The ecology and conservation of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Ecology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Historically, little consideration has been given to the occurrence, ecology or conservation of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in temperate New Zealand. Located geographically at the southern boundary of the distributional range of green turtles in the southwestern Pacific, reports of this species in New Zealand are often overlooked as occasional visitors or stragglers incidentally carried by ocean currents. This convention may be reasonable when considering the temperature constrained distribution of this poikilothermic marine reptile. Despite this, green turtles have been reported in New Zealand waters for more than 100 years, yet no study has undertaken any in depth investigation as to their occurrence in this region. Therefore, this thesis investigated the presence of green turtles in New Zealand waters to test the hypothesis that their occurrence is ephemeral and incidental. Opportunistic data and samples collected between 1895 and 2013 was collated, reviewed and analysed to investigate several lines of empirical enquiry, including spatio-temporal distribution, population structure, genetic origin, diet composition and anthropogenic effects. Sighting, stranding, and incidental capture revealed a year round presence of post-pelagic immature juveniles to large sub-adult green turtles across northern New Zealand (ca. 34°-38° S). Such occurrence exists despite sea surface temperatures averaging only 14 C during austral winters. The aggregation exhibited a female:male sex ratio of 1.7:1 which is similar to that reported from proximate warm temperate foraging grounds in eastern Australia. Size frequency data indicated that green turtles recruit to neritic habitats of the North Island at ca. 40.8 cm curved carapace length. This reflects a natural postoceanic settlement pattern rather than oceanic-phase stragglers incidentally blown ashore by storm and other stochastic events. Supporting this rationale for natural recruitment, diet component data demonstrates that once green turtles settle into New Zealand’s nearshore coastal habitats, they transition to a benthic foraging strategy. Notably, green turtles in New Zealand do not ontogenetically transition from omnivory to obligate herbivory with age, but instead consume a variable diet of primarily macroalgae and benthic macro invertebrates. Overall, the confirmation of feeding in New Zealand substantially extends the southern foraging limit for green turtles in the Pacific Ocean. Genetic analyses of ~770 base pair sequences of mitochondrial (mt) DNA was conducted on 42 stranded green turtles to characterize the genetic structure of this aggregation. Results identified 15 haplotypes including one orphan haplotype from widely dispersed green turtle stocks across the western, central, and eastern Pacific Ocean. When compared to other regional nesting rookeries and foraging grounds, the New Zealand aggregation exemplified its unique composition, predominantly due to the large proportion of haplotypes from the endemic eastern Pacific clade. These results provide a genetic link to east Pacific stocks in the southwestern Pacific; identifying previously undefined regional connectivity and trans-oceanic dispersal for eastern Pacific green turtles. In order to assess potential human impacts, gross necropsies were conducted on green turtles found stranded in northern New Zealand between 2007 and 2013. Anthropogenic effects predominantly associated with the ingestion of plastic marine debris were identified as the likely cause for the majority of strandings in the North Island. Propeller strike and incidental capture in recreational fisheries were further shown to impact green turtles, particularly for turtles inhabiting neritic habitats adjacent to densely populated urban centres of northeastern New Zealand. Overall, data presented here supports the hypothesis that New Zealand northern neritic habitats provide a transitional developmental habitat for immature green turtles at the edge of their range in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Genetic analysis reveals this aggregation is unique when compared to other regional foraging grounds, exhibiting links to discrete genetic stocks from across the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the cause of the exponential increase in records observed over time remains unclear, therefore warrants further research and monitoring of this endangered marine reptile; particularly in light of climate-mediated environmental change presently experienced in the region

A Customer complaint from a telecommunication company: a Bayesian data analysis

This study considers a customer complaint dataset due to the technical services provided by a telecommunications company collected for 134 consecutive weeks from the first week of January 2018 up to the year 2019. The total count of weekly complaints is the sum of different causes, which characterizes compositional data. The data was analyzed assuming a Poisson regression model for the weekly total complaint count data in presence of a random factor and compositional models both under a Bayesian approach using existing MCMC (Monte Carlo Markov Chain) to get the posterior summaries of interest. The obtained results are of great importance to improve the service quality of the company

Characterization and structural performance in bending of CLT panels made from small-diameter logs of loblolly/slash pine

The main objective of this work was to study the structural viability of using small-diameter logs of Uruguayan Loblolly/Slash pine, mainly from thinning operations, to design cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. A visual grade named “CTH” (coniferous thinning) was proposed, and 45 specimens of sawn timber boards were tested, resulting in 51% lower bending strength than that of the minimum strength class C14. Subsequently, 20 CLT panels were manufactured and experimentally tested, the results showed that the bending strength of the CLT panels was 43% above that of the individual layers. Additionally, the structural performance of the CLT panels for use in floors was calculated, and the thickness-span relationship depending on strength class and imposed load are presented. Results showed than the use of CTH timber to design CLT floors implies a volume (m3/m2) 17% higher than that using C24 timber

