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Kaffenberger M, Veiga P, Rubal M. Intertidal assemblages on groynes along sandy shores in Portugal: Exploring the effects of orientation and distance to rocky shore. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 200:106662. [PMID: 39088887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Coastal erosion is becoming increasingly problematic as sea level rise and coastal areas become more urbanised. In response, more defence structures such as groynes are being built, which are crucial for counteracting sediment loss and coastline retreat. Despite worldwide use, comparatively little is known about the factors that determine the species composition on such structures. In this study, the composition and abundance of intertidal benthic species on groynes was investigated as a function of groyne orientation (North vs. South) and distance to natural rocky shores (5 km vs. 42 km). While orientation showed no effect on benthic assemblages, distance to rocky shores was identified as a key factor influencing the assemblage composition. Macroalgae were found in greater abundance further away from rocky shores, while snail and barnacle species were found in greater numbers closer to rocky shores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Kaffenberger
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal; Institute of Ecology - Faculty of Science, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Puri Veiga
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Marcos Rubal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA/ARNET), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
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2
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Bauer F, Knights AM, Hanley ME, Griffin JN, Foggo A, Brown A, Firth LB. Topography-based modulation of environmental factors as a mechanism for intertidal microhabitat formation: A basis for marine ecological design. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116358. [PMID: 38643588 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Topographic complexity is often considered to be closely associated with habitat complexity and niche diversity; however, complex topography per se does not imply habitat suitability. Rather, ecologically suitable habitats may emerge if topographic features interact with environmental factors and thereby alter their surrounding microenvironment to the benefit of local organisms (e.g., resource provisioning, stress mitigation). Topography may thus act as a key modulator of abiotic stressors and biotic pressures, particularly in environmentally challenging intertidal systems. Here, we review how topography can alter microhabitat conditions with respect to four resources required by intertidal organisms: a source of energy (light, suspended food particles, prey, detritus), water (hydration, buffering of light, temperature and hydrodynamics), shelter (temperature, wave exposure, predation), and habitat space (substratum area, propagule settlement, movement). We synthesize mechanisms and quantitative findings of how environmental factors can be altered through topography and suggest an organism-centered 'form-follows-ecological-function' approach to designing multifunctional marine infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Bauer
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; Environmental Research Institute, School of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, T23 N73K, Ireland
| | - Mick E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - John N Griffin
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Andy Foggo
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | | | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; Environmental Research Institute, School of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, T23 N73K, Ireland
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3
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Zhang W, Zhang B, Zhao T. Study on the Law of Failure Acoustic–Thermal Signal of Weakly Cemented Fractured Rock with Different Dip Angles. ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING 2023; 56:4557-4568. [DOI: 10.1007/s00603-023-03296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
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4
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Baxter T, Coombes M, Viles H. Intertidal biodiversity and physical habitat complexity on historic masonry walls: A comparison with modern concrete infrastructure and natural rocky cliffs. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114617. [PMID: 36701972 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Maritime built heritage (e.g., historic seawalls) represents an important component of coastal infrastructure around the world. Despite this, the ecological communities supported by these structures are poorly understood. At seven locations across the UK, we compared the biodiversity and physical habitat characteristics of (1) historic (pre-1900s) masonry walls, (2) concrete walls, and (3) natural rocky cliffs. Historic masonry walls were found to support significantly more species than concrete walls, and in some locations, more diverse communities than nearby rocky cliffs. Nevertheless, community composition remained distinct between the three habitat types at each location. We also found that historic masonry walls provided substantially more cryptic space (i.e., crevices) than both concrete walls and rocky cliffs, and this is positively associated with the ecological value of these structures. Overall, our results suggest that the unique physical properties of historic masonry walls make them an important component of habitat diversity along developed coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Baxter
- Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab (OxRBL), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Martin Coombes
- Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab (OxRBL), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heather Viles
- Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab (OxRBL), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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5
