title: High-level diversity of tailed phages, eukaryote-associated viruses, and virophage-like elements in the metaviromes of Antarctic soils

authors: Zablocki, Oliver

abstract: The metaviromes of two distinct Antarctic hyperarid desert soil communities have been characterized. Hypolithic communities, cyanobacterium-dominated assemblages situated on the ventral surfaces of quartz pebbles embedded in the desert pavement, showed higher virus diversity than surface soils, which correlated with previous bacterial community studies. Prokaryotic viruses (i.e., phages) represented the largest viral component (particularly Mycobacterium phages) in both habitats, with an identical hierarchical sequence abundance of families of tailed phages (Siphoviridae > Myoviridae > Podoviridae). No archaeal viruses were found. Unexpectedly, cyanophages were poorly represented in both metaviromes and were phylogenetically distant from currently characterized cyanophages. Putative phage genomes were assembled and showed a high level of unaffiliated genes, mostly from hypolithic viruses. Moreover, unusual gene arrangements in which eukaryotic and prokaryotic virus-derived genes were found within identical genome segments were observed. Phycodnaviridae and Mimiviridae viruses were the second-most-abundant taxa and more numerous within open soil. Novel virophage-like sequences (within the Sputnik clade) were identified. These findings highlight high-level virus diversity and novel species discovery potential within Antarctic hyperarid soils and may serve as a starting point for future studies targeting specific viral groups.

text: High-level diversity of tailed phages, eukaryote-associated viruses, and virophage-like elements in the metaviromes of Antarctic soils The metaviromes of two distinct Antarctic hyperarid desert soil communities have been characterized. Hypolithic communities, cyanobacterium-dominated assemblages situated on the ventral surfaces of quartz pebbles embedded in the desert pavement, showed higher virus diversity than surface soils, which correlated with previous bacterial community studies. Prokaryotic viruses (i.e., phages) represented the largest viral component (particularly Mycobacterium phages) in both habitats, with an identical hierarchical sequence abundance of families of tailed phages (Siphoviridae > Myoviridae > Podoviridae). No archaeal viruses were found. Unexpectedly, cyanophages were poorly represented in both metaviromes and were phylogenetically distant from currently characterized cyanophages. Putative phage genomes were assembled and showed a high level of unaffiliated genes, mostly from hypolithic viruses. Moreover, unusual gene arrangements in which eukaryotic and prokaryotic virus-derived genes were found within identical genome segments were observed. Phycodnaviridae and Mimiviridae viruses were the second-most-abundant taxa and more numerous within open soil. Novel virophage-like sequences (within the Sputnik clade) were identified. These findings highlight high-level virus diversity and novel species discovery potential within Antarctic hyperarid soils and may serve as a starting point for future studies targeting specific viral groups.

year: 2014-11-01

title: Case study: An in-depth exploration of male survivors of female-perpetrated domestic violence

authors: Jervis, Samantha

subjects: Abuse

abstract: Male survivors of female-perpetrated violence are often overlooked within the academic, social, and judicial systems. The current thesis highlights this gap in research as well as provides readers with a deeper understanding of the difficulties faced by male survivors. Using a case-study based approach, and narrative inquiry a single participant was interviewed over multiple meetings. This allowed the researcher to get a more in-depth and complete picture of his experiences. His story was then told and analysed using the existing literature as a means of comparison and contrast. Unfortunately, it appears as though victims often feel re-victimized by the legal system and service providers to whom they turn for assistance. This was the case with the participant and was corroborated by participants in existing studies. The research revealed that extensive physical, social and mental supports are available for female victims of violence; in contrast, there is very little available to men. Despite growing recognition of male victimisation, it is still a difficult subject to discuss. The legitimacy and validity of men as victims of domestic violence are still feverishly debated amongst academics and mainstream media. The hope is, that with further research and attention, the same forms of assistance that are available to women will be created and offered to men. It is imperative that such supports are designed specifically for men, rather than simply adjusting those services already available to women. Gender differences in the perpetration of violence and the experiences with service providers must be taken into consideration. Throughout the interview and research processes, it was evident that the participant was searching for validation of his experiences and required services that support the gender specific needs of men.

text: Case study: An in-depth exploration of male survivors of female-perpetrated domestic violence Male survivors of female-perpetrated violence are often overlooked within the academic, social, and judicial systems. The current thesis highlights this gap in research as well as provides readers with a deeper understanding of the difficulties faced by male survivors. Using a case-study based approach, and narrative inquiry a single participant was interviewed over multiple meetings. This allowed the researcher to get a more in-depth and complete picture of his experiences. His story was then told and analysed using the existing literature as a means of comparison and contrast. Unfortunately, it appears as though victims often feel re-victimized by the legal system and service providers to whom they turn for assistance. This was the case with the participant and was corroborated by participants in existing studies. The research revealed that extensive physical, social and mental supports are available for female victims of violence; in contrast, there is very little available to men. Despite growing recognition of male victimisation, it is still a difficult subject to discuss. The legitimacy and validity of men as victims of domestic violence are still feverishly debated amongst academics and mainstream media. The hope is, that with further research and attention, the same forms of assistance that are available to women will be created and offered to men. It is imperative that such supports are designed specifically for men, rather than simply adjusting those services already available to women. Gender differences in the perpetration of violence and the experiences with service providers must be taken into consideration. Throughout the interview and research processes, it was evident that the participant was searching for validation of his experiences and required services that support the gender specific needs of men.

year: 2023

title: Waikato shallow lakes modelling

authors: Lehmann, Moritz K.

subjects: Lakes

abstract: The principal aim of this study is to apply a modelling approach to identify, evaluate and prioritise specific in-lake and catchment restoration options which could be applied to improve the water quality and ecological health of peat and riverine lake types across the Waikato Region. Four representative lakes have been selected as case studies for this work based on their social, cultural and ecological significance, as well as the availability of historical monitoring data and the potential transferability of the study findings to similar lake systems. The lakes include Rotomānuka, Ngāroto, Waahi and Waikare.

text: Waikato shallow lakes modelling The principal aim of this study is to apply a modelling approach to identify, evaluate and prioritise specific in-lake and catchment restoration options which could be applied to improve the water quality and ecological health of peat and riverine lake types across the Waikato Region. Four representative lakes have been selected as case studies for this work based on their social, cultural and ecological significance, as well as the availability of historical monitoring data and the potential transferability of the study findings to similar lake systems. The lakes include Rotomānuka, Ngāroto, Waahi and Waikare.

year: 2017