The development of a system for monitoring trend in range condition in the arid shrublands of Western Australia.

1987 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
AM Holm ◽  
DG Burnside ◽  
AA Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Stable State ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Monitoring Site ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Rangeland Monitoring ◽  
Edible Species ◽  
Palatable Species ◽  
Western Australian

The role of a monitoring system for Western Australian pastoral shrublands is examined. The authors argue that the objective of management is to maximise sustained animal productivity, and that this can only be attained if the soil is maintained in a stable state. In non-degraded rangelands this objective is synonomous with the maintenance of a pasture community with its natural balance of edible and less edible species. In degraded rangelands the objective of regaining the pristine vegetation may, in many cases, be unattainable. Nevertheless, the objective of maximum sustained productivity again appears suitable since this would ensure that, where management is able to influence the direction of change, it is towards a pasture dominated by useful, rather than non-palatable, species. Our monitoring system aims to assist management achieve these objectives. The Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) has been designed to include the assessment of ecological processes but with a strong bias towards characteristics that can be interpreted in production terms. We expect that the system will primarily and most importantly, aid pastoralists in their season by season decisions on stock movements. It will also provide a tool for the land administrator, who must be able to assure the wider community that the land is being used wisely. Finally, it should assist range scientists towards a better understanding of rangeland ecosystems. The WARMS system involves a series of grazed range monitoring sites, lightly grazed reference areas and ungrazed control areas. At each monitoring site a photograph is taken and plants within a fixed area are identified and marked on an overlay. The number and size of perennial shrubs are recorded within fixed belt transects and the contribution from perennial grasses and biennial species is assessed. Soil stability is also assessed using a rating scale and a modified step point procedure.

The Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) - operating a regional scale monitoring system

2008 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. E. Novelly ◽  
I. W. Watson ◽  
P. W. E. Thomas ◽  
N. J. Duckett
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
State Government ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Surface Condition ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Ancillary Data ◽  
Rangeland Monitoring ◽  
Individual Site ◽  
Western Australian

The Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS), a state government monitoring activity, provides information on change in Western Australia’s pastoral rangelands. It consists of a set of permanent sites, on which measurements of perennial vegetation (direct census in shrublands and perennial grass frequency and woody cover in grasslands) and assessments of soil surface condition are recorded at either 3-year (grasslands) or 5-year (shrublands) intervals. Data collection is non-destructive. Site distribution is based on vegetation type, and WARMS reports at the vegetation type or regional level, not individual site or property level. Operating WARMS requires a range of defined conventions to ensure that personnel changes and the interval between samplings at any one site do not lead to confounding of results through variation in how data are collected. The number of sites (1622) and program timeframe (decadal) mean that data storage and management issues are critical. Data interpretation, including the interpretive framework and use of ancillary data to assist in interpreting causality, and provision of information products relevant to a range of users are also important operational aspects. A companion paper addresses the institutional requirements for WARMS, system design and the rationale behind this design.

The first assessment, using a rangeland monitoring system, of change in shrub and tree populations across the arid shrublands of Western Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. W. Watson ◽  
P. W. E. Thomas ◽  
W. J. Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Rangeland Monitoring ◽  
Canopy Area ◽  
Arid Shrublands ◽  
Acacia Aneura ◽  
First Time ◽  
Western Australian

For the first time, a region-wide assessment of vegetation change across the southern shrublands of Western Australia is reported, using information from 965 shrubland sites of the Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS). The majority of sites were installed between December 1993 and November 1999, and were reassessed between July 1999 and November 2005, with an average interval of just over 5 years. Shrub and tree species density, canopy area and species richness remained the same or increased on the majority of sites. The results were similar when considered at a species level, with most species showing an increase in density, canopy area and the number of sites on which they were found. Recruitment of new individuals to the population was commonplace on virtually all sites and for virtually all species. High rates of recruitment, on many sites, were observed for long-lived species such as Acacia aneura Benth., A. papyrocarpa Benth., Eremophila forrestii F.Muell. and Maireana sedifolia (F.Muell.) Paul G.Wilson. Increases in density, i.e. where recruitment was higher than mortality, were observed for many shorter lived species which are known to decrease in response to excessive grazing (i.e. decreaser species) such as Ptilotus obovatus (Gaudich.) F.Muell., Atriplex vesicaria Benth., A. bunburyana F.Muell. and Maireana georgei (Diels) Paul G.Wilson. However, this result should be tempered by the understanding that acute degradation processes may still be occurring, especially within and surrounding drainage lines, which are away from where the WARMS sites are typically located. Grazing was implicated in decreased density on some sites, particularly those which had experienced below average seasonal conditions. On these sites, decreaser species were particularly affected.

