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Agroforestry for the future: motivations behind Tasmanian farmers planting trees
Get PDFAgroforestry is the act of combining farming and tree planting, and many Tasmanian farmers are starting to plant trees on their properties for multiple reasons. Through conducting 9 interviews with farmers and researchers and visiting field sites, 3 main themes were identified to answer the question: why are Tasmanian farmers planting trees, and what are the benefits and downsides to agroforestry? Interviews help us understand farmers’ perceptions of agroforestry, and field data collection will prove the benefits of agroforestry in the future. Tasmania was chosen as the location of study as it is a state in Australia that largely focuses on agriculture, has a large logging industry, and is home to the ongoing Perennial Prosperity research project that is currently researching many topics relating to agroforestry.
The 3 themes identified are benefits agroforestry provides to farmers and ecosystems (1), challenges farmers face with agroforestry or problems not solved by agroforestry (2), and future opportunities positively relating to agroforestry (3). Farmers are planting trees to provide ecosystem services such as erosion control and shelter, increase farm productivity and biodiversity, help reach carbon neutrality, give security in the face of global climate change, improve aesthetics and mental health, and diversify income through supplying timber. Farmers face multiple challenges when using agroforestry, some of which include persisting problems with agricultural systems and costs for tree implementation. Future opportunities such as agroforestry research and shifts towards local agriculture could have positive impacts in various sectors. Agroforestry is likely to increase in the future, and understanding the various benefits trees give to humans and the planet will be important in future agricultural and agroforestry related endeavors
Construction Aspects And Seismic Analysis of Typical Buildings in Dolpo
Get PDFThis study delves into the construction aspects and seismic analysis of typical buildings in the challenging terrain of Dolpo, situated within the Himalayan mountain range. Dolpo\u27s unique geological and geographical characteristics, combined with its susceptibility to seismic activity, make it crucial to investigate and understand the dynamics of construction in this remote region. The research explores traditional and contemporary building practices, aiming to elucidate the interplay between construction methodologies and seismic resilience. Through a comprehensive examination of the geological context, structural design, and seismic vulnerability, this study contributes valuable insights to inform the development of robust and earthquake-resistant building strategies tailored to the specific conditions of Dolpo. The findings of this research are pertinent not only to the local communities in Dolpo but also to broader discussions on resilient construction practices in seismic-prone areas worldwide
AlCa: Comparing Icelandic Aluminum Emissions to the World through Statistical Reasoning and Programming-Based Predictive Tools
Get PDFAluminum production is a process that is heavily reliant on large amounts of available
energy, and therefore lends itself to locations where energy production is abundant. Iceland, as a global leader in Geothermal and Hydropower energy, has experienced an industrial boom in the past 20-30 years, quickly becoming a top 10 worldwide aluminum producer. However, although the three main companies that operate their smelting processes in the country are powered by clean energy, they still import raw materials from all over the world, with source locations ranging from Brazil to Australia. In order to find out if the long distance shipping of aluminum has a significant negative impact on the overall CO2 emissions of aluminum production, I developed “AlCa”, a comprehensive analysis tool that calculates the total CO2 emissions and the specific emissions of each step in the aluminum-production process based on where that step takes place. Using this robust tool, I conducted three separate case studies. Two are based on existing production strategies for Icelandic aluminum. The findings from these cases are visualized, analyzed, and explained in the context of worldwide aluminum production. It was discovered that shipping emissions, compared to process-direct emissions, are much less significant, and often inconsequential in deciding how to improve emissions in aluminum production.
