Life Sciences Commons^™

Forest Certification: From The Perspectives Of Fsc Certified Land Managers In North America, Angela Hartsfield

Masters Theses

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification emerged nearly a decade ago from the realms of environmental non-governmental organizations, which sought greater environmental and social accountability from the forestry sector. Since its birth, FSC forest certification has had significant impacts on land managers who have adopted FSC forest management certification for their organizations. Given limited information on impacts of certification, and in order to better understand and assess the implications of FSC forest certification on land managers and on land management; I employ a mail survey, sent to all FSC certified land managers in North America. The results of this survey are …

The Potential For Carbon Sequestration In Soils On Lignite Coal Minelands In East Texas, Cynthia Blake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Global warming is becoming an ever-important topic in the world today. In 1998, it was estimated that 40.5 % of U.S. anthropogenic CO2 emissions was attributed to the combustion of fossil fuels during the generation of electricity (U.S. Department of Energy 2000a). In an attempt to mitigate emissions, electric utility companies have become interested in the potential of forests to sequester large amounts of carbon in their above- and below-ground biomass as well as in the soils. It has been estimated that if the world's deforested lands were reforested and properly managed, they could have the potential to sequester five …

Attitudes And Motivational Factors For Participation In The Becoming An Outdoors-Woman (Bow) Program, Katherine Crippens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Women participating in Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program workshops were surveyed as to their attitudes, interests, and participation in outdoor recreation activities. The survey, administered to 265 women between October 2002 and June 2003, examined demographic characteristics, motivational factors for participation, similarities and differences between firsttime and returning participants, and their change in recreational behavior after the workshops. The study identified most BOW participants as urban, white, 45 - 50 years of age, highly educated and with a high household income. Most have maintained a long-term relationship, but have no children in the household. The participants had a wide range …

Study Of Trisodium Borate Formation And Its Reaction With Green Liquor In Partial Autocausticizing, Pasupathy Rajan Subbaiyan

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates a new development of autocausticizing the green liquor with trisodium borate. Sodium metaborate (NaBO₂) reacts with the sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) in the char bed at 850°C in the recovery furnace to form trisodium borate (Na₃BO₃) which in tum, when dissolved in water produces sodium hydroxide (NaOH) regenerating sodium metaborate (NaBO₂). The main objective of this research is to study the formation of trisodium borate from the reaction of sodium metaborate with sodium carbonate at different molar ratios of carbonate to borate and to determine the …

Effect Of Partial Borate Autocausticizing On Causticizing Rate And Equilibrium, Murugavel Anbalagan

Masters Theses

Borate autocausticizing can replace - total autocausticizing, or supplement the kraft lime cycle- partial autocausticizing. Partial autocausticizing is undergoing trials in several mills and has been recently commercialized in one mill. One common observation in the on-going trials is that the causticizing efficiency increases. The primary objectives of this research are to study the effect of metaborate on the causticizing rate, equilibrium and rate controlling parameters such as the temperature, concentration and sulfidity. The aim is to define the conditions that resulted in the increase of the causticizing efficiency.

The major findings of the research are that when the causticizing …

Generating Icc Output Profiles For Different Printing Devices: Application To A Shinohara Offset Press, Tektronix And Hp Designjet, Srinivasa Raju Alluri

Masters Theses

The most important issue in the current printing industry is managing the perfect color reproduction. Hence, the importance of color management in the printing industry is increasing day by day. Color management saves time and money for color users. With the help of color management, benefits such as accurate onscreen color, output device simulation, gamut checking, and color consistency between devices will reduce the amount of time and materials required to complete color production tasks.

The main purpose of this thesis is to develop ICC profiles and to compare the print quality of ICC profiles generated for different printing devices, …

Generating Icc Output Profiles For Different Substrates: Application Too A Shinohara Offset Press & Several Printers, Kailashnath Jaganathrao Pohnerkar

Masters Theses

The International Color Consortium (ICC) was formed to undertake problems in achieving reliable and reproducible color throughout the reproduction process; the ICC Profile Specification offers solutions to color matching and quality. Problems with the ICC Profile relate to tools in the field, output devices, various substrates, profile calculation processes and color accuracy.