Monitoring changes in pastoral rangelands - the Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS)

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 191 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. W. Watson ◽  
P. E. Novelly ◽  
P. W. E. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Surface Condition ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Field Methods ◽  
Rangeland Monitoring ◽  
Western Australian

The Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) consists of a set of ~1620 permanent sites distributed across the pastoral rangelands of Western Australia used for commercial livestock grazing. The system is designed to provide information to government and the general community on changes in Western Australia’s rangelands, rather than to individual landholders. It is designed to report at the regional or vegetation type level by selectively sampling representative areas of the rangelands, with representation occurring at several levels. The system was fully implemented by 1999 and all sites, except a small number of ongoing replacements, have now been re-assessed at least once. Two site types are used. In grassland areas, the frequency of all perennial species is assessed, and an estimate made of crown cover of woody perennials. In shrubland areas, a direct census technique is used, with the demography and maximum canopy dimensions of all shrubs recorded. Changes in soil surface condition and patch distribution are also assessed using standard Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) techniques. The vegetation and soil surface information is used to indicate rangeland change. The system is not fixed within any single model of range dynamics and the outputs of WARMS can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the specific requirements of the end-user. The paper includes discussion of the institutional requirements for WARMS, the site stratification and selection criteria, description of the field methods used and the rationale behind its design. It also considers the implications of the site stratification and selection criteria in terms of the caveats that need to accompany reporting.

State-shifts of lion prey selection in the Kruger National Park

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. T. Maruping-Mzileni ◽  
P. J. Funston ◽  
S. M. Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Stable State ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Key Indicator ◽  
Management Interventions

Aims Indicators of pending state-shifts carry value for policy makers. Predator–prey relations reflect key ecological processes that shape ecosystems. Variance in predator–prey relations may serve as a key indicator of future state-shifts. Methods Lion (Panthera leo) diet in the Kruger National Park was evaluated as such an indicator. Over the three-decade time span reviewed, variance in diet in relation to rainfall, prey abundance, management strategies and disease emergence were reviewed. Key results Rainfall patterns, both seasonal and cyclical, were identified as key drivers of predator–prey selection. However, the intensity of management in the form of artificial waterpoints overrode and confounded natural process. The results suggest that savanna systems are stable and punctuated by climatic events in the form of extreme above-average rainfall that temporarily destabilises the system. However, droughts are a cyclical part of the savanna system. Conclusion Lion prey selection did fluctuate with changing environmental conditions. Abrupt state shifts did occur; however, the ecosystem returned to a stable state. Implications State shifts in ecosystems pose key challenges to conservation managers. State shifts appear to be primarily associated with management interventions and environmental factors.

scholarly journals The research on educational environment of institution of higher education involving experts: results and analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 ◽  
pp. 02003
Author(s):  
Mariia Bratko ◽  
Liudmyla Khoruzha
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Expert Evaluation ◽  
Teachers And Parents ◽  
Personal Education

Based on the analysis of scientific resources, the role of educational environment in personal building, development and education is actualized. It is stated that educational environment is one of the most essential factors of those processes. The author’s definitions of notions “educational environment”, “educational environment of institution of higher education” are given. The authors advocate the point that educational environment is a system of facilities for personal education. It is emphasized that the environmental approach in education is changing accents in teaching which is aimed at creating and developing educational environment, which has to meet educational needs of a student. The author’s technique of evaluating the state of educational environment of institution of higher education is grounded and approved, the rating scale of this technique is introduced. The technique suggests making expert evaluation of educational environment of institution of higher education according to qualitative (modality) and quantitative (professional breadth, professional saturation, sociocultural intensity, congruence, openness, mobility, informativeness) parameters. The typology of educational environment of institution of higher education is presented (innovative-professional, formal-professional, pragmatically-oriented, formal general cultural educational environment). The analysis and interpretation of the results obtained from the experiment at University College of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University are given. The evaluation of educational environment of the college has been made by three groups of experts, which have included students, teachers and parents. Despite the fact that evaluation by different groups of experts are similar, it is revealed that it has essential differences, which has been proved with appropriate statistical methods. It is determined that the substantiation of the whole monitoring system of educational environment of institution of higher education and corresponding diagnostic tools has great potential.

