bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dazzling green emission from graphene oxide nanosheet-embedded co-doped Ce3+ and Tb3+:PVA polymer nanocomposites for photonic applications
Authors: Kumar K. Naveen , Padma R. , Rao J. L. , Kang Misook
Published: May 2016

Novel dazzling green emission has been obtained from graphene oxide nanosheet-embedded Ce3+ and Tb3+:PVA polymer nanocomposites under UV excitation. The green emission of Tb3+ is enhanced by an energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ and GO NS to Tb3+.
Fe3O4@nanogel via UOx/HRP initiated surface polymerization for pH sensitive drug delivery
Authors: Wu Qing , Wang Zhaoqi , Zhang Haixia , Zhu Rongrong , Wang Shilong , Wang Qigang
Published: May 2016

This study describes a new strategy to fabricate core–shell nanogels by surface free-radical polymerization initiated by the cascade reaction of UOx and HRP, which showed excellent biocompatible, high loading capacity and pH-responsive drug release.
Combined and individual doxorubicin/vancomycin drug loading, release kinetics and apatite formation for the CaO–CuO–P2O5–SiO2–B2O3 mesoporous glasses
Authors: Kaur Gurbinder , Pandey O. P. , Singh K. , Chudasama Bhupendra , Kumar V.
Published: May 2016

The novel mesoporous glass series based on (25 − x)CaO–xCuO–10P2O5–5B2O3–60SiO2 (x = 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10) has been prepared using the sol–gel technique.
Magneto-dielectric and magnetoelectric anisotropies of CoFe2O4/Bi5Ti3FeO15 bilayer composite heterostructural films
Authors: Bai Yulong , Chen Jieyu , Zhao Shifeng , Lu Qingshan
Published: May 2016

Bilayer composite heterostructural films consisting of magnetic CoFe2O4 and multiferroic Bi5Ti3FeO15 films were prepared by the chemical solution deposition method.
Observation of exceptional ‘de Vries-like’ properties in a conventional aroylhydrazone based liquid crystal
Authors: Singh Hemant Kumar , Singh Sachin Kumar , Nandi Rajib , Rao D. S. Shankar , Prasad S. Krishna , Singh Ranjan K. , Singh Bachcha
Published: May 2016

N-(4-(Tetradecyloxy)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4′((4′′(hexadecyloxy)benzyl)oxy)benzohydrazide exhibits a de Vries reduction factor comparable to, or even lower than that reported heretofore.
Systematic study on the impact of water on the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Clegg Charlotte , Hill Ian G.
Published: May 2016

Sequentially spin-coated inverted perovskite solar cells were constructed with systematically varied concentrations of water in the PbI2precursor solution. Surprisingly, small concentrations of water improved long-term stability, although with lower initial efficiency.
Correlating drug–target kinetics and in vivo pharmacodynamics: long residence time inhibitors of the FabI enoyl-ACP reductase
Authors: Daryaee Fereidoon , Chang Andrew , Schiebel Johannes , Lu Yang , Zhang Zhuo , Kapilashrami Kanishk , Walker Stephen G. , Kisker Caroline , Sotriffer Christoph A. , Fisher Stewart L. , Tonge Peter J.
Published: May 2016

A mechanistic PK/PD model that enables predictions ofin vivodrug activity and an assessment of target vulnerability.
Facile preparation of patterned petal-like PLA surfaces with tunable water micro-droplet adhesion properties based on stereo-complex co-crystallization from non-solvent induced phase separation processes
Authors: Gao Ailin , Zhao Yongqing , Yang Qing , Fu Yinyi , Xue Lixin
Published: May 2016

A facile method to prepare rose petal-like quasi-superhydrophobic poly(lactide) (PLA) membrane surfaces with tunable water droplet adhesion properties.
Mass transport by mode-2 internal solitary-like waves
Authors: Deepwell David , Stastna Marek
Published: May 2016

We present the first three-dimensional numerical simulations of the mass transport capabilities of mode-2 waves formed by a lock-release mechanism with both single and double pycnocline stratifications. Single pycnoclines and double pycnoclines with a small spacing between the pycnocline centres were found to exhibit large Lee instabilities which formed during the collapse of the intermediate density region. These instabilities led to the generation of vorticity dipoles across the mid-depth, and thereby contributed to the reduction in the mass transported by the wave. A double pycnocline with a separation of approximately 12% of the depth between the two pycnocline centres was found to transport a passive tracer optimally for the longest time-period. Increasing Schmidt number correlated with increasing mass transport, while decreasing the tracer diffusivity led to increasing mass transport, but only when a trapped core existed. Contrasted two-dimensional simulations reveal that in certain cases, most noticeably the optimal transport case, the mass transport is significantly different from the corresponding three-dimensional simulation.
Thermal diffusion boron doping of single-crystal natural diamond
Authors: Seo Jung-Hun , Wu Henry , Mikael Solomon , Mi Hongyi , Blanchard James P. , Venkataramanan Giri , Zhou Weidong , Gong Shaoqin , Morgan Dane , Ma Zhenqiang
Published: May 2016