A color management system (CMS), developed by International Color Consortium, allows color transformation to be carried out by the operating system in conformity. ICC profiles describe the color range of a device and the way it distorts the color of an image. The profiling software is required to …

A Comparison Of The Ecological Integrity Of Headwater Streams Draining Harvested And Un-Harvested Watersheds In The Western Mountains Of Maine, U.S.A., Darlene Siegel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of four headwater streams draining forested watersheds were compared to determine the effectiveness of Riparian Management Zones (RMZs) in protecting aquatic ecological integrity from the effects of forest harvesting. Two of the watersheds were harvested with a 30% sheltenvood cut and a 75 foot buffer was left adjacent to the streams. The other two watersheds were un-harvested and were used as reference conditions for comparison with the harvested watersheds. General environmental conditions in these four headwater streams during the study period were characterized as follows. Each stream was located within a mixed- wood forest dominated …

Current Assessment And Future Prediction Of Forest Cover Change In Cumberland And Morgan Counties, Tennessee: A Modeling Technique, Jeffery David Strickland

Masters Theses

Determining the relationship between human disturbance of the environment and natural forest change is critical for sound natural resource planning. Improved land cover modeling techniques that incorporate geographic information systems and statistical models are needed to assist in this analysis. Continued forest fragmentation due to increasing population and urbanization has created a growing interest in forest protection for the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee. Specifically, Cumberland and Morgan Counties have seen unprecedented population growth over the last two decades, resulting in fragmentation of forestland. This study developed a model to determine the probability of exurbia development and its resulting forest fragmentation. …

Borates As Infrared Drying Agents And Bulking Agents In Paper Coatings, Balarama K. Morla

Masters Theses

In the paper industry, the drying process is the second most energy consuming process after the pulping process; it accounts for around 35% of the total energy consumption. If energy consumption in the drying process can be reduced, the cost of paper production would be decreased considerably. The more recent and wide acceptance of the use of infrared energy for the drying of coated grades has led to many developments and improvements in materials and controls, making IR a practical and safe method for the paper industry. This process is mainly based on the absorption of infrared radiation by paper …

Effects Of Fiberimatiux Interactions On The Interfacial Deformation Micromechanics Of Cellulose-Fiberipolymer Composites, William Tai-Yin Tze

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this dissertation was to gain an understanding of the relationship between interfacial chemistry and the micromechanics of the cellulose-fiber/polymer composites. Regenerated cellulose (lyocell) fibers were treated with amine-, phenylamine-, phenyl-, and octadecyl-silanes, and also styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer. Inverse gas chromatography was conducted to evaluate the modified surfaces and to examine the adsorption behavior of ethylbenzene, a model compound for polystyrene, onto the fibers. Micro-composites were formed by depositing micro-droplets of polystyrene onto single fibers. The fiber was subjected to a tensile strain, and Raman spectroscopy was employed to determine the point-to-point variation of the strain- and …

Effects Of Precommercial Thinning On Snowshoe Hares, Small Mammals, And Forest Structure In Northern Maine, Jessica A. Homyack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The extent of precommercial thinning (PCT) to manipulate stand density in overstocked, regenerating stands and to accelerate growth, yield, and the rate of development of crop trees has been increasing within the Acadian forest of northeastern North America. Although the silvicultural responses of crop trees to thinning are well studied, few studies have evaluated the effects of PCT on forest-dependent wildlife and their habitat. I investigated the effects of PCT and stand succession on snowshoe hares, small mammals, and forest structure on 38 stands (25 treated with PCT, 13 unthinned stands) from 1 to 16 years post-treatment within 7 townships …

Effects Of Small-Gap Timber Harvests On Songbird Community Composition And Site-Fidelity, Mitschka John Hartley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

I investigated effects of small-gap timber harvests on bird communities at nine sites (10 ha each) within the Penobscot Experimental Forest (PEF), grouped into three replicated "blocks" (three sites each). Blocks were randomly treated with three treatments: 10% harvest, 20% harvest, and no harvest (i.e., control). I examined how treatments affected breeding songbird abundance, richness, and site-fidelity over four consecutive summers, including 1-3 years before and after each site was harvested. Ability to detect treatment effects was limited by the small number of replicates, but power analyses indicated that given the experimental design and observed variability, there was a high …

The Short And Long-Term Effects Of Herbicide Application In Maine Clearcuts On Ant Communities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Kerry Frances Lough

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The short and long-term effects of glyphosate application on the diversity and abundance of ants in Maine clearcuts was assessed in a two-year study. Glyphosate is applied to release coniferous trees from suppression by competition with deciduous vegetation after a forest is clearcut. Previous research indicates glyphosate has limited immediate and long-term effects on non-target fauna, though specific species can be affected. Limited research on the effects of herbicides on insects indicates some initial decrease in insect populations. Beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predators, positively influence the forest ecosystem, but little research has examined the effects of herbicide application …