Keywords: aluminum smelting, energy production, carbon emissions, carbon dioxide, aluminum shipping, predictive algorithm, climate chang
Identity (De/Re-)Construction: A shifting scale of identities moving abroad and its teaching implications
Get PDFLanguage learners who relocate voluntarily to different countries where their native tongue is not the primary spoken language, often uncover and learn aspects of who they are, that is, their identity and user agency. Through personal experience relocating, I intend to share the phenomenon of identity de/re- construction being immersed in another language and culture, moving in between my ‘original’ home country and the ‘new home,’ all while not being able to experience both former and latter identities at the same time (physically). This study will explore what I coin as an ‘identity spectrum’ through first person narratives (interviews) to expand on a shared experience, while honoring the individual nature of the stories. This study has a similar interest and is inspired by Third Culture Kids (TCK), but, it explores those moving abroad past the first 18 years of age and consequently experiencing a shift in who they are while acquiring a new language, culture, and self
Unveiling Anti-Blackness in Moroccan Society: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis
Get PDFThe purpose of this investigation is to delve into the complex dynamics of how blackness is perceived and negotiated within the intricate social fabric of Moroccan society. Drawing on the theoretical framework of black political thought, this study examines the interrelated systems of race, colonialism, and diaspora to trace the formation of black identity in Morocco, its navigation, and its manifestation in contemporary times. The Moroccan state has recently come under scrutiny for its treatment of Sub-Saharan migrants, who have been subjected to racism both from the police and the Moroccan people. This is even though black Moroccans with indigenous and formerly enslaved heritage are a visible presence in the country. Through extensive independent research, the author reveals that anti-blackness is deeply ingrained in Moroccan society, dating back to the initial Amazigh conquest when an established hierarchy was created to justify the invasion of black indigenous tribes. This pattern repeated itself with the arrival of pan-Arabism and pan-Judaism, with black indigenous people being relegated to an even lower status. The institutionalization of slavery in Morocco catalyzed anti-blackness, resulting in the homogenization of all black people in the country, regardless of their heritage. Slavery persisted in Morocco until the country gained independence in 1956 when campaigns of nationalism and Arabization further marginalized the existence of Black Moroccans. These efforts aimed to legitimize Morocco as a post-colonial state and contributed to Moroccan exceptionalism in the African context, allowing the country to distance itself from Black Africa and perpetuate racism towards Sub-Saharan migrants. Moroccan exceptionalism manifests in a multitude of ways for the black communities in Ait Banhaddou and the Gnawa of Essaouira as they navigate their black roots in the face of marginalization and Moroccan culture
The Uses and Limitations of Citizen Science for Monitoring the Australian Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Population
Get PDFiNaturalist is a citizen science photographic database, which is an underutilized resource in photographic identification research studies. Grey nurse sharks are critically endangered and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the estimated population size, longevity, and interactions with fisheries of this species off the coasts of Australia. To determine how photos submitted to iNaturalist can be used in Carcharias taurus conservation, the photographs were evaluated on a number of criteria including: location, date, visibility of spot patterns, visible sex characteristics, and visible injuries. In total, 814 photographs of grey nurse sharks were obtained from the iNaturalist database. Only 23.2% of the photographs in iNaturalist met the standards necessary for Sharkbook.ai, but 35.6% were clear enough shots to provide valuable information for locational, seasonal, and/or injury-based research. The most prominent injuries were scars, with retained fishing gear a close second. The temporal data was only reliable in the contemporary iNaturalist submissions—the archival photographs were not accurately time-stamped and therefore were not included in seasonal assessments. The seasonal patterns shown by the contemporary iNaturalist encounter dates are supported by known migratory patterns of grey nurse sharks. The detection hotspots were primarily in the southern portion of the eastern range, with significantly fewer encounters reported in Western Australia. iNaturalist is a valuable general resource for Grey Nurse Shark research but lacks the expertise and knowledge necessary from contributors to fully meet the needs of complex research objectives
The Influence of Effluent: Exploring How Wastewater Effluent Impacts Ísafjörður, Iceland
Get PDFWastewater effluent is of growing concern in communities without proper wastewater treatment plans in place. This study examines the effects that wastewater discharge has on water quality in various communities through field research and an accompanying literature review. Water quality parameters (pH and temperature) were used to determine the impact effluent has on the local harbor, Pollurinn, in Ísafjörður, Iceland. Results showed that there was a statistical significance between pH and the area of study, while temperature was more varied; these results signify that effluent has the biggest impact on the area immediately surrounding the effluent pipe. The literature review suggests that discharge also affects locations around the globe, especially in smaller agglomerations, suggesting that further research and management plans should be explored in the future
The Archetype of the Ocean in Balinese Culture
Get PDFAn archetype is essential for expressing an understanding of symbols and adding depth to the meaning derived from everyday life. It is a connection of source and meaning through the lens of the human experience. In the case of the ocean, people all over the world turn to the sea as a source of healing and a symbol of the murkiness of the unconscious mind. This holds true for the people of Bali as their beautiful Island is in deep connection with the force of the ocean. From the everyday contact like fishing and relaxing at the beach, to the ritual and ceremonial importance like Melasti, the seas surrounding the island of Bali have become a purifying, yet destructive archetype of power.