With the best overall electronic and thermal properties, single crystal diamond (SCD) is the extreme wide bandgap material that is expected to revolutionize power electronics and radio-frequency electronics in the future. However, turning SCD into useful semiconductors requires overcoming doping challenges, as conventional substitutional doping techniques, such as thermal diffusion and ion implantation, are not easily applicable to SCD. Here we report a simple and easily accessible doping strategy demonstrating that electrically activated, substitutional doping in SCD without inducing graphitization transition or lattice damage can be readily realized with thermal diffusion at relatively low temperatures by using heavily doped Si nanomembranes as a unique dopant carrying medium. Atomistic simulations elucidate a vacancy exchange boron doping mechanism that occurs at the bonded interface between Si and diamond. We further demonstrate selectively doped high voltage diodes and half-wave rectifier circuits using such doped SCD. Our new doping strategy has established a reachable path toward using SCDs for future high voltage power conversion systems and for other novel diamond based electronic devices. The novel doping mechanism may find its critical use in other wide bandgap semiconductors.
Magnetization reversal in magnetic dot arrays: Nearest-neighbor interactions and global configurational anisotropy
Authors: Van de Wiele Ben , Fin Samuele , Pancaldi Matteo , Vavassori Paolo , Sarella Anandakumar , Bisero Diego
Published: May 2016

Various proposals for future magnetic memories, data processing devices, and sensors rely on a precise control of the magnetization ground state and magnetization reversal process in periodically patterned media. In finite dot arrays, such control is hampered by the magnetostatic interactions between the nanomagnets, leading to the non-uniform magnetization state distributions throughout the sample while reversing. In this paper, we evidence how during reversal typical geometric arrangements of dots in an identical magnetization state appear that originate in the dominance of either Global Configurational Anisotropy or Nearest-Neighbor Magnetostatic interactions, which depends on the fields at which the magnetization reversal sets in. Based on our findings, we propose design rules to obtain the uniform magnetization state distributions throughout the array, and also suggest future research directions to achieve non-uniform state distributions of interest, e.g., when aiming at guiding spin wave edge-modes through dot arrays. Our insights are based on the Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect and Magnetic Force Microscopy measurements as well as the extensive micromagnetic simulations.
Study on the characteristics of barrier free surface discharge driven by repetitive nanosecond pulses at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Lei Pang , Kun He , Qiaogen Zhang , Chunliang Liu
Published: May 2016

Nanosecond pulsed plasma has an enormous potential in many applications. In this paper, the characteristics of barrier free nanosecond pulsed surface discharge are investigated by the use of an actuator with a strip-strip film electrode configuration, including the effect of electrode width and the gap distance on the plasma morphology and electrical characteristics at atmospheric pressure. It was found that it is relative easier to generate a quasi uniform discharge with a thinner electrode width and a smaller gap distance. The underlying physical mechanism was also discussed. Besides that, the influence of airflow on repetitive pulsed surface discharge was examined. By comparing to the discharge produced by two different pulse waveforms in airflows, we found that the discharge driven by a faster pulse behaves more stable. Finally, a model was developed to analyze the interaction of the airflow and the discharge channels.
Dual role of monolayer MoS2 in enhanced photocatalytic performance of hybrid MoS2/SnO2 nanocomposite
Authors: Ding Shuang-Shuang , Huang Wei-Qing , Yang Yin-Cai , Zhou Bing-Xin , Hu Wang-Yu , Long Meng-Qiu , Peng P. , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: May 2016

The enhanced photocatalytic performance of various MoS2-based nanomaterials has recently been observed, but the role of monolayer MoS2 is still not well elucidated at the electronic level. Herein, focusing on a model system, hybrid MoS2/SnO2 nanocomposite, we first present a theoretical elucidation of the dual role of monolayer MoS2 as a sensitizer and a co-catalyst by performing density functional theory calculations. It is demonstrated that a type-II, staggered, band alignment of ∼0.49 eV exists between monolayer MoS2 and SnO2 with the latter possessing the higher electron affinity, or work function, leading to the robust separation of photoexcited charge carriers between the two constituents. Under irradiation, the electrons are excited from Mo 4d orbitals to SnO2, thus enhancing the reduction activity of latter, indicating that the monolayer MoS2 is an effective sensitizer. Moreover, the Mo atoms, which are catalytically inert in isolated monolayer MoS2, turn into catalytic active sites, making the monolayer MoS2 to be a highly active co-catalyst in the composite. The dual role of monolayer MoS2 is expected to arise in other MoS2-semiconductor nanocomposites. The calculated absorption spectra can be rationalized by available experimental results. These findings provide theoretical evidence supporting the experimental reports and pave the way for developing highly efficient MoS2-based photocatalysts.
Loss-induced topological transition of dispersion in metamaterials
Authors: Yu Kun , Guo Zhiwei , Jiang Haitao , Chen Hong
Published: May 2016