Influence Of Firm Structure On Profitability In The U.S. Pulp And Paper Industry (1960-1998), Kanwar Muhammad Suleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study indicates that firm size, market share and equity/sales ratio are the principal factors contributing to the profitability (net income) of pulp and paper firms in the United States. Timberland ownership, exports, K-Factor (a measure of relative firm capacity), growth, new supply/real gross domestic product (RGDP) ratio and price index also influence the profitability of pulp and paper manufacturing firms. Market share, an index of the structure of the pulp and paper industry, is determined by a firm's size (assets) and net income. In addition, the number of a firm's production units, K-factor, whether the firm exports, previous concentration …

Catastrophic Wildfire Hazard Assessment In Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands Utilizing A Managerial Paradigm, Benjamin D. Baldwin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The impetus for this research was the increasing threat of catastrophic wildfires resulting from the accumulation of fuels across the West. Guided by the priorities, goals, and guiding principles outlined by the national fire plan (NFP), the objective was to identify those areas within a pinyon-juniper woodland-dominated landscape with the highest hazard of catastrophic wildfire. The intent was to help managers prioritize proactive fuels management efforts outside of the wildland urban interface (WUI). Based on a management paradigm, constraints were placed on the data collection, analysis, and model development. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to create a hazard …

Restoration Of Aspen In Different Stages Of Mortality In Southern Utah, Seth Ray Ohms

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Aspen clones of an aspen-dominated community in Southwestern Utah are declining, some having experienced high mortality coupled with in sufficient regeneration. The objectives of this study were to (I) determine if decadent, non-regenerating mature aspen stands could be regenerated through disturbance of the 111 auxin/cytokinin hormone relationship by clearcutting; (2) determine the extent of ungulate use of regenerating aspen ramets. Clearcuts were made in late summer of 2001 in 10 different clones that exhibited various levels of decline on a continuum from relatively healthy to extremely deteriorated. Nested wildlife/livestock exclosures were constructed in each clearcut plot, as well as in …

Species Pairwise Associations Over Nine Years Of Secondary Succession: Assessing Alternative Explanations And Successional Mechanisms, Lara R. Rozzell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The importance and mechanisms of species interactions are undetermined in most successional systems. I used correlations and null modeling to detect pairwise species associations between 33 plant species in the first nine years of secondary succession after logging and burning in a western Oregon Cascade forest. I tested for correlations between each species and soil nutrients, nonvegetative ground cover, and surrounding vegetation. More positive than negative associations were found at all sampling times. The proportion of positive associations decreased and negative associations increased through time. Up to 42% of associations at a sampling time were explicable by shared positive correlations …

Determine The Effect Of Pulp And Paper Properties Such As Basis Weight, Degree Of Refining On The Drying Proportions Of Both Hardwood And Softwood, Vidit Kumar

Masters Theses

Paper drying is a very important unit operation and a highly energy intensive operation in the paper industry. Various studies have been made to discuss the effect of various variables on the drying behavior of the paper. Extensive efforts have been made to reduce the energy requirement in this operation.

This study tries to find the effect of basis weight, refining level on the drying behavior of the paper of both hardwood and softwood. The basis weight, the degree of refining and type of wood affects significantly the drying rate, the drying time and the contact coefficient between the paper …

Particle Size Analysis Of Commercial Printing Inks And Their Press Stability And Printability, Andrea Frimova

Masters Theses

The particle size of commercially produced printing inks available for each of the printing processes, such as letterpress, lithography, flexography, rotogravure and screen-printing was completed. The study of their stability on the press, as well as the examination of the effect of particle size on printability and color balance was investigated. This was demonstrated on several gravure and flexo printing trials lasting for several hours.

Decrease of rotogravure inks particle size was most obvious in black, while the decrease of particle size in all other colors was rather similar. Differences in color, print density, and specular gloss measured on printed …

Crt Versus Lcd Monitors For Soft Proofing: Quantitative And Visual Considerations, Veronika Chovancova

Masters Theses

Quantitative and visual considerations of accuracy of colors in images displayed on two types of monitors employing a soft proofing system were accomplished in this research work. Soft proofing proposes possible savings in material and time, which are essential issues of current digital and quick turn around workflow. The investigation focuses on the quantitative evaluation process of color monitor profiles along with the color quality of software used to achieve the created profiles. Specific tests are provided to look at the color quality of the monitors and output profiles in greater details. Also, a general comparison of the CRT and …

Influence Of Infrared Absorbing Anions On Paper Coating Structure, Sachitanand Karnakote

Masters Theses

Infrared units are widely used in paper coating drying to initiate evaporation and quickly reach solids immobilization point. Thermal efficiency of IR units can be improved by increasing absorption of coating color. Borate compounds have shown good IR absorption at wavelengths typical to commercial IR units.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the compatibility of selected borate-containing compounds with the primary components of the paper coatings like clays, carbonates, and some binders.

