A description of the early life history stages of the kob, Argyrosomus hololepidotus (Pisces: Sciaenidae), from southern Africa

The larval development of the kob, Argyrosomus hololepidotus is described and illustrated from a series of specimens collected in Algoa Bay, South Africa. Larvae are moderately deep bodies (BD = 30% BL) with a convex dorsal profile and trunk tapering to a narrow caudal peduncle. The head is large, increasing from 22% BL in preflexion larvae to 35% BL in juveniles. Pre-anal length increases from 37% BL in preflexion larvae to > 60% in juveniles. Notochord flexion occurs at 5-6 mm BL. Argyrosomus hololepidotus larvae are characterized by melanophores behind the head, at the anal fin base, on the caudal fin, on the abdomen, in the angle of the jaw and at the jaw isthmus. Medio-lateral pigmentation increases markedly in early juveniles. Osteological development is described from a series of cleared and stained specimens. By 14 mm BL all fins have the adult complement of spines and rays. The larvae of A. hololepidotus are briefly compared with those of other Atlantic and Indo-Pacific sciaenids

The Evolution of Diversity

Since the beginning of time, the pre-biological and the biological world have seen a steady increase in complexity of form and function based on a process of combination and re-combination. The current modern synthesis of evolution known as the neo-Darwinian theory emphasises population genetics and does not explain satisfactorily all other occurrences of evolutionary novelty. The authors suggest that symbiosis and hybridisation and the more obscure processes such as polyploidy, chimerism and lateral transfer are mostly overlooked and not featured sufficiently within evolutionary theory. They suggest, therefore, a revision of the existing theory including its language, to accommodate the scientific findings of recent decades

Video Styles and Learning

With the current prevalence of online and distance learning, videos are becoming a larger part of our education system. It is important that we be able to fully utilize the potential of videos as education tools. Videos make use of more senses than just printed materials, and provide greater flexibility for both teachers and students (Bevan). What qualities make a good educational video? We believe that to be effective at teaching a video needs to be interesting enough to students’ attention and have enough information to be useful. By surveying a number of college students, we were able to support my hypothesis. With this information, we will be able to better select and create instructional videos both in academia and in the world at large

Black bream in the Blackwood: 2005-06 recreational fishing creel survey

The status of the recreational fishery in the Blackwood Estuary, south-western Australia, was quantitatively assessed via a boat-based creel survey from September 2005 to August 2006. Sampling was stratified by both season and day-type and, in total, was conducted on 144 days over the 12-month period. Daily sampling consisted of a count of number of anglers throughout the estuary (for fishing effort), and surveys of catches by boat-based and shore-based recreational anglers

Research in space science and technology

Progress in various space flight research programs is reported. Emphasis is placed on X-ray astronomy and interplanetary plasma physics. Topics covered include: infrared astronomy, long base line interferometry, geological spectroscopy, space life science experiments, atmospheric physics, and space based materials and structures research. Analysis of galactic and extra-galactic X-ray data from the Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS-3) and HEAO-A and interplanetary plasma data for Mariner 10, Explorers 47 and 50, and Solrad is discussed

Sociology's Potential to Improve Forest Management and Inform Forest Policy

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Statistical characterization of carbon phenolic prepreg materials, volume 1

The objective was to characterize several lots of materials used for carbon/carbon and carbon/phenol product manufacture. Volume one is organized into testing categories based on raw material of product form. Each category contains a discussion of the sampling plan, comments and observations on each test method utilized, and a summary of the results obtained each category

Design for public service

This thesis is aimed to use graphic design to increase volunteerism and aid in the alleviation of homelessness in Rochester, N.Y

Challenges and resolutions to early years literacy approaches in two selected sites in Norway and England

The study considered how contemporary global forces and drivers from international organisations led to the formulation, according to Kennedy (2006:299) of ‘universalised norms and best practices’. In order to explore this contention an aspect of practice, namely early years literacy approaches, was scrutinised. It was discovered that international recommendations promoted literacy as a crucial skill and as a holistic approach. These recommendations were incorporated into national policies in Norway and England, where approaches to early years practice were deemed by OECD (2006) to differ in the respective contexts. The empirical study sought to scrutinise this aspect of early years provision in order to attempt to identify challenges posed by a similar global context and European guidelines on differing national contexts and the subsequent challenges and resolutions involved in the implementation of the international recommendations and resulting national policies at a local level. The major research question was therefore;What are the challenges and resolutions to early years literacy approaches in two selected sites in Norway and England.Qualitative methodology was used for the empirical study based on case studies of two sites in the different contexts, which included scrutiny of documentation, interviews and observations of practice. Validity, reliability and ethical issues were addressed. Analysis of the findings considered the two literacy elements. Literacy as a crucial skill concerned formal literacy skills and child-initiated activities. Literacy as a holistic approach featured consideration of the whole child and the team around the child. It covered aspects incorporating children’s learning, the adult’s role, professional liaison, diversity, parental influence, accountability, resources and competition. Resolutions to the challenges were noted throughout the thesis, including the pragmatic strategies devised in the settings. It was found that new aspects of practice were implemented within existing philosophical approaches, the values and beliefs of practitioners working in the contexts and reflected the communities served by the settings