Topological transition of dispersion in anisotropic metamaterials, in which isofrequency contour changes from a closed ellipsoid to an open hyperboloid, is usually realized by changing the sign of one component of permittivity (ε) or permeability (μ) from positive to negative. However, we show that topological transition of dispersion can occur by tuning the imaginary part of ε(μ) while fixing the real part of ε(μ). By adding different lumped resistors into two-dimensional transmission-line-based metamaterials, we just tune the imaginary part of μ at a fixed frequency. With the increase of loss, we measure the different emission patterns from a point source in the metamaterials to observe the changing process of isofrequency contours.
Limitations of threshold voltage engineering of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures by dielectric interface charge density and manipulation by oxygen plasma surface treatments
Authors: Lükens G. , Yacoub H. , Kalisch H. , Vescan A.
Published: May 2016

The interface charge density between the gate dielectric and an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure has a significant impact on the absolute value and stability of the threshold voltage Vth of metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) heterostructure field effect transistor. It is shown that a dry-etching step (as typically necessary for normally off devices engineered by gate-recessing) before the Al2O3 gate dielectric deposition introduces a high positive interface charge density. Its origin is most likely donor-type trap states shifting Vth to large negative values, which is detrimental for normally off devices. We investigate the influence of oxygen plasma annealing techniques of the dry-etched AlGaN/GaN surface by capacitance-voltage measurements and demonstrate that the positive interface charge density can be effectively compensated. Furthermore, only a low Vth hysteresis is observable making this approach suitable for threshold voltage engineering. Analysis of the electrostatics in the investigated MIS structures reveals that the maximum Vth shift to positive voltages achievable is fundamentally limited by the onset of accumulation of holes at the dielectric/barrier interface. In the case of the Al2O3/Al0.26Ga0.74N/GaN material system, this maximum threshold voltage shift is limited to 2.3 V.
The effect of sheared toroidal rotation on pressure driven magnetic islands in toroidal plasmas
Authors: Hegna C. C.
Published: May 2016

The impact of sheared toroidal rotation on the evolution of pressure driven magnetic islands in tokamak plasmas is investigated using a resistive magnetohydrodynamics model augmented by a neoclassical Ohm's law. Particular attention is paid to the asymptotic matching data as the Mercier indices are altered in the presence of sheared flow. Analysis of the nonlinear island Grad-Shafranov equation shows that sheared flows tend to amplify the stabilizing pressure/curvature contribution to pressure driven islands in toroidal tokamaks relative to the island bootstrap current contribution. As such, sheared toroidal rotation tends to reduce saturated magnetic island widths.
Formation of uniform high-density and small-size Ge/Si quantum dots by scanning pulsed laser annealing of pre-deposited Ge/Si film
Authors: Qayyum Hamza , Lu Chieh-Hsun , Chuang Ying-Hung , Lin Jiunn-Yuan , Chen Szu-yuan
Published: May 2016

The capability to fabricate Ge/Si quantum dots with small dot size and high dot density uniformly over a large area is crucial for many applications. In this work, we demonstrate that this can be achieved by scanning a pre-deposited Ge thin layer on Si substrate with a line-focused pulsed laser beam to induce formation of quantum dots. With suitable setting, Ge/Si quantum dots with a mean height of 2.9 nm, a mean diameter of 25 nm, and a dot density of 6×1010 cm−2 could be formed over an area larger than 4 mm2. The average size of the laser-induced quantum dots is smaller while their density is higher than that of quantum dots grown by using Stranski-Krastanov growth mode. Based on the dependence of the characteristics of quantum dots on the laser parameters, a model consisting of laser-induced strain, surface diffusion, and Ostwald ripening is proposed for the mechanism underlying the formation of the Ge/Si quantum dots. The technique demonstrated could be applicable to other materials besides Ge/Si.
Ornithology in the Pacific
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

The 2nd Southern Hemisphere Ornithological Congress (SHOC II) was held at Griffith University, Brisbane from the 27th of June to the 2nd of July. Ornithological symposia and congresses are frequent events with multiple international and regional meetings held annually in North America and Europe. But for Australasia, and by default the South Pacific, it was a special and long anticipated event.
Forest Fragmentation: Wildlife and Management Implications
Authors: Cousin Jarrad
Published: May 2016

Fragmentation of natural ecosystems occurs throughout the world due to processes such as agriculture, forestry, mining and urbanization. Much of the wheatbelt regions of south-west and eastern Australia face major problems relating to the decline and extinction of resident flora and fauna. Much of the problem relates to the lack of knowledge of the processes and consequences of fragmentation. By the time problems have been addressed, damage to the ecosystems are often irreparable. In North America, much of the forested regions of the Pacific Northwest have also experienced broad-scale fragmentation of the natural forested ecosystems through extensive silvicultural practices.
Abundance and management of Mariana Fruit Bats and feral ungulates on Anatahan, Mariana Islands
Authors: J. Worthington David , P. Marshall Ann , J. Wiles Gary , C. Kessler Curt
Published: May 2016