An Intrinsic Safe Design for the Coal Mine Gas Explosion-Proof Monitoring

2013 ◽  
Vol 303-306 ◽  
pp. 550-554
Author(s):  
Jun Jie Liu ◽  
Ming Lu ◽  
Qiong Wang
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Oxygen Content ◽  
Intelligent Control ◽  
Thermal Effects ◽  
Monitoring Site ◽  
Gas Explosion ◽  
Explosion Monitoring ◽  
Coal Mine Gas ◽  
Mine Gas ◽  
Hardware Circuit

The explosion-proof monitoring system of oxygen content usually is used situates in an explosive mine gas explosion monitoring site, the spark and thermal effects in its monitoring circuit are likely to form dangerous explosion source. Based on the intelligent control technology of MCU(msp430) and radio data transmission technique, this mine oxygen content monitoring system was designed according to the highest mining explosion-proof standards, so that its monitoring circuit can meet the intrinsically safe explosion-proof requirements. That is, when the hardware circuit of a explosion-proof monitoring of oxygen content was designed, the factors for limiting the heat source energy with forming the spark and thermal effects must be considered seriously.

Analysis of historical records of a grazing property in south-western Queensland. 2. Vegetation changes.

1987 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
RE Oxley
Keyword(s):  
Field Survey ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Vegetation Changes ◽  
Historical Records ◽  
Herbaceous Layer ◽  
Pastoral Area ◽  
Palatable Species

This article combines data from historical records, recently published maps and a field survey to document changes in the vegetation of a pastoral area in south-western Queensland. Examples are given where wildfire, ringbarking,clearing and grazing by both rabbits anddomestic stock have had major influences on the vegetation. The greatest change to the trees and inedible shrubs has been one of density. Evidence for changes in the herbaceous layer is less conclusive but it is likely that there has been a reduction in density of desirable perennial grasses and an increase in less palatable species.

Effect of integrated yoga on anti-psychotic induced side effects and cognitive functions in patients suffering from schizophrenia

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghnath Verma ◽  
Hemant Bhargav ◽  
Shivarama Varambally ◽  
Nagarathna Raghuram ◽  
Gangadhar BN
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Stable State ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Relaxation Techniques ◽  
Anti Psychotic ◽  
Drug Induced

Abstract Background Twenty one (12 females) subjects, diagnosed with schizophrenia by a psychiatrist using ICD-10, in the ages 52.87 + 9.5 years and suffering since 24.0 ± 3.05 years were recruited into the study from a schizophrenia rehabilitation center in Bengaluru. Methods All subjects were taking anti-psychotic medications and were in stable state for more than a month. Psychiatric medications were kept constant during the study period. Assessments were done at three points of time: (1) baseline, (2) after one month of usual routine (pre) and (3) after five months of validated Integrated Yoga (IY) intervention (post). Validated 1 h Yoga module (consisting of asanas, pranayama, relaxation techniques and chantings) was practiced for 5 months, five sessions per week. Antipsychotic-induced side effects were assessed using Simpson Angus Scale (SAS) and Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU) side effect rating scale. Cognitive functions (using Trail making Test A and B), clinical symptoms and anthropometry were assessed as secondary variables. Comparisons between “pre” and “post” data was done using paired samples t-tests after subtracting baseline scores from them respectively. Results At the end of five months, significant reduction in drug-induced Parkinsonian symptoms (SAS score; p=0.001) and 38 items of UKU scale was observed along with significant improvement in processing speed, executive functions and negative symptoms of schizophrenia patients. No side effects of Yoga were reported. Conclusions The present study provides preliminary evidence for usefulness of Integrated Yoga intervention in managing anti-psychotic-induced side effects.