Inestabilidad de tanques de almacenamiento de petróleo con techo cónico durante un incendio

En este trabajo se presenta un análisis del comportamiento estructural de tanques de almacenamiento de petróleo con techo bajo temperaturas procedentes de fuego adya-cente a la estructura. En la simulación numérica se modela la cáscara con elementos finitos de doble curvatura utilizando el código de propósitos generales ABAQUS. Se determinan las configuraciones deformadas y las temperaturas que identifican el es-tado crítico de pandeo y también el comportamiento poscrítico, mediante análisis de bifurcación lineal (conocido como LBA), análisis no lineal geométrico (GNA) y análisis no lineal geométrico con imperfecciones (GNIA). Para el análisis se modelan dos geo-metrías de tanques de almacenamiento de petróleo con techo fijo en su parte superior (representativas de diferentes volúmenes de almacenamiento) expuestos a una dis-tribución de temperatura externa y una carga hidrostática interna, a fin de evaluar la influencia de las diferentes relaciones de esbeltez altura-diámetro del tanque en la respuesta y la posible estabilización producida por el fluido almacenado en el interior. Los resultados muestran que la inestabilidad se produce a temperaturas muy bajas, del orden de 70ºC a 150ºC, con modos de pandeo que afectan la cara directamente ex-puesta al fuego. La inestabilidad se produce en régimen elástico del material.Fil: Calabro, Horacio Daniel. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; ArgentinaFil: Godoy, Luis Augusto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Jaca, Rossana Claudia. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Argentin

A high temporal resolution assessment of photovoltaic electricity production and energy consumption of an electrified London primary school

In line with the UK goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, the combination of photovoltaic electricity and the electrification of heating systems is considered an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while 88% of schools in the UK are gas-heated. This paper analyses the electricity consumption at a 15 and 30min resolution of different scenarios for the retrofitting of a primary school in London, UK, with an electrified heating system and the electricity production of different PV installations. Without a battery storage, thanks to high temporal resolution assessment, only 35 to 47% of the school energy consumption can be met. High temporal resolution allows consideration of to economic balances and the possibilities PV can have on decarbonizing heating systems in UK primary schools

Adaptations in the Treatment of Congenital Lymphedema Centered on the Quality of Life

Case Description. This report describes the evolution, necessary adaptations, and complications in the treatment of a 9-year-old child with primary congenital lymphedema. Description of Intervention. The clinical treatment of lymphedema was started in the first year of the patient’s life and for five years she was only treated using the Godoy & Godoy technique of cervical stimulation. Three years ago the patient was prescribed a compression stocking made from a cotton-polyester fabric (grosgrain) because of a sudden increase in the lymphedema after she started to take growth hormones. Outcome and Conclusion. The combination of cervical stimulation and a compression stocking was effective to keep the child’s life relatively normal, performing all day-to-day and recreational activities

Temporal resolution of photovoltaic electricity production with school energy consumption: a London primary school case study

In line with the UK goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, the combination of photovoltaic electricity and the electrification of heating systems is considered an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while 88% of schools in the UK are gas-heated. This paper analyses the electricity consumption at a 15 and 30 min resolution of different scenarios for the retrofitting of a primary school in London, UK, with an electrified heating system and the electricity production of different PV installations. High temporal resolution allows consideration of economic balances, in light of rising costs of energy in the UK in 2022, and the possibilities PV can have on decarbonizing heating systems in UK primary schools. Practical application - The high temporal resolution allows to provide a project economic balance with close to reality figures. It also allows schools to rely on energy produced on site with less price fluctuation and to have the educational benefit of the PV installation. The high temporal resolution also provides data on what types of activities are the most energy consuming and can inform behaviour/time schedules changes