A survey of Mariana Fruit Bats Pteropus mariannus and feral ungulates was conducted on Anatahan, Mariana Islands, in July 1995. We estimated that a population of 1 902-2 136 bats persists on the island, based on a combination of direct colony counts, departure counts, and station counts of non-colonial animals. Our data suggest that bat numbers have declined since the last surveys were made in 1983 and 1984. We located seven colonies, which held approximately 85-92% of the total population. Most colonies and foraging animals were associated with native forest or isolated native trees in other habitats. Bats fed on five species of plants, with the fruit of Pandanus tectorius eaten most frequently. Anatahan supports a very large Feral Goat Capra hircus population estimated at roughly 5 000-6 000 animals. Feral Pigs Sus scrofa are less common. Both species cause severe damage to plant communities of the island. We recommend that a legal hunting programme for fruit bats be deferred until 1) population censuses on neighbouring islands are completed and it is determined that bat populations can sustain harvesting, 2) habitat degradation is reversed through the control of feral animals, and 3) illegal hunting is curtailed.
Doing Science Design, Analysis and Communication of Scientific Research
Authors: Johan Svensson Carl
Published: May 2016

THE growing number of people interested in science has created a need for an introductory book linking the actual research with the communication of the results. Doing Science is a book that attempts to do this without losing the essentials of each stage of the scientific method. It aims to show that these stages are not separate topics, but a combined unit setting the framework for scientific work.
Can altitudinal diversity gradients be explained by a reduction in area with altitude?
Authors: Kingston Cath
Published: May 2016

Species richness at higher altitudes of a region typically decreases with altitude, the usual explanation being that environmental conditions become harsher as altitude increases. On conical or ridge shaped mountains the surface area available within equally spaced altitude bands declines as altitude increases. It has been suggested (Ogden 1995) that this may be responsible for the decrease in species richness. The phenomenon of decreasing species richness with altitude has been further interpreted by Ogden as lending support to the equilibrium theory of island biogeography (MacArthur and Wilson 1967) which predicts that larger areas will contain more species. The hypothesis that a decrease in area is responsible for the decline in diversity with altitude is here considered critically, and the evidence presented in support of it is found to be lacking.
Are economic instruments the saviour for biodiversity on private land?
Authors: Gibbons P. , V Briggs S. , M. Shields J.
Published: May 2016

IT is the year 2020. Farmers have broken the record for the number of threatened species recorded on private property in a single year. Five species of woodland bird are removed from threatened species lists. The area of private land managed for biodiversity now exceeds the area of public land managed for biodiversity. Farm income from biodiversity is greater than wheat. The Biodiversity Growers Association calls for the environment levy on Australian taxpayers to be increased. Drought relief payments are at an all time low. Retiring head of government conservation agency described as "visionary" by farmers' representatives.
Diversity and abundance of pit-trapped reptiles in Australian arid and mesic habitats: Biodiversity for Environmental Impact Assessments
Authors: G. Thompson Graham , A. Thompson Scott , C. Withers Philip , R. Pianka Eric
Published: May 2016

Based on pit-trapping data for reptile assemblages from mesic, semi-arid and arid Australian sites, we examined species richness, diversity and evenness for general patterns. Reptile assemblages in Australian arid and semi-arid areas are generally species rich, have a high diversity, and have a high proportion of species that are rarely caught. Skinks are generally the most abundant taxa, followed by geckos and agamids. Varanids, elapid and blind snakes are less frequently caught, and pygopods are seldom caught in pit-trapping programmes. However, there was considerable variability in the pattern of reptile assemblages across the Australian arid and semi-arid landscape, and even among closely located sites within the same soil and vegetation zones. A high proportion of arid and semi-arid reptile species are rarely caught in pit-traps. Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority's current requirements for assessing the effects of a potential disturbance, which are based on desktop study and small-scale field survey, are inadequate to describe biodiversity at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels, and also in terms of ecosystem function. If the Environmental Protection Authority considers rare species are an important component of the biodiversity of an area, then a greater level of trapping is required for the preparation of an environmental impact assessment than is generally occurring at present.
Conservation status of Lechenaultia aphylla (Goodeniaceae), a disturbance opportunist from the Great Victoria Desert, Australia
Authors: W. Sage Leigh
Published: May 2016

LIKE all genera in the Goodeniaceae, the south-west of Western Australia is the centre of diversity for Lechenaultia R.Br. with 20 of 26 species in the genus endemic to the region (Keighery and Sage 1999; Morrison 1992). Many species of Lechenaultia (and Goodeniaceae) have habitat preferences for ephemerally wet sites (watercourses and lake edges), especially in the Eremaean Botanical Province (unpubl. data). Species such as L. striata (nomenclature follows Western Australian Herbarium 1998 and Orchard and Wilson 2001) and L. galactites are disturbance opportunists, showing prolific population growth after fire events (S. van Leeuwen, pers. comm.; unpubl. data). Of the remaining species scattered across central and eastern Australia, L. aphylla is the least known with only two non-flowering collections from the extreme eastern Great Victoria Desert bioregion of South Australia (including the holotype). A recent collection of the species made over 1 100 km to the west highlights the lack knowledge of the species and bioregion in general.
Salinization of southwestern Western Australian rivers and the implications for the inland fish fauna - the Blackwood River, a case study
Authors: L. Morgan David , C. Thorburn Dean , S. Gill Howard
Published: May 2016

