title: A landscape genetics approach reveals species-specific connectivity patterns for stream insects in fragmented habitats

authors: de Araujo Barbosa, Vanessa

subjects: aquatic insects

abstract: Dispersal is a critical process in ecology and evolution, shaping global biodiversity patterns. In stream habitats, which often exist within diverse and fragmented landscapes, dispersal ensures population connectivity and survival. For aquatic insects in particular, landscape features may significantly influence the degree of genetic connectivity among populations. Thus, understanding connectivity drivers in such populations is essential for the conservation and management of streams. We conducted a landscape genetic study using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to assess the functional connectivity of stream insects in a fragmented pasture-dominated landscape. We focused on three species with terrestrial winged adults: the mayfly Coloburiscus humeralis, the stonefly Zelandobius confusus, and the caddisfly Hydropsyche fimbriata. We observed significant spatial genetic structure at larger geographical distances (populations separated by ~30 and 170 km). However, the effects of landscape factors, which were assessed at fine spatial scales, varied among species: for C. humeralis SNP data, genetic differentiation was weakly correlated with land cover, suggesting greater population connectivity within stream channels protected by forested riparian zones compared to fragmented streams; for Z. confusus, widespread gene flow indicated high dispersal potential across forested and pasture land; while overland dispersal was reduced for H. fimbriata (potentially due to local habitat features), this did not seem to hinder broader population connectivity. Our results emphasise the importance of assessing landscape features when evaluating population connectivity in stream riparian zones, which can greatly benefit stream management efforts through an enhanced understanding of connectivity dynamics.

text: A landscape genetics approach reveals species-specific connectivity patterns for stream insects in fragmented habitats Dispersal is a critical process in ecology and evolution, shaping global biodiversity patterns. In stream habitats, which often exist within diverse and fragmented landscapes, dispersal ensures population connectivity and survival. For aquatic insects in particular, landscape features may significantly influence the degree of genetic connectivity among populations. Thus, understanding connectivity drivers in such populations is essential for the conservation and management of streams. We conducted a landscape genetic study using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to assess the functional connectivity of stream insects in a fragmented pasture-dominated landscape. We focused on three species with terrestrial winged adults: the mayfly Coloburiscus humeralis, the stonefly Zelandobius confusus, and the caddisfly Hydropsyche fimbriata. We observed significant spatial genetic structure at larger geographical distances (populations separated by ~30 and 170 km). However, the effects of landscape factors, which were assessed at fine spatial scales, varied among species: for C. humeralis SNP data, genetic differentiation was weakly correlated with land cover, suggesting greater population connectivity within stream channels protected by forested riparian zones compared to fragmented streams; for Z. confusus, widespread gene flow indicated high dispersal potential across forested and pasture land; while overland dispersal was reduced for H. fimbriata (potentially due to local habitat features), this did not seem to hinder broader population connectivity. Our results emphasise the importance of assessing landscape features when evaluating population connectivity in stream riparian zones, which can greatly benefit stream management efforts through an enhanced understanding of connectivity dynamics.

year: 2025

title: Knowledge management in a New Zealand tree farming company: Ambiguity and resistance to the “technology solution”

authors: Lowe, Alan

subjects: case studies

abstract: Purpose – Managers at the company attempt to implement a knowledge management information system in an attempt to avoid loss of expertise while improving control and efficiency. The paper seeks to explore the implications of the technological solution to employees within the company. 
Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports qualitative research conducted in a single organization. Evidence is presented in the form of interview extracts. 
Findings – The case section of the paper presents the accounts of organizational participants. The accounts reveal the workers' reactions to the technology-based system and something of their strategies of resistance to the system. These accounts also provide glimpses of the identity construction engaged in by these knowledge workers. The setting for the research is in a knowledge-intensive primary industry. Research was conducted through observation and interviews. 
Research limitations/implications – The issues identified are explored in a single case-study setting. Future research could look at the relevance of the findings to other settings. 
Practical implications – The case evidence presented indicates some of the complexity of implementation of information systems in organizations. This could certainly be seen as more evidence of the uncertainty associated with organizational change and of the need for managers not to expect an easy adoption of intrusive IT solutions. 
Originality/value – This paper adds empirical insight to a largely conceptual literature.

text: Knowledge management in a New Zealand tree farming company: Ambiguity and resistance to the “technology solution” Purpose – Managers at the company attempt to implement a knowledge management information system in an attempt to avoid loss of expertise while improving control and efficiency. The paper seeks to explore the implications of the technological solution to employees within the company. 
Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports qualitative research conducted in a single organization. Evidence is presented in the form of interview extracts. 
Findings – The case section of the paper presents the accounts of organizational participants. The accounts reveal the workers' reactions to the technology-based system and something of their strategies of resistance to the system. These accounts also provide glimpses of the identity construction engaged in by these knowledge workers. The setting for the research is in a knowledge-intensive primary industry. Research was conducted through observation and interviews. 
Research limitations/implications – The issues identified are explored in a single case-study setting. Future research could look at the relevance of the findings to other settings. 
Practical implications – The case evidence presented indicates some of the complexity of implementation of information systems in organizations. This could certainly be seen as more evidence of the uncertainty associated with organizational change and of the need for managers not to expect an easy adoption of intrusive IT solutions. 
Originality/value – This paper adds empirical insight to a largely conceptual literature.

year: 2007

title: Prototypical gang recruits in New Zealand prisons

authors: Lett, Daniel

subjects: Gangs

abstract: Gangs have long been associated with antisocial behaviour and crime. To maintain themselves, gangs require a steady flow of new recruits. A better understanding of who is being recruited into gangs is the first step in preventing recruitment and lowering the impact of gangs on society. We asked what the prototypical gang recruit in New Zealand prisons is? To answer this, we needed to establish which factors are most likely to make someone more prototypical. Using these factors as our focus, we completed a series of difference of proportion analyses on archival data acquired through Te Ara Poutama. We found that the most prototypical factors for a gang recruit in New Zealand prisons were being a Māori, repeat offender, with a medium RoC*RoI, convicted of violent crimes, being held in a high security unit, and being between the ages of 20-39. These results suggest that prototypicality for gang recruits varies across settings.

text: Prototypical gang recruits in New Zealand prisons Gangs have long been associated with antisocial behaviour and crime. To maintain themselves, gangs require a steady flow of new recruits. A better understanding of who is being recruited into gangs is the first step in preventing recruitment and lowering the impact of gangs on society. We asked what the prototypical gang recruit in New Zealand prisons is? To answer this, we needed to establish which factors are most likely to make someone more prototypical. Using these factors as our focus, we completed a series of difference of proportion analyses on archival data acquired through Te Ara Poutama. We found that the most prototypical factors for a gang recruit in New Zealand prisons were being a Māori, repeat offender, with a medium RoC*RoI, convicted of violent crimes, being held in a high security unit, and being between the ages of 20-39. These results suggest that prototypicality for gang recruits varies across settings.

year: 2021