Avaliação fisiológica e biomecânica de surfistas recreacionais

Considerando as similaridades entre o nado crawl e a remada executada por surfistas, além da preparação física executada pelos mesmos em piscina, este trabalho objetivou avaliar surfistas recreacionais por meio da comparação, concordância e correlação das variáveis fisiológicas e biomecânicas obtidas a partir de testes nadando crawl e remando com prancha. Foram avaliados 14 surfistas (idade de 37,7 ± 4,7 anos) em duas situações: (i) teste em nado crawl, máximo, de 300 m e (ii) teste de remada, nas mesmas condições de intensidade e duração do teste de nado crawl. Os testes foram realizados na mesma piscina e nas mesmas condições de temperaturas e horário. Foram avaliados: consumo de oxigênio de pico (VO2pico) durante os testes, frequência cardíaca (Fcard), concentração sanguínea de lactato ([LA]), esforço percebido (EP) e cinemática em ambos os testes. Dentre os resultados: para teste de nado crawl e teste de remada respectivamente, destacam-se os resultados de VO2pico, Fcard, [LA], e EP: 38,5 ± 5,3 e 36,2 ± 5,3 ml.kg-1.min-1; 149,6 ± 17,4 e 162,2 ± 14,6 bpm; 10,4 ± 2,7 e 12,1 ± 2,7 mmol.l-1; e 16,1 ± 2,4 e 16,7 ± 1,4 pontos. As velocidades médias dos testes foram de, respectivamente, para teste de nado crawl e teste de remada: 0,91 ± 0,1 e 1,27 ± 0,1 m-s-1. De modo geral, os testes apresentaram resultados similares, com baixa concordância, alta correlação e de médios a grandes tamanhos de efeito entre nadar e remar. Considerando os resultados encontrados, o treinamento de surfistas, em piscina, não deveria ser apenas com natação. Conclui-se que os esforços e testes (nadar crawl e remar) não são plenamente intercambiáveis.Considering the similarities between the front-crawl and the paddling movement, in addition to the physical preparation performed by surfers in swimming pool, this work aimed to compare, to test the agreement and to correlate surfers’ values of oxygen uptake obtained from swimming and paddling tests. A total of 14 surfers (age 37.7 ± 4.7 years) were evaluated in two situations: (i) a 300 m maximum front-crawl test (ii) a paddling test in the same conditions of intensity and duration of the swimming test. The tests were performed in the same pool and under the same conditions of temperatures and time of the day. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during the tests, heart rate (Fcard), blood lactate concentration ([LA]), perceived exertion (PE) and kinematics in both tests were assessed. Among the results, VO2peak, Fcard, [LA], and EP were, respectively for front-crawl and paddling test:: 38.5 ± 5.3 and 36.2 ± 5.3 ml.kg-1.min-1; 149.6 ± 17.4 and 162.2 ± 14.6 bpm; 10.4 ± 2.7 and 12.1 ± 2.7 mmol.l-1; and 16.1 ± 2.4 and 16.7 ± 1.4 points. The mean velocities of the tests were, respectively, for front-crawl test and paddling test: 0.91 ± 0.1 and 1.27 ± 0.1 m.s-1. In general, the tests presented similar results, with low agreement, high correlation, and medium to large effect sizes between swimming and paddling. Considering the results, the training of surfers, in swimming pool, should not be just with swimming. It is concluded that the efforts and tests (front-crawl and the paddling movement) are not fully interchangeable

Aspectos Relevantes sobre a Organização do Poder Judiciário Espanhol: Seleção e Formação de Magistrados, a Reforma da Secretaria Judicial e a Figura do Secretário Judicial

El presente artículo, a fin de contribuir a los estudios sobre la política judicial, la gestión y la administración de la justicia en Brasil, ofrece una visión general de algunos aspectos relevantes de la organización del Poder Judicial español a saber, la selección y formación de los magistrados, la reforma de la secretaria judicial y la figura del secretario judicial, que son temas de interés actual en vista de las similitudes socio-culturales y jurídicas, y la coincidencia entre los problemas que enfrentan los poderes judiciales de Brasil y España. Aunque no contenga una sugestión de "importación" de soluciones acríticas extranjeras, propone una profundización del estudio de estos puntos, con el fin de evaluar los posibles impactos positivos que tuvieron en el caso español y verificar si no serían medidas interesantes a aplicarse en el escenario brasileño, especialmente en el caso de la secretaria judicial, cuya función consiste en aliviar el juez de la gestión de la unidad administrativa y de trabajos "burocráticos", para centrarse en la función judicial, al mismo tiempo en que permitiría la centralización y la especialización de la gestión y del trabajo administrativo.O presente artigo, com vistas a contribuir para os estudos sobre política judiciária, gestão e administração da justiça no Brasil, traça um panorama de alguns aspectos relevantes da organização do Poder Judiciário espanhol quais sejam, a seleção e formação de magistrados, a reforma da secretaria judicial e a figura do secretário judicial, que são temas de interesse na atualidade, em vista das similitudes sócio-culturais e jurídicas, e da coincidência entre os problemas enfrentados pelos Poderes Judiciários de Brasil e Espanha. Embora não contenha uma sugestão de importação acrítica de soluções estrangeiras, propõe um aprofundamento do estudo destes pontos, com o intuito de avaliar os possíveis impactos positivos que tiveram no caso espanhol e verificar se não seriam medidas interessantes a serem aplicadas no cenário brasileiro, sobretudo no caso do secretário judicial, cuja função é desafogar o juiz da gestão da  unidade  administrativa  e  de  trabalhos  burocráticos,  para  concentrar-se  na  função jurisdicional, ao mesmo tempo em que permitira a centralização e especialização da gestão e do trabalho administrativo