Impacts of ship noise on the nighttime foraging behaviors of the North Atlantic humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is an endangered baleen whale species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The coastal habitat of this species result in significant exposure to anthropogenic noise from human activities. Previous research in the well-studied Pacific populations has demonstrated changes in calling behavior in response to noise, but noise impacts on other critical behaviors such as foraging have not yet been investigated. This study examines the impacts of ship noise on the nighttime bottom foraging behavior of humpback whales in the North Atlantic – a region with substantial human activity including high levels of noise from commercial shipping traffic. Data were collected from 2006 to 2009 in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in the southern Gulf of Maine during June and July. Data included underwater behaviors and acoustic recordings of surrounding environmental noise collected using an archival tag attached to nine individual whales. Here I use series of linear mixed models to assess the effects of ship noise on eight metrics of nighttime feeding behaviors. Fixed effects included the presence versus absence of ship noise, received level of ship noise, and the before, during, or after ship noise exposure period. These variables had significant influence on three metrics: dive descent rate, ascent rate, and number of rolls indicative of feeding events. Descent rate decreased as noise level increased, while ascent rate was significantly faster in the during or after period when compared to the before period. The number of rolls significantly increased in the after exposure period, but at the greatest received levels, feeding rolls were completely absent during dives. These findings indicate that humpback whales on Stellwagen Bank show small, but significant, changes in foraging activity when exposed to ship noise. This study supports the hypothesis that environmental noise has an impact on the nighttime foraging activities of this species

Subjective Evaluation of Quality of Life After Brain Injury: Measuring quality of life and the impact of response shift

Introduction: After a brain injury there are often long term consequences impacting on QoL. However, this is a complex issue influenced by many factors. As someone recovers and adjusts it is likely that the way in which they evaluate QoL will also change. The theory of response shift suggests people will change the way they evaluate QoL in the face of changes in their life. The aim of this thesis is to investigate what influences a QoL judgement; examining the possibility of response shift. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in 4 studies. These were a cross-sectional design utilising an individualised QoL measure (SEIQoL-DW); a longitudinal study utilising a ‘then-test’ approach; a cross-sectional questionnaire study; and a qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Study 1 (Ch.3) Results: Correlations between the QoL measures confirm the validity of the SEIQoL-DW; however, correlations were generally stronger for the simpler Hadorn Scale. There was little overall change in mean QoL when current and retrospective judgements were compared. There was evidence for a change in what areas of life were considered most important to QoL following injury. Study 2 (Ch.4) Results: Improvements in reported QoL between baseline and follow-up were small. A then-test indicates that any effect of response shift is small, and non-significant in the current research. There was also little evidence for reprioritisation or re-conceptualisation. Examination of other factors associated with QoL suggest that brain-injury specific factors (BIGI, RBANS) play a role in predicting QoL. Study 3 (Ch.5) Results: QoL was reported as worse post-injury on both Hadorn’s scale and the QOLIBRI-OS; a difference that was more pronounced on the QOLIBRI-OS. Differences were also reported in the importance of different areas of functioning. Change in QoL as measured by the QOLIBRI-OS was significantly influenced by disability as measured by the GOSE, emotional and informational support, and upwards social comparison. Optimism as measured by the LOT, but not upwards social comparison was a significant predictor of change on Hadorn’s scale; GOSE and emotional and informational support remain significant predictors. The GOSE, emotional and informational support, emotional coping styles and optimism were significant predictors of current QoL on the QOLIBRI-OS; and emotional and informational support and optimism were significant predictors of QoL on Hadorn’s scale. Little evidence was found to suggest that the factors proposed in Sprangers and Schwartz’s (1999) model of response shift have predicted relationships with QoL. Two candidate variables were studied: optimism and social support. However neither showed the predicted pattern of relationships. Nonetheless the study supports previous work indicating an influence of optimism and social support on QoL, and indicates that these warrant further study. There were systematic difference between current and retrospective ratings of importance of domains. The level of importance given to the areas of life defined by the QOLIBRI-OS is higher after injury than before, with the exception of “personal and social life” for which there is no significant difference. The areas of life chosen to reflect that which is measured by the GOSE (“work”, “close relationships”, and “social and leisure activities”) are rated as less important with the exception of “close relationships”. These findings provide further support for the idea that QoL domains are re-evaluated after brain injury. Study 4: This was an in depth qualitative investigation of the experience of recovery and adjustment following TBI. Semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) were used. Interviews were conducted with 4 men who were 3, 7, 12, and 18 years post injury. Main Outcome and Results: Themes emerging from the analysis were ‘Change: In Self and World’; ‘Reaching a point of realisation’; ‘Support’; ‘Adjusting to change/Coping with day to day life’; and ‘Participation, Goals and Focus’. These themes cover how participants felt both they and their lives had changed as a consequence of their injury; ways they went about coping and adjusting to changes; the importance of support; and the significance of social integration and participation in feeling satisfied with life. Summary and Conclusions: These studies provide evidence for response shift in different ways. There is little evidence for recalibration but there is some indication that reprioritization or reconceptualization may take place. Changes in how important different areas of life are before and after injury suggest that participants are changing the way they view and make evaluations of QoL. Factors identified as being important to QoL judgements were disability, social support (emotional and informational support identified in the questionnaire study and support in the IPA), upwards social comparison, and optimism. The IPA study suggests that functional outcome and participation are important after TBI; while also identifying ways of coping and providing an insight into the experience of recovery from brain injury. The different QoL measures used provides both evidence for their validity, but also evidence for the different conceptualisations of QoL that are measured by different instruments. The findings have implications both for understanding the QoL of the individual and for research on QoL after TBI