Coatings were prepared at 60% solids and viscosity and pH were adjusted to 900-1200 cp and 8.5-9.5 respectively. Dynamic stress and frequency sweeps were carried out …

The Relationship Between Single-Disk Refining Energy, Strength Properties, And Freeness For Softwood, Hardwood, And Recycled Stock, Ken Marker

Masters Theses

Statistical and graphical analysis techniques were applied to disc refining operations in order to understand the relationship between strength and drainage properties for a given stock. Two refining variables of refining energy and revolutionary velocity were varied during the experiment. The calculated variable of refining intensity was used to represent these refining variables. The relationship between the refining energy, strength, and drainage properties for northern softwood, northern hardwood, and printing grade recycled stock was explored. Experimental pulp was obtained on a Beloit Jones Single-Disc refiner, and a handsheet study was used to develop the relationship with strength properties. Several empirical …

The Vascular Flora Of The Tablelands: A Natural Region In The Northeastern Section Of The Knobs Of Kentucky, Kim L. Feeman

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Kim L. Feeman on January 22, 2003.

Photodegradation And Photostabilization Of Weathered Wood Flour Filled Polyethylene Composites, Nicole M. Stark

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) have gained popularity as building materials because of their usefulness in replacing solid wood in a variety of applications. These composites are promoted as being low-maintenance, high-durability products. However, it has been shown that WPCs exposed to weathering may experience a color change and/or loss in mechanical properties. An important requirement for building materials used in outdoor applications is the retention of their aesthetic qualities and mechanical properties during service life. Therefore, it is critical to understand the photodegradation mechanisms of WPCs exposed to UV radiation and to develop approaches to stabilize these composites (both unstabilized …

Genetic Diversity Of Annona Cherimola Mill In South Central Bolivia, Kristina J. Owens

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

No abstract provided.

Riparian Buffer Zones Of The Ybytyruzu Mountain Range, Paraguay, Wendy A. Owens

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

No abstract provided.

Future Of South Korean National Parks -- A Delphi Study, Byung-Kyu Lee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In a three-wave Delphi survey of a panel of 40 key experts of Korean National Parks conducted between February 2001 and March in 2002, four major issues -- (A) Park philosophy not clearly articulated; (B) Inadequate emphasis on ecosystem protection; (C) Widespread deficiency of management tools; and (D) Visitor services needed -- were asked to get the panel's opinions regarding 'importance' (1 = most important; 4 = least important) and 'likelihood' of being resolved (1= resolved in 5 years; 4 = not resolved in 5 years) of these four issues in Wave 3. In terms of 'importance,' Issue A (Park …

Long-Term Effects Of Herbicide And Precommercial Thinning Treatments On Species Composition, Stand Structure, And Net Present Value In Spruce-Fir Stands In Maine: The Austin Pond Study, R. Howard Daggett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The long-term effect on the development of spruce-fir stands in Maine from combinations of herbicide (Glyphosate, Triclopyr, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, MSMA, Picloram, Water, and Control) and precommercial thinning (PCT and no PCT) treatments was examined 22 years after herbicide application and 13 years after PCT. The mean IRR for the herbicide treatments with no thinning was 8.2%. For PCT only the IRR was 6.3%. The mean IRR for plots receiving both herbicide and PCT treatments was 5.8%. Therefore, the rate of return for both herbicide and PCT and combinations of the two treatments would be acceptable to many investors.

Measuring The Adhesive Bond Quality Of Vinyl Ester-Glass Composites On Novolak Hmr Treated Wood, Leopold Eisenheld

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to 1) reduce the drying time of novolak-based HMR coupling agent, 2) reinforce wood samples with E-glasslvinyl ester resin composite using the SCRIMPThq process, 3) evaluate the durability and strength properties of the FRP-wood composites, and 4) evaluate the bonding strength of wood-to-wood bonding using vinyl ester resin. To reduce the drying time of HMR-treated wood laminates, a randomized complete three factorial experiment was used to evaluate five HMR drying times, two HMR spread rates, and two HMR solids contents. The experiment evaluated the sensitivity of the HMR treatment process to accelerated drying. The …