19366 research outputs found
Sort by
Use of camera traps to record wild red panda activity in eastern Nepal
No full textBehavior of wild red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is not well-studied, as it is difficult to locate and track individuals. Previous studies of red panda behavior have involved direct observations, finding fecal scats, and GPS collar deployment. We assessed the value of using camera traps to monitor wild red panda, evaluating the utility of placing cameras on the ground or in trees. Our study used data from 19 pairs of camera traps, set in eastern Nepal for at least a month during 2018, to monitor and compare their effectiveness for capturing wild red panda behavior at ground level and in the tree canopy. Arboreal camera traps were 8 times more effective than ground-based cameras at capturing red pandas and their behavior in terms of frequency. Arboreal camera traps also captured images with enough clarity to distinguish facial markings between individuals and provide potential for future mark-recapture approaches. Despite the extra set-up difficulties and higher rate of misfires, researchers should place camera traps in tree canopies at around 5 m height for specific red panda monitoring events, including presence, activity patterns, behavior, and possible predator presence
Copper accumulation in New Zealand vineyard and orchard soils: A study in Central Otago, Marlborough, and Nelson : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University
No full textThe historic use of copper (Cu) through fungicide applications in vineyards and orchards has been
widely reported to lead to accumulation in some soils. Copper (Cu) is a trace element essential for
the normal functioning of all organisms, hence a deficiency in agricultural soils can negatively affect
soil microbial processes and food production. However, the persistence and extensive use of Cu
based fungicides can lead to Cu accumulation in the topsoil in excess concentrations. Which in turn
can negatively affect soil biota and associated ecosystem processes, as well as spreading to
neighbouring environments. Centuries of Cu-fungicide use in European vineyards have resulted in
abundant Cu accumulation within soils consequently posing both an environmental and human
health risk. However, few studies have been published about Cu accumulation in New Zealand
vineyard/orchard soils or the effects of the metal on soil microorganisms in those environments. This
study aimed to survey soil Cu concentrations in Central Otago, Nelson and Marlborough regions of
New Zealand and provide insight towards what is driving soil Cu accumulation and the potential
effects on soil fungi. Additionally, sediment samples were collected to assess Cu migration into
neighbouring streams. The survey covered 63 sites where Cu concentrations ranged from 7–893 mg
Cu kg-1. Soils were characterised using standard analytical methods and the speciation of Cu was
analysed using single extraction techniques. The field survey revealed significant differences between
fungal communities across different levels of soil Cu contamination. Additional sediment samples
showed an indication of Cu migration as 70% of rivers showed an increase in Cu. This research
provides further evidence towards the current Cu concentrations ranges, factors driving Cu
accumulation, and effects on soil fungal communities
Frozen: Understanding and tackling frost damage in your garden
No full textWhen frost creeps into the garden overnight, it can spell trouble for your tender greens and prized blooms. But how exactly does frost damage plants - and can anything be done to save them? We spoke with Dr Meike Rombach, a senior lecturer in horticultural marketing at Lincoln University, who offered us a vivid, science-backed explanation of frost damage
Assessment of cluster analysis of elastic light scatter profiles for the identification of foodborne bacteria
No full textElastic Light Scatter (ELS) profiling is a novel approach for simultaneous detection and identification of bacteria cultured on solid agar media. The profiles comprise a range of different scatter features that can be used jointly or individually as a basis for comparison. We examined the utility of cluster analysis of ELS profiles for classification and identification of bacteria of relevance to foods. A total of 1562 colonies from 48 strains, representing 17 different species distributed among four genera, were examined. Each of three scatter-derived features (Zernike moments, pseudo-Zernike moments, proprietary Patsekin elements) were used individually and in combination for the cluster analysis. Of these, a combination of Patsekin elements and pseudo-Zernike moments yielded clusters that best reflected the known taxonomic relationships among the strains examined. Evidence of Genus- level markers of colony architecture was seen and there was a general agreement of clustering at the species level. Nonetheless, some individual colonies did not cluster with the majority of others from the same taxon, which could reflect an aberrant ELS phenotype, or known challenges in depicting strain relationships using cluster analytical methods. However, when compared with UMAP data processing, relationships between individual colonies were more easily discerned by inspecting the dendrogram. Cluster analysis of ELS profiles is a useful adjunctive tool for the classification and identification of bacteria and results may also be helpful in informing the development and improvement of other data analytical tools for ELS profile analysis
Why we choose culturally themed restaurants: the role of taste, identity and community