A review of biological and geomorphological processes involved in the initiation and development of incipient foredunes

1989 ◽  
Vol 96 ◽  
pp. 181-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick A. Hesp
Keyword(s):  
Wind Velocity ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Flow Deceleration ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Sand Deposition

SynopsisThe evolution, ecological processes, aerodynamics, and morphology of incipient or new foredunes on the upper beach is reviewed. Four types of incipient foredunes may be distinguished, namely: type 1, those initiated by shadow dune formation within zones of discrete individual pioneer annuals (e.g. Cakile spp.), and perennials (e.g. Spinifex spp.; Ammophila spp.); type 2, those initiated by dunelet or hummock formation within discrete colonies of perennial grasses and herbs; type 3, those initiated by sand deposition within laterally extensive colonies of pioneer seedlings; and type 4, those initiated by sand deposition within a laterally extensive plant rhizome cover.Type 1 dunes are dominated by high, local flow deceleration and 3-D flow separation. Shadow dunes form within and downwind of the discrete plants. If colonised by annual plants, invasion by perennial plants is necessary for survival. Later lateral plant spread and accretion produces hummocky terraces and ridges. Type 2 dunes (dunelets) are characterised by local landward flow deceleration and marginal high velocity side flows. Sand deposition results in the formation of low, discrete, semi-circular convex mounds (seedlings), or more elongate hummocks and mounds (rhizomes). Types 3 and 4 dunes are characterised by laterally extensive, often homogeneous vegetation canopies. High canopies display more rapid landward flow deceleration than low canopies, thus narrow, asymmetric ridges and longer convex ridges result respectively. High plant densities result in rapid down-canopy flow deceleration, maximum traction load retardation and the formation of narrow asymmetric ridges. Dune height decreases and dune length increases as plant densities decrease. Maximum deposition zones occur for each wind velocity range. Whether ramp, terrace or ridge morphologies are formed depends on mode of beach colonisation, plant density and distribution, sand volume, wind speed, and plant species type and morphology.A range of variables which affect foredune morphology and evolution, including plant canopy density, height and distribution, wind velocity, and various ecological environmental processes are examined.

Temporary cropping in semi-arid shrublands increases native perennial grasses

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Alemseged ◽  
R. B. Hacker ◽  
W. J. Smith ◽  
G. J. Melville
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Stable State ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Alternative Stable State ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Native Grasslands ◽  
Native Shrubs ◽  
Semi Arid

Thickening of native shrubs is a major problem in many ‘semi-arid woodlands’ as significant increase in shrub density is often negatively correlated with herbaceous vegetation and leads to reduced pasture production and soil erosion. This project aimed to test the hypothesis that temporary cropping (up to three crops in 15 years) consistently increases the density of native perennial grasses following the removal of shrubs. A total of 30 paddocks that had been cropped during the last 20 years were randomly selected using a satellite-based database that documented annual clearing and cropping history from 1987 to 2003. Paddocks were classified into four types based on clearing and cropping history and grazing management – not cleared (shrubs), regrowth (re-invaded by shrubs), set stocked (cropped and grazed), light/rotationally grazed (cropped and grazed). The responses of vegetation and soil (chemical and physical) properties to clearing and cropping were evaluated. Results indicated that ground cover, native perennial grass cover and standing dry matter were highest under light/rotationally grazed conditions. The shrub state represents a stable state within the Cobar pediplain brought about due to land-use change in the form of overgrazing and/or the removal of fire from the system. An alternative stable state was achieved as a result of disturbance in the form of clearing, cropping and grazing management thereby directly altering the shrub population. The resilience of this state is largely dependent on the grazing management system used and on the prevention of shrub from re-establishing while failure to control shrubs could lead to the re-emergence of the Shrub State. We conclude that native grasslands do regenerate following cropping after removal of shrubs. The importance of grazing management for restoring perennial ground cover following removal of shrubs and temporary cropping has been clearly demonstrated by the study.

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