Winter Canola Variety Trial

In 2012, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program initiated a winter canola variety trial in Alburgh, VT as part of the 2011-2012 National Winter Canola Variety Trial. In the past few years, many farms in the Northeast have been engaged in on-farm fuel production; farmers must be able to reliably produce a high-yielding crop in order for this to be economically feasible. Growing winter canola holds many possible advantages for Vermont farms since it is sown in the early fall, allowing it to easily fit into rotations following short-season grain or corn. Winter canola is a relatively new crop for the Northeast, and varietal selection is one of the most important aspects of production since it significantly influences seed and oil yield potential. The goal of this trial was to evaluate varieties that can survive the harsh winters of our region and ultimately produce high yields

Organic Winter Wheat Planting Date Trial

In 2012, the University of Vermont Extension conducted a winter wheat planting date trial for the first time. As the demand for local organic wheat has risen over the last few years, UVM Extension has been trying to determine the best agronomic practices for wheat production in the problematic Northeastern climate. Traditionally, producers have planted winter wheat after the Hessian fly free date, 15-Sep. Producers are interested in knowing how late they can plant their wheat in order to plan rotations and maximize yield

Organic Soybean Variety Trial

Since 2009, the University of Vermont Extension has conducted soybean variety trials to provide yield comparisons of food- and feed-grade soybeans in Vermont’s climate. Varietal selection is one of the most important aspects of crop production and significantly influences yield potential. It is important to remember however, that the data presented are from replicated research trials from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. Crop performance data from additional tests in different locations and over several years should be compared before making final varietal selections

Heirloom Spring Wheat Variety Trial Report

UVM Extension began its heirloom spring wheat project in 2007 to determine whether heirloom varieties developed before 1950 could thrive in Vermont’s climate. Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat as they feel it has better flavor, while many farmers are also interested in heirloom wheat varieties as they may have superior genetics that are better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. This variety trial was established to determine which heirloom spring wheat varieties are viable in Vermont’s growing conditions. Three Vermont heirloom varieties have been re-introduced through this project. Defiance, Champlain and Surprise were developed by famed Vermont plant breeder, Cyrus Pringle during the late 1800s. In addition to the heirloom varieties, AC Barrie and Scarlet, modern spring wheat varieties commonly grown in the Northeast, were planted as a comparison

Oat Variety Trial Report

Oats (Avena sativa L.) have a long history of production in the Northeast. Although most oats are planted for a cover crop or hay, grain oats are a potential revenue source for farmers. According to the 2007 census, about 200 acres of land in Vermont is cultivated for oat grain production, with an average yield of 1747 lbs per acre. With the exception of hull-less varieties, oats need to be de-hulled before being used for human consumption and further processing is required to make oatmeal, steel cut oats or oat flour. Since 2009, the University of Vermont Extension has conducted oat variety trials to provide yield comparisons in Vermont’s climate. Varietal selection is one of the most important aspects of crop production and significantly influences yield potential. It is important to remember, however, that the data presented are from replicated research trials from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. The goal of this project was to evaluate yields and protein of thirteen oat varieties

Exploring planetary atmospheric processes from terrestrial worlds to giant planets

Hannah Joyce and Blair McGinness report on the RAS Specialist Discussion Meeting ‘Exploring Planetary Atmospheric Processes from Terrestrial Worlds to Giant Planets’