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Suedel BC, Calabria J, Bilskie MV, Byers JE, Broich K, McKay SK, Tritinger AS, Woodson CB, Dolatowski E. Engineering coastal structures to centrally embrace biodiversity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 323:116138. [PMID: 36113289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global environmental factors (e.g., extreme weather, climate action failure, natural disasters, human environmental damage) increasingly threaten coastal communities. Shorelines are often hardened (seawalls, bulkheads) to prevent flooding and erosion and protect coastal communities. However, hardened shorelines lead to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Developmental pressures that are growing in scale, scope, and complexity necessitate the development of sustainable solutions to work with, rather than against, nature. Such nature-based solutions (NBS) provide protection and improve environmental quality and enhance biodiversity. To further this pressing need into action, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began the Engineering With Nature (EWN) initiative to balance economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaboration with partners and stakeholders. This work shows how engineering practice can be advanced through structured decision-making and landscape architecture renderings that include ecological sciences and NBS into an integrated approach for enhancing biodiversity in coastal marine environments. This integrated approach can be applied when designing new infrastructure projects or modifying or repairing existing infrastructure. To help communicate designs incorporating NBS, drawings, and renderings showcasing EWN concepts can aid decision-making. Our experiences with implementing EWN in practice have revealed that involving landscape architects can play a crucial role in successful collaboration and lead to solutions that protect coastal communities while preserving or enhancing biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burton C Suedel
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Jon Calabria
- College Environment and Design, University of Georgia, 152 Jackson Street Building, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Matthew V Bilskie
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, 0712C Boyd Graduate Research Building, 200 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - James E Byers
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Ecology Building, Rm. 194B, 140 E Green St, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Kelsey Broich
- Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia, 201 North Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - S Kyle McKay
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY, 10278, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Amanda S Tritinger
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - C Brock Woodson
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, 708C Boyd Graduate Research Center 200 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Emily Dolatowski
- College Environment and Design, University of Georgia, 152 Jackson Street Building, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Parmesan C, Singer MC. Mosaics of climatic stress across species' ranges: tradeoffs cause adaptive evolution to limits of climatic tolerance. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210003. [PMID: 35184595 PMCID: PMC8859515 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in birds and trees show climatic stresses distributed across species' ranges, not only at range limits. Here, new analyses from the butterfly Euphydryas editha reveal mechanisms generating these stresses: geographic mosaics of natural selection, acting on tradeoffs between climate adaptation and fitness traits, cause some range-central populations to evolve to limits of climatic tolerance, while others remain resilient. In one ecotype, selection for predator avoidance drives evolution to limits of thermal tolerance. In a second ecotype, the endangered Bay Checkerspot, selection on fecundity drives evolution to the climate-sensitive limit of ability to complete development within the lifespans of ephemeral hosts, causing routinely high mortality from insect-host phenological asynchrony. The tradeoff between maternal fecundity and offspring mortality generated similar values of fitness on different dates, partly explaining why fecundity varied by more than an order of magnitude. Evolutionary response to the tradeoff rendered climatic variability the main driver of Bay Checkerspot dynamics, and increases in this variability, associated with climate change, were a key factor behind permanent extinction of a protected metapopulation. Finally, we discuss implications for conservation planning of our finding that adaptive evolution can reduce population-level resilience to climate change and generate geographic mosaics of climatic stress. This article is part of the theme issue 'Species' ranges in the face of changing environments (Part II)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Parmesan
- Station d’Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200 Moulis, France
- Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Michael C. Singer
- Station d’Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200 Moulis, France
- Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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7
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Goldenberg J, Bisschop K, D'Alba L, Shawkey MD. The link between body size, colouration and thermoregulation and their integration into ecogeographical rules: a critical appraisal in light of climate change. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Goldenberg
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures group, Dept of Biology, Ghent Univ. Ghent Belgium
| | - Karen Bisschop
- Inst. for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, Univ. of Amsterdam Amsterdam the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, Dept of Biology, KU Leuven KULAK Kortrijk Belgium
| | - Liliana D'Alba
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures group, Dept of Biology, Ghent Univ. Ghent Belgium
| | - Matthew D. Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures group, Dept of Biology, Ghent Univ. Ghent Belgium
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8
