100% local and organic: closing the protein gap for poultry in the ICOPP Project

A key challenge in improving the sustainability of organic poultry production is meeting the required levels of nutrients from locally sourced organic feeds. 100% organic diets for monogastrics will become compulsory in the EU from 1st January 2015. The ICOPP project brings together knowledge, from 10 EU countries, of local feeds for monogastrics and their wider impact on growth, health and welfare and the environment to identify feeding strategies which comply with organic principles. This poster will report on feeding trials carried out with broilers in the UK by FAI and ORC to investigate the impact of algae, peas and lupins on broiler performance and welfare

Technologies for climate change adaptation: agricultural sector

This Guidebook presents a selection of technologies for climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector. A set of twenty two adaptation technologies are showcased that are primarily based on the principals of agroecology, but also include scientific technologies of climate and biological sciences complemented with important sociological and institutional capacity building processes that are required to make adaptation function. The technologies cover monitoring and forecasting the climate, sustainable water use and management, soil management, sustainable crop management, seed conservation, sustainable forest management and sustainable livestock management. Technologies that tend to homogenize the natural environment and agricultural production have low possibilities of success in conditions of environmental stress that are likely to result from climate change. On the other hand, technologies that allow for, and indeed promote, diversity are more likely to provide a strategy which strengthens agricultural production in the face of uncertain future climate change scenarios. In this sense, the twenty two technologies showcased in this Guidebook have been selected because they facilitate the conservation and restoration of diversity while at the same time providing opportunities for increasing agricultural productivity. Many of these technologies are not new to agricultural production practices, but they are implemented based on assessment of current and possible future impacts of climate change in a particular location. Agro-ecology is an approach that encompasses concepts of sustainable production and biodiversity promotion and therefore provides a useful framework for identifying and selecting appropriate adaptation technologies for the agricultural sector. The Guidebook provides a systematic analysis of the most relevant information available on climate change adaptation technologies in the agriculture sector. It has been compiled based on a literature review of key publications, journal articles, and e-platforms, and by drawing on documented experiences sourced from a range of organizations working on projects and programmes concerned with climate change adaptation technologies in the agricultural sector. Its geographic scope is focused on developing countries where high levels of poverty, agricultural production, climate variability and biological diversity currently intersect. Key concepts around climate change adaptation are not universally agreed. It is therefore important to understand local contexts – especially social and cultural norms - when working with national and sub-national stakeholders to make informed decisions about appropriate technology options. Thus, decision-making processes should be participative, facilitated, and consensus-building oriented and should be based on the following key guiding principles: increasing awareness and knowledge, strengthening institutions, protecting natural resources, providing financial assistance and developing context-specific strategies. For decision-making the Community–Based Adaptation framework is proposed for creating inclusive governance that engages a range of stakeholders directly with local or district government and national coordinating bodies, and facilitates participatory planning, monitoring and implementation of adaptation activities. Seven criteria are suggested for the prioritization of adaptation technologies: (i) The extent to which the technology maintains or strengthens biological diversity and is environmentally sustainable; (ii) The extent to which the technology facilitates access to information systems and awareness of climate change information; (iii) Whether the technology support water, carbon and nutrient cycles and enables stable and/or increased productivity; (iv) Income-generating potential, cost-benefit analysis and contribution to improved equity; (v) Respect for cultural diversity and facilitation of inter-cultural exchange; (vi) Potential for integration into regional and national policies and can be scaled-up; (vii) The extent to which the technology builds formal and information institutions and social networks. Finally, recommendations are set out for practitioners and policy makers: • There is an urgent need for improved climate modelling and forecasting which can provide a basis for informed decision-making and the implementation of adaptation strategies. This should include traditional knowledge. • Information is also required to better understand the behaviour of plants, animals, pests and diseases as they react to climate change. • Potential changes in economic and social systems in the future under different climate scenarios should also be investigated so that the implications of adaptation strategy and planning choices are better understood. • It is important to secure effective flows of information through appropriate dissemination channels. This is vital for building adaptive capacity and decision-making processes. • Improved analysis of adaptation technologies is required to show how they can contribute to building adaptive capacity and resilience in the agricultural sector. This information needs to be compiled and disseminated for a range of stakeholders from local to national level. • Relationships between policy makers, researchers and communities should be built so that technologies and planning processes are developed in partnership, responding to producers’ needs and integrating their knowledge

