonies supplemented the local vegetation community, contributing to greater vegetation cover within colony boundaries. This relation had secondary effects on the horse population, which showed correspondingly higher horse δ15N values within the tips of the island (δ15N + 1.6‰) due to consumption of 15N enriched forage. I conclude that biogenic vector species promote nutrient transfer by establishing nutrient gateways which indirectly cause cascading effects throughout the food web.

Author: Bc. et Bc. Barbora Pyšková Title: Elektromyographic analysis of differences in selected excercises on pommel horse and riding horse Objectives: The aim of the thesis was to measure the activity of selected muscles, expressed as the percentage value of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), during excercises performed by both males and females probands. The effect of treatment (on pommel horse vs riding horse) and proband sex on muscle activity was tested. Methods: Maximal voluntary contraction of each muscle (eight in total) was electromyographically measured in each proband, using the test according to Janda. These values were used as a standard to which the values obtained by excercising on pommel horse and riding horse were related. The values were averages of three repeated measurements. The effect of studied factors was tested by analysis of variance. Results: The tested hypotheses were confirmed. The muscle activity during excercises was statistically significantly affected by the factors studied, therefore the variation in measured values is not random. Muscle activity tended to be higher on riding horse than on pommel horse, and in females compared to males. Key words: horse riding, pommel horse, EMG, electromyography, hipotherapy, correct horse sit

Title: Influence of horse breed and type of terrain on activation of the abdominal muscles in hippotherapy. Purposes: The aim of the study is to find out if horse breed and type of terrain approaches muscle activation in the position of unassisted sitting Methods: The study is of intraindividual character and incudes theoretical and practical part. The activation of abdominal muscles was measured by using surface electromyography and kinematic analysis. Results: There was differance between muscle activation with a different type of terrain. Horse breed does not influence a muscle activation but the individual biomechanic of each horse. Key words: hippotherapy, hipporehabilitation, horse breed, activation of abdominal muscles, unassisted seat, therapeutic horseback riding, electromyography

Title: Influence of horse breed and type of terrain on activation of the abdominal muscles in hippotherapy. Purposes: The aim of the study is to find out if horse breed and type of terrain approaches muscle activation in the position of unassisted sitting Methods: The study is of intraindividual character and incudes theoretical and practical part. The activation of abdominal muscles was measured by using surface electromyography and kinematic analysis. Results: There was differance between muscle activation with a different type of terrain. Horse breed does not influence a muscle activation but the individual biomechanic of each horse. Key words: hippotherapy, hipporehabilitation, horse breed, activation of abdominal muscles, unassisted seat, therapeutic horseback riding, electromyography

Title: Influence of race of horse and speed of it's walk on timing of muscles in hippotherapy Purposes: The goal of study is to find out if race of horse and speed of it's walk approaches muscles timing in the reverse sitting position. We also pretend quadrupedal locomotion activation. That would substantiate hippotherapy with sitting-unable children. : Methods: Surface Electromyography, physiotherapeutic screening Results: Muscles timing was different with selected races as well as with different speed of walk. Quadrupedal locomotion was certified. Keywords: hiporehabilitation, hippotherpy, reverse sitting, quadrupedal locomotion, race of a horse, surface electromyography

A presente tese procura conhecer e aprofundar o modo como no Barrocal Algarvio, zona clássica de regime torrencial, se gerem as situações de seca e torrencialidade em prol de uma agricultura tradicional de sequeiro e de regadio. Inseridos os estudos de caso de referência – o Regadio do Nascente e as hortas da Ribeira das Mercês – nos usos agrícolas da água, em correspondência com a pequena agricultura familiar de subsistência, procura-se através da análise da gestão social da água de rega de uso comum compreender algumas dimensões sociais (económica, jurídica, relacional, simbólica e outras) da sociedade do Alto Barrocal incluída nas freguesias de Querença, Tôr e Salir do concelho de Loulé, sobretudo do ponto de vista do agricultor. Manter activo o uso comum da água no fundo dos vales, zonas tradicionalmente privilegiadas do ponto de vista dos recursos hídricos, pode significar para as gentes do Barrocal o acautelar de um recurso indispensável a um futuro que se afigura incerto. Incerto do ponto de vista da auto-subsistência familiar, incerto do ponto de vista do recurso água.
This text aims to examine and find out how draught and torrential downpour situations are managed according to traditional practices of rainfed and irrigated farming in the Algarvian Barrocal region, which is a typical torrential flow regime area. By examining the social management of the common use of irrigation water, it aims to understand the social dimensions (economic, legal, relational, symbolic and others) of the people of Alto Barrocal in the Querença, Tôr and Salir parishes in the Loulé municipal council, particularly from the viewpoint of the farmer, with reference case studies – the Regadio do Nascente [Spring Irrigation] and the hortas da Ribeira das Mercês [kitchen gardens of Ribera das Mercês] – included in the agricultural use of water with relation to small, family-run subsistence farms. Maintaining an active common use of water in the valley bottoms, which usually have greater water resources, could mean the protection of this essential resource for the people of Barrocal in the uncertain future. Uncertain from the standpoint of the self-subsistence of farm families, uncertain from the standpoint of water resources.