Increasing salinities throughout southwestern Western Australia, facilitated by extensive land clearing, have compromised the region's highly endemic freshwater fishes. Salinization of the Blackwood River has resulted in the main channel and upper cleared catchment being dominated by estuarine and halotolerant teleosts. The non-halotolerant species are restricted to the forested non-saline tributaries of the lower catchment. Of the 12 943 fish (13 species) captured in 113 sites, the halotolerant introduced Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki was widespread and the most abundant, representing almost 52% of fish caught. The estuarine Western Hardyhead Leptatherina wallacei, which was also widespread throughout the main channel and upper catchment, was the next most abundant, representing ca. 24% of fish caught. Freshwater endemics represented ca. 23% of captures, with the Western Minnow Galaxias occidentalis and Western Pygmy Perch Edelia vittata accounting for most (i.e., ca. 20%). There were significant differences in teleost communities among the naturally vegetated, low salinity tributaries of the river compared with the main channel and upper cleared catchment. While the forested tributaries still contain populations of E. vittata, Nightfish Bostockia porosa and Mud Minnow Galaxiella munda, the elevated salinities in the upper reaches of the Blackwood River system appear to have caused a massive decline in, or extinction of, populations of these species. The protection of the region's unique freshwater teleosts relies on the preservation of their remaining habitat in both the uncleared catchments of the region and in the low salinity forested tributaries within largely cleared systems, such as those in the Blackwood River catchment.
Guide to the Birds of Fiji and Western Polynesia
Authors: F. Recher H.
Published: May 2016

FEW taxa have suffered at the expansion of humanity to the extent of the birds of Pacific Islands. Of the 130 or so birds to become extinct as a consequence of European exploration and colonization of the Pacific, most were island birds and most were flightless rails. Not so well understood is the scale of extinctions that accompanied pre-European colonization of the Pacific islands. Only now is the paleontological record revealing the richness of the lost Pacific avifauna much of which can be put on a par with the loss of moas from New Zealand and the Dodo Raphus cucullatus from Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
Invasion biology: critique of a pseudoscience
Authors: Calver Michael
Published: May 2016

Science is both highly competitive and highly cooperative, so a rigorous evaluation of an idea comes not from one's close colleagues, but from one's opponents (Hull 1988). While robust disagreement may not lead to consensus, at its best it should lead to clarification of areas of agreement and areas of dispute, as well as dialogue on the empirical tests necessary to solve the disagreements. In this context, David Theodoropoulos' new book on invasion biology attempts a rigorous, sceptical critique of the belief that invasive species are a significant threat to biodiversity.
Forests in a Full World
Authors: Slee Conrad
Published: May 2016

THE loss of forests globally, and particularly the rapid deforestation occurring in tropical areas is a concerning issue. Forests in a Full World is a book about the role of forests at a turning point in the human economy where natural capital has replaced human capital as the limitation to further development. This represents the "full world" which provides little space for forests and their values. The book is the product of Woods Hole Research Centre and follows on from the report: Our Forests . . . Our Future (1999) by the World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development. The book is a logically arranged collection of essays from experts in the field of forest management, which give relevant economic considerations to the sustainable use of forests. It is directed at readers with an interest in the fate of forests globally, particularly those with a desire for some technical information. The book gives reasons for deforestation in the past, the stages in which it occurs, and challenging options for increasing the role of forests in a degraded landscape.
Conserving Marine Environments: Out of Sight Out of Mind
Authors: Braid John
Published: May 2016

This publication comprises proceedings of a marine conservation forum. Why are marine environments ?out of sight out of mind?? Good question, however, I was a little disappointed to find that generally it was not addressed and consequently, I do not believe that this forum has done much to progress marine conservation. For the most part it was only Harry Recher?s forward and the Summary paper by Pat Hutchings and Dan Lunney, which made an attempt to answer this question; they argued for, at least to some extent, the human aspect of marine conservation. That might be a little unfair on Sarah Fairfull and Robert Williams, who in presenting the new age of regional delivery of natural resource management through acknowledged peak regional groups, also acknowledge the role that communities can now serve in setting conservation priorities.
Habitat use as a predictor of nest raiding by individual hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus in New Zealand
Authors: Jones Christopher , Norbury Grant
Published: May 2016