Translocation site selection for the nationally endangered grasshopper species Brachaspis robustus : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science at Lincoln University

The robust grasshopper (Brachaspis robustus) is one of the most endangered invertebrates in New Zealand. This species is at risk of extinction due to the compounding pressures of mammalian predation, habitat modification, and climate change. Protection of this species and its habitat is vital to its survival. One tool that has been identified to help manage B. robustus is translocation to suitable environments. In my research, I aimed to understand factors critical to developing an effective conservation translocation plan for B. robustus. Five potential translocation sites were selected closer to the Southern Alps than existing B. robustus populations, as it is thought this may be necessary to protect against future temperature increases that could affect successful egg diapause, a necessary part of the grasshoppers’ development. These sites were evaluated for key threats to the species and how to mitigate them, as well as habitat suitability. A capture-mark-recapture study was done to determine the area individual grasshoppers occupy to inform us on how much space is required at a translocation site to support a B. robustus population. Results showed that over 17 days B. robustus were usually found within 16 m of the original capture location, however, one individual was found almost 50 m away from the original capture spot after one day. Microhabitat preference as investigated by assessing ground cover within 1 m of individual grasshoppers at two locations (Snowy River and Ōhau River) and comparing that to ground cover in the wider environment. Ground cover surveys were then replicated at the potential translocation sites. Brachaspis robustus were most commonly found on small rocks (1 – 10 cm diameter) with very minimal vegetation cover. Only 3/143 (2.1%) grasshoppers were found within 1 m of vegetation over 2 cm tall with no difference between male and females. In contrast, 46% of quadrats surveyed in the wider habitat contained vegetation with a mean top height of >2 cm, including 31.1% >20 cm. Presence of native and introduced predators and level of predator control at currently occupied sites compared to potential translocation sites was investigated. Native and introduced predators were found to be present at all sites, but mammalian predator control is currently being undertaken at Cass and Tasman Rivers. The risk of hybridisation was evaluated by assessing maps for suitable B. nivalis habitat. Searches were undertaken to determine B. nivalis presence and access to potential B. robustus translocation sites. The risk of hybridisation is high on the Tasman River due to proximity of B. nivalis. The collated results showed that the most suitable translocation site for this species is the Tasman River. This site is most similar in rock size composition to Snowy River and is large enough for translocation. It has the lowest cover of tall vegetation and is the most protected against mammalian predators. This site is closest to the Southern Alps, mitigating against future global warming. However, the risk of hybridisation may be increased there as B. nivalis occupy nearby habitats. Further work must be done to understand this risk

Romeo & Juliet

Using the timelessness of this classic, Baker has set the play in Miami in the 1930’s. She reasons that this setting will celebrate the power of the play, as well as enhance the youthful feel for the audience. Along with using a relatively more modern setting all the while maintaining the Shakespearean structure, the script contains slight adjustments in language to help the audience better understand the plot of the story.https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1025/thumbnail.jp

The Miracle Worker

Based on the true story of Helen Keller - blind, deaf, and mute since infancy - and her teacher Annie Sullivan - the half-blind Yankee schoolgirl - this unforgettable play has inspired and moved audiences since its first performance. When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another. — Helen Kellerhttps://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1012/thumbnail.jp

And Then There Were None

Adapted from Agatha Christie’s best-selling novel, the play tells the tale of a group of strangers, all with questionable pasts, isolated on an island off the coast of Devon. And Then There Were None will captivate you not only by the skillful twists and turns of a “Who done it?” but also by the suspense of “Who’s next?” This is Agatha Christie at her best!https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1000/thumbnail.jp