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Steger J, Dunne B, Zuschin M, Albano PG. Bad neighbors? Niche overlap and asymmetric competition between native and Lessepsian limpets in the Eastern Mediterranean rocky intertidal. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112703. [PMID: 34330002 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Eastern Mediterranean Sea hosts more non-indigenous species than any other marine region, yet their impacts on the native biota remain poorly understood. Focusing on mollusks from the Israeli rocky intertidal, we explored the hypothesis that this abiotically harsh habitat supports a limited trait diversity, and thus may promote niche overlap and competition between native and non-indigenous species. Indeed, native and non-indigenous assemblage components often had a highly similar trait composition, caused by functionally similar native (Patella caerulea) and non-indigenous (Cellana rota) limpets. Body size of P. caerulea decreased with increasing C. rota prevalence, but not vice versa, indicating potential asymmetric competition. Although both species have coexisted in Israel for >15 years, a rapid 'replacement' of native limpets by C. rota has been reported for a thermally polluted site, suggesting that competition and regionally rapid climate-related seawater warming might interact to progressively erode native limpet performance along the Israeli coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Steger
- Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Beata Dunne
- Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Zuschin
- Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paolo G Albano
- Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
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9
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Lawrence PJ, Evans AJ, Jackson-Bué T, Brooks PR, Crowe TP, Dozier AE, Jenkins SR, Moore PJ, Williams GJ, Davies AJ. Artificial shorelines lack natural structural complexity across scales. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210329. [PMID: 34004129 PMCID: PMC8131119 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
From microbes to humans, habitat structural complexity plays a direct role in the provision of physical living space, and increased complexity supports higher biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across biomes. Coastal development and the construction of artificial shorelines are altering natural landscapes as humans seek socio-economic benefits and protection from coastal storms, flooding and erosion. In this study, we evaluate how much structural complexity is missing on artificial coastal structures compared to natural rocky shorelines, across a range of spatial scales from 1 mm to 10 s of m, using three remote sensing platforms (handheld camera, terrestrial laser scanner and uncrewed aerial vehicles). Natural shorelines were typically more structurally complex than artificial ones and offered greater variation between locations. However, our results varied depending on the type of artificial structure and the scale at which complexity was measured. Seawalls were deficient at all scales (approx. 20–40% less complex than natural shores), whereas rock armour was deficient at the smallest and largest scales (approx. 20–50%). Our findings reinforce concerns that hardening shorelines with artificial structures simplifies coastlines at organism-relevant scales. Furthermore, we offer much-needed insight into how structures might be modified to more closely capture the complexity of natural rocky shores that support biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Lawrence
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Ally J Evans
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Tim Jackson-Bué
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Paul R Brooks
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amy E Dozier
- MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ringaskiddy, Ireland
| | - Stuart R Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Gareth J Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Andrew J Davies
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
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Janetzki N, Benkendorff K, Fairweather PG. Rocks of different mineralogy show different temperature characteristics: implications for biodiversity on rocky seashores. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10712. [PMID: 33569252 PMCID: PMC7845524 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As some intertidal biota presently live near their upper tolerable thermal limits when emersed, predicted hotter temperatures and an increased frequency of extreme-heat events associated with global climate change may challenge the survival and persistence of such species. To predict the biological ramifications of climate change on rocky seashores, ecologists have collected baseline rock temperature data, which has shown substrate temperature is heterogenous in the rocky intertidal zone. A multitude of factors may affect rock temperature, although the potential roles of boulder surface (upper versus lower), lithology (rock type) and minerology have been largely neglected to date. Consequently, a common-garden experiment using intertidal boulders of six rock types tested whether temperature characteristics differed among rock types, boulder surfaces, and whether temperature characteristics were associated with rock mineralogy. The temperature of the upper and lower surfaces of all six rock types was heterogeneous at the millimetre to centimetre scale. Three qualitative patterns of temperature difference were identified on boulder surfaces: gradients; mosaics; and limited heterogeneity. The frequency of occurrence of these temperature patterns was heavily influenced by cloud cover. Upper surfaces were generally hotter than lower surfaces, plus purple siltstone and grey siltstone consistently had the hottest temperatures and white limestone and quartzite the coolest. Each rock type had unique mineralogy, with maximum temperatures correlated with the highest metallic oxide and trace metal content of rocks. These baseline data show that rock type, boulder surface and mineralogy all contribute to patterns of heterogenous substrate temperature, with the geological history of rocky seashores potentially influencing the future fate of species and populations under various climate change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Janetzki
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kirsten Benkendorff
- National Marine Science Centre, Faculty Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter G. Fairweather
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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