title: Detection and distribution of Craspedacusta sowerbii: Observations of medusae are not enough

authors: Duggan, Ian C.

subjects: Constructed waters

abstract: The freshwater cnidarian Craspedacusta sowerbii, native to the Yangtze valley, has invaded lakes and ponds throughout the world. Most distribution records have to date been based on observations of the medusa (jellyfish) stage, including numerous recent publications. We aimed to determine whether polyps are widespread in lakes, and geographical areas, outside of where medusae have been observed, and whether constructed waters are more easily invaded than natural waters. Our results show that C. sowerbii is more common and widespread than is apparent from observations of medusae. We argue that observed occurrences of medusae provide little useful information regarding the distribution of this species, and that published records of new jellyfish occurrences provide unreliable estimates of the timing of introduction, establishment or spread of C. sowerbii in new regions. We found no evidence that constructed waters were more readily invaded than natural waters. Overall, accurate determination of Craspedacusta occurrence and distribution requires systematic surveys of the polyp stages.

text: Detection and distribution of Craspedacusta sowerbii: Observations of medusae are not enough The freshwater cnidarian Craspedacusta sowerbii, native to the Yangtze valley, has invaded lakes and ponds throughout the world. Most distribution records have to date been based on observations of the medusa (jellyfish) stage, including numerous recent publications. We aimed to determine whether polyps are widespread in lakes, and geographical areas, outside of where medusae have been observed, and whether constructed waters are more easily invaded than natural waters. Our results show that C. sowerbii is more common and widespread than is apparent from observations of medusae. We argue that observed occurrences of medusae provide little useful information regarding the distribution of this species, and that published records of new jellyfish occurrences provide unreliable estimates of the timing of introduction, establishment or spread of C. sowerbii in new regions. We found no evidence that constructed waters were more readily invaded than natural waters. Overall, accurate determination of Craspedacusta occurrence and distribution requires systematic surveys of the polyp stages.

year: 2012

title: Software agents in music and sound art research/creative work: Current state and a possible direction

authors: Whalley, Ian

subjects: music

abstract: Composers, musicians and computer scientists have begun to use software-based agents to create music and sound art in both linear and non-linear (non-predetermined form and/or content) idioms, with some robust approaches now drawing on various disciplines. This paper surveys recent work: agent technology is first introduced, a theoretical framework for its use in creating music/sound art works put forward, and an overview of common approaches then given. Identifying areas of neglect in recent research, a possible direction for further work is then briefly explored. Finally, a vision for a new hybrid model that integrates non-linear, generative, conversational and affective perspectives on interactivity is proposed.

text: Software agents in music and sound art research/creative work: Current state and a possible direction Composers, musicians and computer scientists have begun to use software-based agents to create music and sound art in both linear and non-linear (non-predetermined form and/or content) idioms, with some robust approaches now drawing on various disciplines. This paper surveys recent work: agent technology is first introduced, a theoretical framework for its use in creating music/sound art works put forward, and an overview of common approaches then given. Identifying areas of neglect in recent research, a possible direction for further work is then briefly explored. Finally, a vision for a new hybrid model that integrates non-linear, generative, conversational and affective perspectives on interactivity is proposed.

year: 2009

title: Ko te Kōauau: Its historical journey, aspects of construction, socio-cultural relevance, and performance

authors: Komene, Jo'el

subjects: Koauau

abstract: In recent years there has been a revival of interest in traditional Māori musical instruments, including the Kōauau (sometimes called a  flute ). Most of the information on record is from Pākehā perspectives of music and culture. This thesis studies Kōauau in a Māori framework, giving weight to traditional Māori knowledge and practices, while bringing together much scattered information. The research links the origins/whakapapa of the Kōauau to the gods and their natural world, especially Hineraukatauri. The thesis analyses the materials used for Kōauau, the circumstances under which materials were acquired, their significance, design and methods of construction, and the tools employed in making Kōauau. The study discusses techniques for playing Kōauau, including its range of sounds, occasions on which they were played, and for what purposes they were used. Reference is made to the story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai, with the suggestion that more knowledge can be drawn from pakiwaitara and pūrākau. As part of the research, several Kōauau available in the Auckland Museum were examined, showing that close inspection of these taonga significantly extended the information on them held by the Museum. Despite the constraints of the research in terms of time and other resources, the thesis makes an important contribution to knowledge, by collating widely distributed documentation into a concise form, by placing the Kōauau into a Māori perspective, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of the instrument in its origins and its function, and by indicating what kinds of further research will assist in strengthening the revival of the Kōauau.

text: Ko te Kōauau: Its historical journey, aspects of construction, socio-cultural relevance, and performance In recent years there has been a revival of interest in traditional Māori musical instruments, including the Kōauau (sometimes called a  flute ). Most of the information on record is from Pākehā perspectives of music and culture. This thesis studies Kōauau in a Māori framework, giving weight to traditional Māori knowledge and practices, while bringing together much scattered information. The research links the origins/whakapapa of the Kōauau to the gods and their natural world, especially Hineraukatauri. The thesis analyses the materials used for Kōauau, the circumstances under which materials were acquired, their significance, design and methods of construction, and the tools employed in making Kōauau. The study discusses techniques for playing Kōauau, including its range of sounds, occasions on which they were played, and for what purposes they were used. Reference is made to the story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai, with the suggestion that more knowledge can be drawn from pakiwaitara and pūrākau. As part of the research, several Kōauau available in the Auckland Museum were examined, showing that close inspection of these taonga significantly extended the information on them held by the Museum. Despite the constraints of the research in terms of time and other resources, the thesis makes an important contribution to knowledge, by collating widely distributed documentation into a concise form, by placing the Kōauau into a Māori perspective, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of the instrument in its origins and its function, and by indicating what kinds of further research will assist in strengthening the revival of the Kōauau.

year: 2008