title: Geomorphology and flooding shape fish distribution in a large-scale temperate floodplain

authors: Górski, K.

subjects: Volga River

abstract: Natural river-floodplain systems are characterized by their dynamic hydrology and diverse geomorphology resulting in a wide range of habitats that support high fish diversity and production. Various factors (e.g. hydrological dynamics, water quality, and biotic processes) have been proposed to explain fish distribution in large river floodplains, but it is still widely acknowledged that the mechanisms involved may vary in diverse floodplain systems and that they are not fully understood. To determine how flooding dynamics and floodplain geomorphology influence fish species distributions across the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain, Russian Federation, we examined the distributions of eight species with respect to variables reflecting floodplain hydrology and geomorphology. On the basis of fish catches in 40 floodplain water bodies at the end of summer in 2006–2008, we found that frequency of occurrence of most fish species remained stable along the time. The distribution of fish species was strongly influenced by the size and shape of water bodies as well as flood extent. Therefore, the long-term flood variability that drives the geomorphic heterogeneity of the floodplain creates suitable habitats across ranges of fish flow guilds (rheophilic, eurytopic, and limnophilic), resulting in high diversity of the floodplain ichthyofauna. We conclude that this diverse habitat availability is a highly significant factor influencing fish distribution in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain.

text: Geomorphology and flooding shape fish distribution in a large-scale temperate floodplain Natural river-floodplain systems are characterized by their dynamic hydrology and diverse geomorphology resulting in a wide range of habitats that support high fish diversity and production. Various factors (e.g. hydrological dynamics, water quality, and biotic processes) have been proposed to explain fish distribution in large river floodplains, but it is still widely acknowledged that the mechanisms involved may vary in diverse floodplain systems and that they are not fully understood. To determine how flooding dynamics and floodplain geomorphology influence fish species distributions across the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain, Russian Federation, we examined the distributions of eight species with respect to variables reflecting floodplain hydrology and geomorphology. On the basis of fish catches in 40 floodplain water bodies at the end of summer in 2006–2008, we found that frequency of occurrence of most fish species remained stable along the time. The distribution of fish species was strongly influenced by the size and shape of water bodies as well as flood extent. Therefore, the long-term flood variability that drives the geomorphic heterogeneity of the floodplain creates suitable habitats across ranges of fish flow guilds (rheophilic, eurytopic, and limnophilic), resulting in high diversity of the floodplain ichthyofauna. We conclude that this diverse habitat availability is a highly significant factor influencing fish distribution in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain.

year: 2012

title: Supercapacitor-buffered DC-operable refrigerators for DC homes

authors: Gallage, NP

abstract: Efficiency improvements in whiteware will help reduce the overall power consumption of a household. Modern inverter-driven whiteware, such as refrigerators, operates internally on a DC bus, permitting direct powering from the DC bus of a renewable energy system. However, the fluctuating nature of renewable energy DC sources mandates an energy storage system to increase the reliability of DC operations. In this paper, we present the data related to the conversion of a 230 V, 50 Hz AC operable household refrigerator to operate from a solar DC bus, with a supercapacitor bank forming an integral part of a supercapacitor-assisted (SCA) low frequency DC-DC converter. In addition, experimental results of DC camping refrigerator powered from a solar DC bus and the essential details of the new low-frequency SCA converter are also presented.

text: Supercapacitor-buffered DC-operable refrigerators for DC homes Efficiency improvements in whiteware will help reduce the overall power consumption of a household. Modern inverter-driven whiteware, such as refrigerators, operates internally on a DC bus, permitting direct powering from the DC bus of a renewable energy system. However, the fluctuating nature of renewable energy DC sources mandates an energy storage system to increase the reliability of DC operations. In this paper, we present the data related to the conversion of a 230 V, 50 Hz AC operable household refrigerator to operate from a solar DC bus, with a supercapacitor bank forming an integral part of a supercapacitor-assisted (SCA) low frequency DC-DC converter. In addition, experimental results of DC camping refrigerator powered from a solar DC bus and the essential details of the new low-frequency SCA converter are also presented.

year: 2024

title: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2009

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Maori and Psychology Research Unit

abstract: Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2009. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2009 Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2009. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2010