title: Taking a book off the shelf in a virtual library

authors: Cunningham, Sally Jo

subjects: computer science

abstract: We present the results of a small-scale study in which participants interacted with a physical book. Their book selection and book opening gestures provide design insights for the interface to a virtual reality library.

text: Taking a book off the shelf in a virtual library We present the results of a small-scale study in which participants interacted with a physical book. Their book selection and book opening gestures provide design insights for the interface to a virtual reality library.

year: 2017

title: Are zooplankton invasions in constructed waters facilitated by simple communities?

authors: Parkes, Samantha Maree

subjects: biological invasions

abstract: Aim Constructed water bodies (e.g. water supply and hydroelectricity dams, ornamental ponds) are invaded at faster rates than natural waters, but the mechanisms that lead to this pattern are uncertain. We aimed to determine whether constructed lakes have lower zooplankton species richness or differ in species composition relative to natural waters, which might allow them to be invaded more readily. 

Location North Island, New Zealand. 

Methods Sediment cores were collected from 23 natural and 23 constructed lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Zooplankton diapausing eggs were hatched from sediments to assess species composition and richness. 

Results Average species richness between natural and constructed water bodies was not significantly different. Stepwise linear regression indicated latitude and maximum depth were significant predictors of species richness in natural waters (P = 0.002 and 0.016, respectively). No significant predictors were elucidated for constructed waters. Species in natural waters consisted mainly of planktonic species, while assemblages in constructed waters were more varied, comprising of more littoral and benthic species, and included many species recorded from only single water bodies. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that trophic state explained the greatest proportion of variation in species composition of natural waters (P = 0.002). Distance to nearest water body and number of water bodies within a 20 km radius (i.e. opportunity) explained the greatest proportion in constructed waters (P = 0.040 and 0.038, respectively). 

Main conclusions Natural and constructed waters had similar species richness per water body, but community composition varied between them. The core group of species found in natural waters are better adapted to pelagic conditions, and may therefore be better at reducing establishment rates of new arrivals than assemblages in constructed water bodies, which had more varied assemblages. Our study suggests that manipulating new water bodies, so that they develop mature communities faster, may reduce establishment rates of non-indigenous species.

text: Are zooplankton invasions in constructed waters facilitated by simple communities? Aim Constructed water bodies (e.g. water supply and hydroelectricity dams, ornamental ponds) are invaded at faster rates than natural waters, but the mechanisms that lead to this pattern are uncertain. We aimed to determine whether constructed lakes have lower zooplankton species richness or differ in species composition relative to natural waters, which might allow them to be invaded more readily. 

Location North Island, New Zealand. 

Methods Sediment cores were collected from 23 natural and 23 constructed lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Zooplankton diapausing eggs were hatched from sediments to assess species composition and richness. 

Results Average species richness between natural and constructed water bodies was not significantly different. Stepwise linear regression indicated latitude and maximum depth were significant predictors of species richness in natural waters (P = 0.002 and 0.016, respectively). No significant predictors were elucidated for constructed waters. Species in natural waters consisted mainly of planktonic species, while assemblages in constructed waters were more varied, comprising of more littoral and benthic species, and included many species recorded from only single water bodies. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that trophic state explained the greatest proportion of variation in species composition of natural waters (P = 0.002). Distance to nearest water body and number of water bodies within a 20 km radius (i.e. opportunity) explained the greatest proportion in constructed waters (P = 0.040 and 0.038, respectively). 

Main conclusions Natural and constructed waters had similar species richness per water body, but community composition varied between them. The core group of species found in natural waters are better adapted to pelagic conditions, and may therefore be better at reducing establishment rates of new arrivals than assemblages in constructed water bodies, which had more varied assemblages. Our study suggests that manipulating new water bodies, so that they develop mature communities faster, may reduce establishment rates of non-indigenous species.

year: 2012

title: Rahui and marine construction: Potential for enhancement of taonga species

authors: Fox, Danielle

subjects: Maori

abstract: The aims of my study were to investigate whether marine reserves enhance intertidal species used by Māori in a traditional or contemporary sense, and whether artificial structures in the intertidal region (such as wharf and bridge pilings) provide suitable habitats for traditionally harvested species. Further, I investigated whether non-indigenous species were found in these habitats, which may affect traditionally used species.
The abundance of ataata (cat's eyes; Turbo smaragdus) and kina (sea urchin; Evechinus chloroticus) were quantified in three marine protected areas and nearby unprotected reference beaches. Results from Mann-Whitney U comparisons suggested that kina were significantly enhanced inside the two marine reserves with total protection. Kina are released from harvest pressure inside these reserves and possibly from the effects of predation and competition. In one reserve ataata abundance was significantly lower and no difference was found for ataata in the second reserve. This species is not as heavily harvested as kina and may even be negatively affected by trampling inside reserves. Both kina and ataata showed no response to a partially protected marine park. Abundance of both non-indigenous species was not sufficient enough to be sampled and statistically quantified at the marine reserve sites. Biotic resistance may restrict the proliferation of non-indigenous species in rocky intertidal marine reserves. 
Intertidal fauna were scraped from concrete and wooden structures and were compared with fauna inhabiting nearby natural rocky reefs. Multi-dimensional scaling and ANOSIM was used to explore trends in the community composition of different study sites, and to illustrate which habitat types are more associated with traditionally used and non-indigenous species. The main results conclude that diverse communities are associated with natural habitats whereas constructed structures have limited fauna. Of the traditionally used species, the native rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) was found in relatively equal frequencies on artificial habitats and rocky reefs, and the non-indigenous oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was predominantly recorded on artificial structures and rare on natural substrates. The construction of artificial structures around New Zealand's coastline may assist in the spread of non-indigenous species, to the detriment of species traditionally used by Māori.

text: Rahui and marine construction: Potential for enhancement of taonga species The aims of my study were to investigate whether marine reserves enhance intertidal species used by Māori in a traditional or contemporary sense, and whether artificial structures in the intertidal region (such as wharf and bridge pilings) provide suitable habitats for traditionally harvested species. Further, I investigated whether non-indigenous species were found in these habitats, which may affect traditionally used species.
The abundance of ataata (cat's eyes; Turbo smaragdus) and kina (sea urchin; Evechinus chloroticus) were quantified in three marine protected areas and nearby unprotected reference beaches. Results from Mann-Whitney U comparisons suggested that kina were significantly enhanced inside the two marine reserves with total protection. Kina are released from harvest pressure inside these reserves and possibly from the effects of predation and competition. In one reserve ataata abundance was significantly lower and no difference was found for ataata in the second reserve. This species is not as heavily harvested as kina and may even be negatively affected by trampling inside reserves. Both kina and ataata showed no response to a partially protected marine park. Abundance of both non-indigenous species was not sufficient enough to be sampled and statistically quantified at the marine reserve sites. Biotic resistance may restrict the proliferation of non-indigenous species in rocky intertidal marine reserves. 
Intertidal fauna were scraped from concrete and wooden structures and were compared with fauna inhabiting nearby natural rocky reefs. Multi-dimensional scaling and ANOSIM was used to explore trends in the community composition of different study sites, and to illustrate which habitat types are more associated with traditionally used and non-indigenous species. The main results conclude that diverse communities are associated with natural habitats whereas constructed structures have limited fauna. Of the traditionally used species, the native rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) was found in relatively equal frequencies on artificial habitats and rocky reefs, and the non-indigenous oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was predominantly recorded on artificial structures and rare on natural substrates. The construction of artificial structures around New Zealand's coastline may assist in the spread of non-indigenous species, to the detriment of species traditionally used by Māori.

year: 2010