Predation by introduced hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus is a significant cause of nest failure in threatened endemic wading birds nesting on the dry gravel beds of braided rivers in New Zealand's central South Island. Night-time movements of 10 hedgehogs (four male; six female) were investigated during the 2002 bird breeding season using spool-and-line tracking and GPS data recording. Nine of the 10 hedgehogs studied used river braids rarely and concentrated their activity in scrub and woodland habitat. One female foraged almost exclusively on the dry river braids. The ranked order of habitat preference (scrub>woodland>river braid) matched the ranked availability of hedgehogs' most common invertebrate prey, estimated by pitfall trapping, in the three habitat types. Male foraging ranges were generally larger than those of females, except for the female that foraged on the relatively resource-poor river braids, which had the second largest range overall. This animal had a much higher probability of encountering, and opportunistically raiding, nests than the others. Trapping programmes targetted at nuisance predators commonly aim to reduce overall predator abundances within a designated area using traps set along logistically convenient lines. This design reflects the implicit assumption that all target animals within the area represent an equal risk to threatened prey. Our results suggest that this assumption may not always be valid. To improve nest protection during the birds' breeding season, we suggest that traps should be focussed in and around the nesting habitat in order to target those predators that habitually forage in the area.
Assessing the risk of boat strike on Dugongs Dugong dugon at Burrum Heads, Queensland, Australia
Authors: N. Maitland R. , R. Lawler I. , K. Sheppard J.
Published: May 2016

The risk of mortality due to boat strike is increasingly being recognized as an important management issue for marine wildlife, including Dugongs Dugong dugon. Ameliorating the effects of boat strike requires assessment of how that risk varies over the management area. This is dependent on the distribution and movements of both Dugongs and boats and on the physical characteristics of the area, particularly depth. In this study we assess these features for a small community that is dependent on tourism centred around recreational fishing and which is home to a regionally significant Dugong population. During one of the most popular holiday times, boats accessing the favoured fishing site pass directly through the core area of Dugong activity. Our data show that boat strike risk to Dugongs can be lowered significantly with minimal imposition on boaters. Boaters can avoid the area of highest risk by travelling around it in deeper water. However, this straightforward solution is only possible because of the restricted spatial scale of Dugong activity and the proximity of a deepwater channel enabling boaters to easily avoid shallow areas where boat strike risk is highest.
Monitoring continental movement patterns of the Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis through community-based surveys and remote sensing
Authors: Ziembicki Mark , C. Z. Woinarski John
Published: May 2016

Many birds of Australia's arid and monsoonal regions are characterized by dispersive or nomadic movements and large population fluctuations in response to variable climatic conditions. These characteristics, compounded by our generally limited knowledge of bird movements and population dynamics (in part due to limited research effort in these sparsely-populated rangelands), complicate population monitoring and conservation for such species. Here we employ mail surveys of landholders across continental Australia to assess the distribution and movement patterns of the Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis. We combine data from these simple mail surveys with more sophisticated techniques that allow for tracking the flux in rainfall patterns and vegetation greenness over broad spatial and temporal scales, to identify and describe the responses of bustards to seasonai and climatic variability. Our results demonstrate that residency patterns of bustards vary widely across Australia. The seasonality of bustard occurrence is generally more pronounced in regions characterized by predictable seasonal conditions. Seasonal patterns are also evident in more climatically unpredictable regions, although here they may be increasingly overlaid by more idiosyncratic movements as a result of longer term variation in rainfall and associated patterns of primary productivity. We found limited evidence that bustards respond to inter-regional irregularities in rainfall events, suggesting that nomadic movements are generally not continental, but rather intra-regional. However, longer term data sets that cover several more, or more extreme, climatic fluctuations than that considered here, are needed to assess these relationships adequately. To a lesser degree and differently between regions, respondents reported that bustards are also associated with fire, grasshopper outbreaks, crop agriculture and drought. They are most abundant across the savannahs of northern Australia extending to parts of the Pilbara and recently cleared regions of the Brigalow Belt in eastern Queensland. In southern Australia, bustards are perceived as shor-term, irregular visitors whereas more permanent populations persist in northern and northeastern regions. While there are inherent limitations to such data, the study illustrates the utility of incorporating rangeland users into the types of large-scale monitoring programmes required to assess the distribution and movement patterns of highly mobile birds or species characterized by large population fluctuations.
2020 Hindsight: An Ecologically Sustainable Australia
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

It is manifestly unfair to comment on the outcome of a national conference when the final report will not be released until May 30th, ten days after I write this editorial. However, the importance of the 2020 Summit held in Canberra the weekend of April 19?20 should not be underestimated. The Summit was an initiative of Australia?s Prime Minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd, and intended to generate ?ideas and ambitions? to ?help us shape a long term strategy for the nation?s future ? in relation to the economy, . . ., our environment,. . .[etc.] and ensure nobody is left out of Australia?s future.? (www.australia2020.gov.au/index.cfm). The Summit generated an Initial Report, on which this editorial is based, plus numerous press accounts and analyses, and more than 8500 submissions from the public clearly indicating how seriously Australians took the Summit and its potential for actually influencing long term government policy.
Biodiversity consequences of sea level rise in New Guinea
Authors: Legra Leo , Li Xingong , Townsend Peterson A.
Published: May 2016

Climate change poses a growing threat to biodiversity globally. Under changing conditions, affected species must either shift spatially to track changing conditions, adapt in terms of ecological tolerances, or become extinct. Currently, most climate change studies focus on direct climate effects on biodiversity and little attention is paid to the effects of sea level rise. We explore two scenarios of sea level rise (1 m and 6 m) and their implications for biodiversity across a major biodiversity hotspot, New Guinea. Marine intrusion at just 1 m of sea level rise is widespread, affecting large sectors of New Guinea. Protected areas (0?58.3% loss), ecoregions (0?90.0% loss) and endemic species (e.g., Pitohui incertus, 41?50% loss) across New Guinea would be affected by sea level rise within the projected range of likely occurrence.
Good Luck
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

