[ECOLOG-L] Humans in the definition of ecosystems
WT, In thinking of culture as a psychological phenomenon that serve(s) a utilitarian purpose--that of permitting humans to manipulate their environment, it is important to state that this manipulation (culture) has been in many contexts, and can continue to be in given contexts, both utilitarian for humans and beneficial to their environment. While the institutionalization of mistakes does seem to be a characteristic behavior of modern Western Culture, it is certainly neither a characteristic definitive of culture nor a behavior characteristic of all cultures. Otherwise, we are without hope, and science is merely a utility for institutionalizing those mistakes. jlh Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone, powered by CREDO Mobile.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Technician Position: Large-scale field experiments on longleaf pine understory assembly
Research Technician Position: Large-scale field experiments on longleaf pine understory assembly and restoration A research technician position is available to work within a large-scale experiment to understand longleaf pine understory community assembly and restoration. The successful candidate will be based full-time at the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina, and act as project manager for the SRS experimental sites. Job duties will include vegetation and soil sampling and establishment and monitoring of experiments to evaluate controls over longleaf pine understory community assembly (e.g. restoration, land-use history, competition, consumers, seed dispersal). The technician will interact closely with project PIs John Orrock (University of Wisconsin), Ellen Damschen (University of Wisconsin), Lars Brudvig (Michigan State University), and Joan Walker (US Forest Service Southern Research Station and Clemson University), as well as local resource managers, and will also be responsible for managing field assistants to assure the execution of the project. The preferred start date is August 2010, with funding for salary and benefits available for two years (second year of funding contingent upon favorable one-year evaluation). Successful candidates will hold a bachelors degree in ecology, biology, or a related discipline (Masters degree preferred) and must be able to endure hot and humid conditions and long hours in the field. Previous field research experience and the desire to quickly learn the longleaf pine forest flora are mandatory. Candidates possessing background in one or more of the following botany, GIS, field experiments, or field crew supervision will be especially favorably received. Because the Savannah River Site is a highly secure area run by the U.S. Department of Energy, non-United States citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work there. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please email a CV and cover letter describing past experience, why you are a strong candidate for this position, dates of availability, and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three references to John Orrock (jorr...@wisc.edu)
[ECOLOG-L] Seeking a Research Technician or Graduate Student: Urban Water Quality
The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory of the University of Missouri is seeking a research technician or a graduate student (M.S. or Ph.D.) to assist with a study investigating water quality in a dynamic multi-land- use urbanizing watershed of the central U.S. The study takes place in the Hinkson Creek Watershed (HCW), which encompasses the city of Columbia and the University of Missouri. The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory is located in the School of Natural Resources and the Department of Forestry of the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri is among the top ten of the nation's universities with demonstrated excellence in teaching and research. This is a 3yr, approximately 20-30hr/week position beginning immediately. There is some possibility of a one-year extension. Primary duties will include every-other-day water grab sampling and on-site water quality measurements at each of five permanent monitoring sites in the HCW. Other duties will include ordering supplies, water quality analyses using a spectrophotometer, and overseeing an undergraduate technician who will assist with laboratory work. The successful applicant will be required to work collaboratively, conduct field work and aid in installation and maintenance of instruments and monitoring sites. Other duties may include data collection, processing and analysis. Applicants should have completed at least one degree in natural resources, environmental sciences, hydrology, water quality, or a related field, and must possess a valid US driver's license. Experience in stream measurements, data processing, analysis and modeling, water quality monitoring, soil physics, GIS, and computer programming are a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Applicants must be able to lift and carry equipment and tools. If interested in applying please forward by email the following documents (as appropriate), transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL scores, cover letter (including professional goals and interests), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Jason A. Hubbart, Department of Forestry, University of Missouri, 203-Q ABNR Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Tel No. (573) 884-7732; Fax: (573) 882-1979; Email: hubba...@missouri.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Help: regressions involving aspect -- how to deal with circular x-axis?
Hi all, I am currently writing one of my dissertation chapters. I collected plant community data in a grassland ecosystem along with environmental variables . One of the questions I am addressing is: How do the dominant grasses respond to the aspect? Aspect was the direction that the slope faced. In the linked graphs (http://sweb.uky.edu/~mpsrin2/aspect_fig.pdf) I have displayed aspect in two ways: (1) in degrees as measured by compass bearings, Fig. 2,and (2) converted to linear scale using: A' = cos (45 - A) + 1, where A is the aspect in degrees (Beers et al, 1966, Journal of Forestry), Fig.3. The resulting index values range from 0 to 2 (0 = SW, 1 = SE and NW, 2 = NE), see Fig. 1. I have fitted regression lines after determining the appropriate fit. One of my concerns is: in Fig. 3, the hump around A'=1.5 could either correspond to N or E, as both take the value 1.5 (see Fig.1). So this index of aspect does not allow me to interpret if the plants are more abundant at N or at E facing slopes. Fig 2. allows me to distinguish data from the different aspects, and it is easier to explain; but the explanatory variable here is circular, and I am concerned whether it is correct to apply regressions on circular data. I showed these graphs to some of my colleagues and I got mixed responses. I would like to know which representation is more appropriate? Right now I am leaning towards Fig. 2, but I am concerned about the statistical appropriateness. I will include the explanatory Fig. 1 with either graph that I choose to finally use. Also, if there is a better way to display/ analyze this, please let me know. Thanks, Madhu Srinivasan Department of Biology University of Kentucky
