Mapping and Distribution of Torpedograss and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Torpedograss Management Activities in Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Thousands of hectares of native plants and shallow open water habitat have been displaced in Lake Okeechobee’s marsh by the invasive exotic species torpedograss ( Panicum repens L.). The rate of torpedograss expansion, it’s areal distribution and the efficacy of herbicide treatments used to control torpedograss in the lake’s marsh were quantified using aerial color infra red (IR) photography.(PDF has 6 pages.

Estimating the Resilience Value of Soil Biodiversity in Agriculture: A Stochastic Simulation Approach

Characteristic of ecosystems is that different organisms can have similar functions and hence provide similar ecosystem services. Consequently functional diversity can maintain the rate of services despite environmental fluctuations. In this paper we present a method for estimating the resilience value of biodiversity. Central to a resilience perspective on biological conservation is consideration of uncertainty about the future. To do this we propose stochastic simulation as a practical approach for valuing resilience due to the ease of incorporating uncertain variables. We demonstrate the approach by developing a stochastic simulation model for valuing soil biodiversity in agriculture. Our results indicate that the long time frames involved in soil processes create a significant incentive to perpetuate unsustainable farming systems and hence there might be a need for policy intervention. However we also show that investing in soil biodiversity conservation can provide significant risk diversification benefits that are not accounted for in a deterministic evaluation. These benefits can be estimated through stochastic simulation.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Invitation: From Terrie & Mark Brady to Duval Delegates and Invited Guests.

Welcoming Party for Duval Delegates and Invited Guests. Two copies. August 25, 1996

Right Listening

Reviewed by Rodney W. Seeger

Estimating the resilience value of soil biodiversity in agriculture: a stochastic simulation approach

Abstract in UndeterminedCharacteristic of ecosystems is that different organisms can have similar functions and hence provide similar ecosystem services. Consequently functional diversity can maintain the rate of services despite environmental fluctuations. In this paper we present a method for estimating the resilience value of biodiversity. Central to a resilience perspective on biological conservation is consideration of uncertainty about the future. To do this we propose stochastic simulation as a practical approach for valuing resilience due to the ease of incorporating uncertain variables. We demonstrate the approach by developing a stochastic simulation model for valuing soil biodiversity in agriculture. Our results indicate that the long time frames involved in soil processes create a significant incentive to perpetuate unsustainable farming systems and hence there might be a need for policy intervention. However we also show that investing in soil biodiversity conservation can provide significant risk diversification benefits that are not accounted for in a deterministic evaluation. These benefits can be estimated through stochastic simulation

Medical students opinions on the inclusion of non-traditional skills in the curriculum.

Background: Up to 50% of foundation year 2 doctors do not proceed directly into speciality training. This change in direction of our profession places increasing demands on an already stretched NHS. In the UK, medical school teaching is understandably focused on the skills students will need as junior doctors. With the shift in career trajectories of these students it is important that medical education evolves with this. Methods: Final year medical students have been surveyed regarding their exposure to entrepreneurship and management, as well as their interest in their inclusion in the curriculum. Results: A 10-point survey was completed by final year medical students. No undergraduate students reported having had teaching on entrepreneurship during their degree. Only two students reported having teaching on management skills. 48% reported that they were considering a career outside of clinical medicine, fitting with the findings of the Foundation Programme Career Destination Report. Conclusion: Whilst entrepreneurship is now accepted as an important skill for doctors, this is clearly not filtering through to undergraduate medical education. With the help of student feedback, we are now setting-up a pilot programme in entrepreneurship and management for final year students. This will be part of a cross-discipline National teaching programme in entrepreneurship