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: Kid's Music Box: A Digital Music Organizer Designed with Children for Children

authors: Zhang, Edmond Yiwen

subjects: Children

abstract: This thesis is an investigation of software development for children aged six to ten years old. This is a challenging area; despite the trend for children to be exposed to computer technology at an earlier age, they often struggle to utilize it effectively. Children are not merely miniature adults; they have their own needs which are often not met by traditional software. In particular, this thesis focuses on the task of music management: a task that children take much interest in but for which they are given few tools. We address this with the design of a new music management system: the Kid's Music Box.

The development of Kid's Music Box is documented in four main parts: background research, requirements gathering, design and implementation, and evaluation. Background research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of conventional music organizers with respect to young users. Requirements gathering took the form of a focus group study, which aimed to overcome the distinct challenges of obtaining input from children. The design of Kid's Music Box builds on this work, by incorporating functionality, metaphors and design elements that suit the needs and capabilities of young children. Expert evaluations and formal evaluation from children users showed promising results, which concluded that Kid's Music Box is better than other organizers in terms of managing music for children.

text: Kid's Music Box: A Digital Music Organizer Designed with Children for Children This thesis is an investigation of software development for children aged six to ten years old. This is a challenging area; despite the trend for children to be exposed to computer technology at an earlier age, they often struggle to utilize it effectively. Children are not merely miniature adults; they have their own needs which are often not met by traditional software. In particular, this thesis focuses on the task of music management: a task that children take much interest in but for which they are given few tools. We address this with the design of a new music management system: the Kid's Music Box.

The development of Kid's Music Box is documented in four main parts: background research, requirements gathering, design and implementation, and evaluation. Background research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of conventional music organizers with respect to young users. Requirements gathering took the form of a focus group study, which aimed to overcome the distinct challenges of obtaining input from children. The design of Kid's Music Box builds on this work, by incorporating functionality, metaphors and design elements that suit the needs and capabilities of young children. Expert evaluations and formal evaluation from children users showed promising results, which concluded that Kid's Music Box is better than other organizers in terms of managing music for children.

year: 2007

title: Measuring Wellbeing for Public Policy in a Bi-Cultural Nation: Update from Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Weijers, Dan M.

abstract: A presentation at Measuring Wellbeing in a Multicultural World: An Interdisciplinary Workshop, Conference held at ANU, Canberra, Australia and online

text: Measuring Wellbeing for Public Policy in a Bi-Cultural Nation: Update from Aotearoa New Zealand A presentation at Measuring Wellbeing in a Multicultural World: An Interdisciplinary Workshop, Conference held at ANU, Canberra, Australia and online

year: 2023-08-11