No full textPurpose: This study evaluates customer experiences in culturally themed restaurants by identifying key factors that shape consumer attitudes and behavioural intentions. It also examines how cultural identity influences these relationships. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 521 customers across four culturally themed casual restaurants in Indonesia. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to identify the underlying dimensions of consumption value in culturally themed restaurants. Subsequently, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships, including the moderating effect of cultural identity. Findings: Functional–emotional value, conditional value, epistemic value and sense of community shape favourable attitudes, which drive behavioural intention. A sense of community also directly influences behavioural intention. However, cultural identity only moderates its effect on favourable attitudes, while other relationships remain unchanged, suggesting similar behavioural patterns across groups. Practical implications: Restaurant managers should enhance functional–emotional value by emphasizing food quality, authenticity and sensory engagement while strengthening the sense of community through cultural storytelling and immersive experiences. Marketing should balance cultural affiliation and inclusivity, as consumer behaviour remains consistent across groups. Originality/value: This study integrates the value-attitude-behaviour model, consumption value theory, sense of community theory and the social identity framework to explain behavioural intention in culturally themed dining while providing empirical evidence on the role of social identity in consumer engagement
Female perspectives in agriculture: A framework for gender-transformative change in Austria, Switzerland and California
No full textIn tackling climate change adaptation, the integration of feminist research is essential to ensure just, resilient and sustainable measures (McGregor 2010). Especially global agricultural contexts still are organized in patriarchal hierarchies, that deny women’s manifold proficiencies. Gender neutral and agricultural research have mostly ignored the capacity for climate change adaptation of female farmers (Hyuer et al. 2024). Research on Women’s empowerment in Agriculture is often associated with low income and lower-middle income countries that are generally described as ‘Global South’ (e.g. see Hillenbrand et al. 2024 or important work of CGIAR). When it comes to literature gender-agriculture nexus, European or North American countries are underrepresented in research. Therefore or aim is to develop a gender transformative framework for agriculture (GTFA) in said areas. Empirical evidence from three case studies showed specific factors, that facilitate or enable or impede gender transformative change
Biodiversity risk and firm performance: Evidence from US firms
No full textBiodiversity loss is considered as a critical global challenge with significant implications for ecosystems, economies, and societies. While the importance of biodiversity conservation is widely acknowledged, the extent to which biodiversity risk impacts firm performance remains an under-explored area of research. This paper examines how biodiversity risk affects firm performance using a new measure of firm-level biodiversity risk generated from textual analysis of firms' 10-K reports. Our multivariate analysis shows that biodiversity risk significantly hinders performance of firms in the United States during the 2001–2021 period. The finding holds well after controlling various confounding factors, using alternative variable measurements, model specifications, and correcting for endogeneity problems in the biodiversity risk-firm performance nexus. Besides decreasing sales growth and profitability, biodiversity risk increases in the cost of goods sold, as explained by the Cobb–Douglas production function. Interestingly, we find that the effect is stronger for firms in biodiversity-sensitive industries, weaker for firms with more product innovation, and remains insignificant for firms with top-tier performance. Our study provides policy and practical implications for businesses to mitigate biodiversity risk in this contemporary era of ecological degradatio
Sir Hēnare Ngata: An Indigenous accountant empowering his Māori community in the mid-twentieth century
No full textSir Hēnare Ngata was the first Māori Public Accountant in New Zealand in 1949. Using a biographical approach, we explore his accounting career and the use of his knowledge of the Indigenous and Anglocentric worlds to empower his wider community. The research utilises a career crafting theoretical framework, archival sources and unstructured, in-depth conversations and meetings conducted with family and work associates to examine his role in Māori community and impact as an accountant. Career crafting analysis reveals how Sir Hēnare Ngata combined Māori culture, Māori practices and beliefs with the tools of Anglocentric accounting and knowledge of Māori land law to support Māori in navigating land development, business financial requirements and policies and programmes. He made a significant contribution to Māori self-determination including bicultural management practices and Māori economic development. His bicultural approach combining the holistic Māori worldview and Anglocentric accounting provides rich insights for those involved in social and environmental accounting and governance reporting
Plant-soil feedback from non-native communities increases pine invasion and re-invasion potential
No full textBackground and aims: Individual plants and plant communities leave legacies in the soil that influence the future growth and success of subsequent plants grown in those soils However, direct tests of plant community legacies are rare. Understanding these is especially relevant for sites where invasion or re-invasion of non-native plants threatens restoration success. Methods: We used soils modified by experimental plant communities to test which aspects of plant community structure create legacies that affect the initial growth and mycorrhizal community of Pinus contorta, a common invasive pine species in the Southern Hemisphere. These plant communities varied in several factors including presence of Pinus species and the proportion of other non-native species, nitrogen-fixers, and grasses. Results: Pinus contorta seedlings grew largest in soils that were previously conditioned by Pinus individuals and by soils conditioned by communities of other non-native plants, or grasses. Ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity on P. contorta roots was 19.7% less in soil with a Pinus legacy than in soil without Pinus legacy. Fungal communities were generally one of three types: dominated by Wilcoxina, or Inocybe, or without a dominant fungal taxon. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that legacy effects of plant communities on the diversity of mutualistic fungi and soil abiotic conditions can change the growth of P. contorta seedlings. This suggests some restoration sites, and particularly those with a previous history of Pinus species or high percentage of grasses or other non-native species, could be more vulnerable to invasion or reinvasion by P. contort