The Balinese people have a deep respect for the ocean and its power, which is reflected in their daily lives and spiritual practices. The ocean serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living in harmony with nature. It is a symbol of fertility and life giving force. However, as it is also a powerful and unpredictable force, it demands respect and caution from those who rely on it for their livelihoods and cultural traditions.
By reflecting on practices involving the ocean like fishing, surfing, purification ritual and meditation, the ocean truly embodies the Balinese principle of Rwa Bhineda. As it not only is a source of creation, but also is revered as a force of destruction, whether this be the power to take lives or natural disaster.
Thus, this study dives into the blue world of the oceanic powers of life giving yet also taking. Finally I attempt to apply the cultural understanding of the ocean to conservation efforts and how this can aid in spreading awareness surrounding the current environmental issues. Most marine environments, especially coral reefs, are in a critical state. There are few solutions to problems of pollution and global warming, while maintaining an ideology of consumption. We can turn to traditional cultures like the Balinese who have successfully lived sustainably for generations before globalization to pave the way for a more environmentally friendly future
Understanding invasive predation: detections of feral cats (Felis catus) on Kangaroo Island’s Western River Refuge
Get PDFFeral cats (Felis catus) are a priority-level threat for small to medium-sized native vertebrates across Australia and especially so in insular environments like that of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The island is home to several endangered and geographically restricted species, including the Kangaroo Island Dunnart (Sminthopsis aitkeni), an endangered marsupial endemic to Kangaroo Island. When bushfires spread across the island and burned x percent of native vegetation in late 2019 to early 2020, these populations were critically impacted and post-fire feral cat predation on the island risked their extinctions, motivating the creation of a refuge with predator exclusion fencing around remaining unburnt vegetation to protect surviving dunnarts and other threatened species. The Western River Refuge was created for this purpose and protecting the area has included trapping feral cats in a variety of ways. As continued trapping is necessary, it is important to analyze capture and camera trap data to understand trapping efficiency and success rates, and how these might be improved.
This study reviewed six months of capture data and camera trap photographs from the WRR property in order to identify individual feral cats and any patterns in detections prior to either capture or disappearance from cameras, as well as in comparison to AI-targeted Felixer first detections. Camera trap photographs were filtered through the AI system eVorta for high confidence (\u3e0.99) cat photographs. Twelve cats were captured during the study period and 110 instances of cat detections were recorded on camera traps and Felixer target photos. 53.64% of detections were matched to individual cats. All detections were an average of 1.67 days (±0.27 SE) apart. Cats averaged 51.9 days (±16.66 SE) between first camera detection and capture. 58.33% of captured cats were recorded as targets by Felixers while 41.67% were either not detected or not identified as targets. Felixer activation will increase speed of removing cats from the area, but various trapping methods are still necessary to catch all cats that enter the area. Higher levels of detections in the WPA indicate the successes of trapping and align with capture hotspots, but all conclusions are limited by small sample sizes and require further data collection
The State of Transgender and Kinnar Communities in Delhi: Case Studies Connecting Socioeconomic Factors to Health
Get PDFThe paper seeks to draw connections between socioeconomic barriers faced by the transgender (trans) community in Delhi, India and the healthcare that the community receives. It primarily discusses transgender people who are not part of the kinnar population, with as much consideration to the experiences of the kinnar community as possible, given limited access to their circles. Five transgender individuals and two cisgender individuals who have worked with trans communities participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews to understand various factors that affect trans people’s daily lives and their healthcare experiences in Delhi. Interviews were transcribed and coded, finding common themes of societal perception, family pressure, discrimination in education, housing, and employment, general treatment as factors affecting healthcare experiences. The paper relies primarily on the lived experiences and expertise of trans participants, supplemented by scholarly sources which restate the impact of these social issues to explain how each of these factors impacts healthcare quality and access for trans people. The final section offers future directions for research and improving the state of the trans community in Delhi, in areas of healthcare and beyond