On last night?s (11 November 2009) ABC Television, I watched Sir David Attenborough being interviewed for the 7.30 Report by Kerry O?Brien. Sir David is a household name throughout the English speaking world, if not universally. Since the beginnings of television, David Attenborough has brought the world of nature into our homes. He has probably seen more of the Earth?s wild animals and untamed places than any known traveller in modern history; a compassionate, intelligent, thoughtful and articulate man, Sir David?s views on the future of the wild planet merit respect and careful consideration. In this interview, three things stood out.
Establishment of Eucalyptus gomphocephala (Tuart) woodland species in an abandoned limestone quarry: effects after 12 years
Authors: X. Ruthrof Katinka , Bell Richard , Calver Michael
Published: May 2016

Surface mining and quarrying profoundly affect landscapes and vegetation, so restoration of abandoned quarries attempts to create species-rich ecosystems for erosion control and fauna habitat. This study examined the success after 12 years of imported topsoil, sewage sludge, micronutrients, and fertiliser tablets applied at planting (all with and without broadcast fertiliser) on the survival, growth and health of six-month old seedlings of Eucalyptus gomphocephala, Acacia saligna, Banksia prionotes, B. attenuata, E. decipiens, Templetonia retusa and Dodonaea aptera in an abandoned limestone quarry in a mediterranean type climate in south-west Western Australia. Natural recruitment of seedlings of these species was also noted. After 12 years, overall survival was 17.4%, ranging from 42% in E. gomphocephala to 1% in T. retusa. Treatment combinations did not influence survival of any species, nor did growth (measured as height and DBHOB) vary in response to treatment. Treatment did not influence the health of any species significantly, with the exceptions of E. decipiens (healthiest in the All treatment) and B. attenuata (significantly lower levels of health when exposed to broadcast fertiliser). A. saligna, D. aptera and other local species from surrounding woodlands had naturally recruited seedlings. To date, although there is no evidence that any of the treatments tested is a panacea for success in re-establishing the study species in the medium-term, the study shows that vegetation native to the area can be re-established in abandoned limestone quarries at this site.
Breeding habitat selection by the endangered Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia (Meliphagidae) at the local and landscape scale
Authors: L. Oliver D. , W. Lollback G.
Published: May 2016

This is the first Australian study to apply logistical modelling techniques to describe the breeding habitat selection of a widely dispersed, highly mobile, threatened bird species. Landscape and microhabitat structural attributes of breeding habitat occupied by the endangered Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia in the Bundarra-Barraba region of northern NSW were compared to those of unoccupied habitat using logistic regression modelling. Models containing landscape scale variables were best at explaining Regent Honeyeater presence. Regent Honeyeater occupation was negatively associated with the amount of woodland cover surrounding a site (1 km and 2 km radius) and distance to patch edge, and was positively associated with site connectivity and linear remnants. Linear, well-connected woodland patches surrounded by cleared grazing land are typical of the remnant native vegetation occupied by Regent Honeyeaters in the Bundarra-Barraba region. The landscape models developed here can be used to identify potential new sites for protection and rehabilitation, and to assess the suitability of unsurveyed or unoccupied sites for the release of captively bred Regent Honeyeaters, which is identified as one of the priority recovery action for the species.
The loss of native terrestrial small mammals in large urban reserves in the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: J. Buckmaster A. , S. Osborne W. , Webb N.
Published: May 2016

Urban development can alter species composition and diversity within an area through biotic homogenization, the introduction of exotic species, and localized extinctions of native species. In this study we examined the composition and diversity of small terrestrial mammals within nature reserves surrounded by urban landscapes and compared this with previous surveys of these reserves and nearby non-urban reserves with similar vegetative and geomorphological characteristics. A combination of live trapping and indirect detection techniques was employed in eight reserves in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding New South Wales to determine current species composition. Compared with previous studies and the non-urban reserves, the urban reserves appear to have lost two-thirds of their native terrestrial small mammal species in the past 26 years. Exotic species were present in all urban reserves, but were only associated with areas characterized by human-induced disturbance in non-urban reserves. Possible causes of this disparity in native species diversity between urban and non-urban reserves are discussed.
Broad-Spectrum-Academics’ Forum Essays.
Authors: Fulton Graham R
Published: May 2016

SINCE its inception in 1993, Pacific Conservation
Biology has brought its readers more than quality
peer-reviewed research. It has promoted science
and science communication among research
biologists, conservation managers and administrators
with its editorials, opinion pieces, news
and views and forum essays. The essays published
have advocated policies and procedures
that have been either broadly accepted or have
met with colourful and insightful debates. For
example, the series on ethics engendered strong
and varied opinions (Fulton and Ford 2001;
Tidemann and Vardon 2002; Dyson and Calver
2003). Fora are not generally available in
journals where I have published and I have
appreciated the opportunity afforded to me by
this section of Pacific Conservation Biology.
Is Australia ready for assisted colonization? Policy changes required to facilitate translocations under climate change.
Authors: Burbidge Andrew A , Byrne Margaret , Coates David , Garnett Stephen T , Harris Stephen , Hatward Matt W , Martin Tara G , McDonald-Madden Eve , Mitchell Nicola J , Nally Simon , Setterfield Samantha A
Published: May 2016

