Acclimation and migration potential of a boreal forest tree, balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.) in a changing climate

Thesis (Ph.D.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2012In the North American boreal forest, 21st century climate change is projected to result in longer growing seasons, increased forest productivity, and northward expansions or shifts in species ranges. These projected impacts are largely based on observations across natural temperature gradients, e.g., latitude or altitude, or correlations between current species' distributions and modern climate envelopes. These approaches, although valuable, do not consider biological capacities important in a species' ability to cope with novel environments through physiological or phenological acclimation. Within a single species, adaptation to local environments may cause some populations to respond differently to climate change than others. Acclimation (phenotypic plasticity) is often treated as a separate phenomenon from local adaptation, but the latter may determine the range of acclimation responses or thresholds. To more accurately predict how boreal tree species will respond to a directionally changing climate, it is necessary to experimentally examine the effects of warming on the growth and physiology of individual species and how those effects differ across a species' range. This research investigated how tree growth responses to increasing temperature are influenced by differences in adaptation and acclimation across the latitudinal range of the North American boreal forest tree, Populus balsamifera L. (balsam poplar). Warming experiments, both in the greenhouse and in the field, indicated that growth of balsam poplar trees from a broad latitudinal gradient responds positively to increased growing temperatures, with increases in height growth ranging from 27-69 % in response to 3-8 °C average warming. Genotypes from southern populations grew consistently taller in both field and greenhouse experiments. The field experiment enabled investigation into the effects of warming and source latitude on balsam poplar phenology; both experimentally warmed and southern individuals grew larger and exhibited longer growing seasons (more days of active growth). Lastly, I describe a theoretical/methodological framework for exploring the role of epigenetics in acclimation (plasticity) and adaptation to changing environments. The results from these experiments are integrated with information on adaptive gradients in balsam poplar to predict both the in situ responses of balsam poplar to increased temperatures, and the potential for northward range shifts in the species.General Introduction -- Latitudinal variation in growth responses to experimental warming in the boreal forest tree, balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.) -- Acclimation and adaptation potential of balsam poplar, Populus balsamifera L., in a changing climate -- The role of epigenetics in plant adaptation -- General conclusions -- Appendix

Beyond ethics to morality: Choices and relationships in bicultural research settings

Knowledge of ourselves as cultural beings, of the values and beliefs of those with whom we work, and of the history of relations among those in our work settings are essential for community and applied social psychologists. In New Zealand, research by non-Maori involving Maori has often mirrored the harmful colonising practices of the nation’s wider history. In response, several frameworks have been developed setting out conditions and guidelines in which non-Maori might conduct research in Maori settings responsibly and usefully. Nevertheless, views differ on the ways, and extent to which, non-Maori might be involved. Most guidelines do not provide answers to ethical nuances that may arise. This article discusses the experiences of a non-Maori community psychologist engaging in research with Maori participants in a bicultural, but predominantly Maori, school-based community education setting. Insight is provided into how kaupapa Maori approaches were applied in research that was valuable to the community

What (actually) matters in literacy education: Contributions from community psychology

This paper describes the critical role community psychology theories played in reframing literacy research involving mainly Māori and Pacific peoples’ extended families and communities. Within a critical social constructionist paradigm, ecological systems theory and holistic, integrative theories of wellbeing brought much-needed new thinking to how family-focused adult literacy education might be theorised and practiced. This reframing marks a challenge to and movement away from still-dominant Western individualistic, behavioural orientated, skills-based and formal economy-focused ways of thinking about people’s literacy abilities. It highlights the important role of community psychology in developing theory, informing policy and enhancing practices in culturally diverse education settings to achieve both educational and quality of life aims. Improving quality of life is not possible through literacy education in and of itself, but rather through the inculcation in programme design and delivery of those things which are fundamental and critical to the participants’ overall wellbeing and welfare

Top money-saving practices on Missouri dairy farms (2015)

The dairy industry continues to be an important component of Missouri's economy. According to University of Missouri's "Dairy Resource Guide" as of December 2012, Missouri had 1,348 permitted dairy operations. Of these operations, 950 were Grade A dairies while the remaining 398 were manufacturing dairies. According to the USDA's "Milk Production Report of 23 Selected States," Missouri's milk production in July 2013 averaged 109 million pounds. Dairy operations use a substantial amount of energy to move and cool milk. However, substantial energy and monetary savings can be realized by implementing energy-efficient measures recommended in an energy audit.Revised 1/15/Web only

Māori women and intimate partner violence: Some sociocultural influences

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has recently been acknowledged as a worldwide phenomenon, with approximately one in four intimate relationships containing some form of violence. This study explores the interaction between relationship dynamics, IPV and whānau and community influences. We completed narrative interviews with two Māori women in December 2010. Our findings confirm the results of earlier studies which have found that childhood experiences of violence, actual or witnessed, have a powerful effect that reverberate within adult lives and into the formation of intimate relationships. Our interviews show that Māori whānau and women are textured by the same patriarchal expectations that privilege men in the Pākehā world. We also found that seeking help from whānau to escape a violent relationship may not be the most welcomed course of action. We conclude with a discussion of future research directions

Top money-saving practices on Missouri poultry farms (2015)

The poultry industry continues to be an important component of Missouri's economy, with the 2007 census reporting $1,676,632,000 in sales. This figure represents 16.8 percent of Missouri's agricultural sales and ranks third in sales in Missouri only behind grain crops and cattle. Poultry operations are highly efficient environments in which temperature, humidity and lighting are closely monitored to raise high-quality birds. Because birds are raised in such a closely monitored environment, these operations are also large consumers of propane and electricity. However, implementing energy-efficient measures recommended in an energy audit can help poultry operations realize substantial energy and monetary savings.Revised 1/15/Web only

Research Report: Assessing the Impacts of Service Learning on Middle School Students: Wyman\u27s Teen Outreach Program®

Research Report: Assessing the Impacts of Service Learning on Middle School Students: Wyman\u27s Teen Outreach Program

Energy conservation and efficiency in farm shops (2015)

Energy losses in farm shops resemble those in homes, but we often ignore these losses. The farm shop is usually not heated to as high a temperature as the home and not as constantly, but energy savings in the shop are attainable with some conservation and efficiency practices.Revised 1/15/Web only

Energy efficiency and farm water systems (2015)

Farm water systems are often neglected when it comes to energy efficiency. Although the savings to be realized may not be as great as perhaps energy-efficient lighting, the return can be fairly short for some energy-saving investments. Here are some general guidelines regarding farm water systems: Check all water system components regularly for proper operation and leaks. Leaks can lead to excessive pumping and water heating costs. ; Inspect wiring regularly. ; Use pipes of adequate size to reduce friction loss in pumping water.Revised 1/15/Web only