Over the River and Through the Woods

Twenty-eight year old Nick, an Italian single guy from New Jersey, gets the professional career offer of a lifetime … on the opposite coast from his family. Nick’s traditional Italian grandparents, Frank and Aida and Nunzio and Emma, do their level best to keep their beloved grandson home with them on the East Coast, while a job as a marketing executive calls him to Seattle. Will Nick abandon family to pursue a glamorous and exciting career move, the opportunity he has hoped for? His grandparents wonder if he would stay in New Jersey if he fell in love with a hometown girl. And so the lovely — and single — Caitlin O’Hare is brought in as bait. But will their scheme work? This comedy by contemporary playwright Joe DiPietro is sure to resonate with audience members from university students (soon to face the same career decisions themselves) to extended family members (who have either wrestled with these same choices themselves or have struggled to release those they love to pursue their own dreams). Themes of family, professional goals, tradition, and romance are all presented in a way that reminds us to celebrate the everyday gifts of our lives.https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1008/thumbnail.jp

Research Information Management: Defining RIM and the Library\u27s Role

Research information management (RIM) is the aggregation, curation, and utilization of information about research and is emerging as an area of increasing interest and relevance in many university libraries. RIM intersects with many aspects of traditional library services in discovery, acquisition, dissemination, and analysis of scholarly activities, and does so through the nexus with institutional data systems, faculty workflows, and institutional partners. RIM adoption offers libraries new opportunities to support institutional and researcher goals. In this paper prepared by Rebecca Bryant, OCLC Research Senior Program Officer, and a working group of librarians representing OCLC Research Library Partnership institutions, learn more about what RIM is, what is driving RIM adoption, and the library’s role in RIM. The publication is intended to help libraries and other institutional stakeholders understand developing research information management practices—and particularly the value add that libraries can offer in a complex ecosystem. This work is part of a suite of publications and resources around RIM practices. Read more about upcoming research and reports in the area of research information management

Design for nysgjerrighet: Et virkemiddel for å fremme unge pasienters engasjement i egen helserett

For at dagens ungdom og fremtidens voksne skal kunne benytte seg av sitt fullstendige helse- og omsorgstilbud, forutsettes det at de kjenner sin helserett. Dette er et komplisert fagfelt som kan være vanskelig og tungt å tilnærme seg. Målet for denne studien er å finne ut hvordan man kan designe for nysgjerrighet. Bakgrunnen for dette er at nysgjerrighet kan fremme motivasjon til å tilegne seg ny kunnskap når interessen uteblir, og kan potensielt brukes som et strategisk virkemiddel i design. Studien forespeiler en helserettslig nettside for ungdom, hvor designet støtter brukerens nysgjerrighet og øker engasjement til å utforske og involvere seg i sin helserett. Med deltakende design og forskning gjennom design som tilnærming, har det blitt gjennomført workshoper med designaktiviteter i samarbeid med 8 deltakere fra ungdomsrådet ved Ahus. I workshopene har det blitt brukt prototyper for å utforske deltakernes opplevelse av nysgjerrighet gjennom design. Resultatene viser at et oppsiktsvekkende design som fremstår som relevant for brukeren og som skaper tillit til å kunne anvende nettsiden slik som ønsket, har potensiale til å støtte brukerens nysgjerrighet. Design for nysgjerrighet handler om å oppnå balanse mellom ulike uttrykk i designet. Denne balansen er avhengig av hvem brukerne av designet er og hva som er formålet til designet. Resultatene brukes som grunnlag for å utforme prinsipper for å designe for nysgjerrighet. Prinsippene er et bidrag til HCI-forskning og –praksis, da disse kan potensielt brukes som veiledning i fremtidige designprosjekter eller brukes videre i forskning på design for bestemte brukeropplevelser