Assisted Colonization (AC) has been proposed as one method of aiding species to adapt to the impacts of climate
change. AC is a form of translocation and translocation protocols for threatened species, mostly for reintroduction,
are well established in Australia. We evaluate the information available from implementation of translocations to
understand how existing policies and guidelines should be varied to plan, review and regulate AC. While the risks
associated with AC are potentially greater than those of reintroductions, AC is likely to be the only available method,
other than germplasm storage and establishment of captive populations, of conserving many taxa under future climate
change. AC may also be necessary to maintain ecosystem services, particularly where keystone species are affected.
Current policies and procedures for the preparation of Translocation Proposals will require modification and expansion
to deal with Assisted Colonization, particularly in relation to risk management, genetic management, success criteria,
moving associated species and community consultation. Further development of risk assessment processes, particularly
for invasiveness, and guidelines for genetic management to maintain evolutionary potential are particularly important
in the context of changing climate. Success criteria will need to respond to population establishment in the context
of new and evolving ecosystems, and to reflect requirements for any co-establishment of interdependent species.
Translocation Proposals should always be subjected to independent peer review before being considered by regulators.
We conclude that consistent approaches by regulators and multilateral agreements between jurisdictions are required
to minimize duplication, to ensure the risk of AC is adequately assessed and to ensure the potential benefits of AC
are realized.
At the End of the River: The Coorong and Lower Lakes
Authors: L Groome Roger
Published: May 2016

This is a marvelous text (29 cm X 23 cm, 247 pp) on the Coorong and other waters at the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia, their social and environmental values, and the problems which beset them. The Coorong itself is an unusual 110 kilometers long but narrow lagoon, running southeast along the coast from the Murray mouth. Authored principally by Associate Professor David Paton of the University of Adelaide, the text also contains vignettes by 22 other contributors. Its ten chapter are illustrated by 150 colour photographs (no less than 35 photographers contributed) and 35 are so delightful sketches. Almost 300 references are included, plus 50 tables and diagrams.
Survival rates of Rattus verecundus and Paramelomys platyops in a murid rich tropical rainforest of Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Kale Enock , Whitmore Nathan , Mack Andrew L , Wright Debra D
Published: May 2016

Estimations of survival rates of small mammal populations that occur on the island of New Guinea are crucial for
conservation and management strategies. Here, we used mark-recapture data in programme MARK to estimate apparent
survival and detection of two murid species in a tropical rainforest in Papua New Guinea. The most parsimonious
model allowed survival and recapture probability to vary by species. Across the two species, Rattus verecundus generally
had lower survival rates, but higher recapture probabilities, whereas Paramelomys platyops had higher survival rates
but lower recapture probabilities. Since many small mammal species that occur in New Guinea are already listed under
the IUCN red list for Threatened Species, similar studies can be replicated targeting the threatened species to provide
information to wildlife managers for management and conservation decision.
Conservation value of solar salt ponds in coastal tropical eastern Australia to waterbirds and migratory shorebirds.
Authors: Houston Wayne , Black Robert , Elder Rod , Black Leif , Segal Richard
Published: May 2016

Some human-altered habitats such as saltfields support significant numbers of shorebirds and waterbirds, but their
values in tropical eastern Australia are poorly understood. With the continuing loss of shorebird habitats in the East
Asian-Australasian Flyway, identification of important habitats and management is important for their conservation. The
habitat value of two saltfields associated with the Fitzroy River estuary, Queensland (23.520S, 150.860E) was evaluated
by monthly surveys over 33 months and by comparison to previous surveys of nearby natural wetlands. Saltfields
supported as many waterbirds and species as freshwater and naturally saline lagoons. Numbers of migratory shorebirds
peaked during the southern migration period (September to November), when wetlands in tropical northern Australia
are at their lowest extent, thus elevating the conservation value of tropical saltfields to shorebirds. Sharp-tailed Sandpipers
were regularly present in numbers exceeding international levels for staging, while Red-necked Stints were just below
the staging criterion. Salinity regime was found to influence waterbird communities associated with saltfield pools:
piscivores dominating metasaline pools, and shorebirds hypersaline pools. A seasonal pattern of occurrence occurred
in some guilds with greatest numbers in the drier months (cormorants, pelicans, ducks and egrets, all significantly
negatively correlated with the previous month’s rainfall), most of which bred in nearby natural wetlands during the wet
season. Furthermore, cormorants were abundant in the saltfields and fluctuated less compared with natural lagoons
during the critical drier months. Overall, saltfields are an integral component of the ecology of the landscape, providing
complementary resources to that of the natural wetlands.