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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Towards Machine Learning-Based Control Of Autonomous Vehicles In Solar Panel Cleaning Systems, Farima Hajiahmadi
Towards Machine Learning-Based Control Of Autonomous Vehicles In Solar Panel Cleaning Systems, Farima Hajiahmadi
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis presents a machine learning (ML)-based approach for the intelligent control of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) utilized in solar panel cleaning systems, aiming to mitigate challenges arising from uncertainties, disturbances, and dynamic environments. Solar panels, predominantly situated in dedicated lands for solar energy production (e.g., agricultural solar farms), are susceptible to dust and debris accumulation, leading to diminished energy absorption. Instead of labor-intensive manual cleaning, robotic cleaners offer a viable solution. AVs equipped to transport and precisely position these cleaning robots are indispensable for efficient navigation among solar panel arrays. However, environmental obstacles (e.g., rough terrain), variations in solar panel …
Strain Analysis Across The Margins Of The Elkahatchee And Coley Creek Plutons, Alabama Eastern Blue Ridge: Implications For The Alexander City Fault, Kenneth Joel Roop-Eckart
Strain Analysis Across The Margins Of The Elkahatchee And Coley Creek Plutons, Alabama Eastern Blue Ridge: Implications For The Alexander City Fault, Kenneth Joel Roop-Eckart
Theses and Dissertations
The Ashland-Wedowee-Emuckfaw belt of the eastern Blue Ridge of Alabama and Georgia consists of metamorphosed Neoproterozoic-Ordovician continental margin and Ordovician back-arc sedimentary/volcanic sequences intruded by Ordovician-Mississippian granitic plutons. Two of these plutons, the Elkahatchee Quartz Diorite and Coley Creek orthogneiss exhibit zones of high strain, evidenced by mylonitic fabrics, ductile deformation of feldspar grains, grain size reduction, and changes in mica content at their margins. Geologic mapping in the vicinity of the Coley Creek pluton shows no evidence for a ductile shear zone beyond its margins and thus, is unlikely to be associated with a major fault. More likely, this …
Hydrological Drought Analysis For Seven North Georgia Watersheds (1970-2000), Jessica L. Taylor
Hydrological Drought Analysis For Seven North Georgia Watersheds (1970-2000), Jessica L. Taylor
Theses and Dissertations
Drought is a prolonged reduction in precipitation which may result in significant effects on local ecosystems, watersheds, and water sources, with the potential to have negative impacts on human populations. Normalized indexes can be used to characterize drought magnitudes and frequencies using historical data records on temperature, rainfall, snowpack, soil moisture, streamflow, and/or other water supply indicators. This study examined the applicability of two drought indices: Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Streamflow Drought Index (SDI). The SPI and SDI estimate the magnitude of observed rainfall (SPI) and discharge (SDI) deviations from the longterm average. In this study, SPI and SDI …
Demographic And Genetic Consequences Of Small Population Size In Remnant Populations Of Arabis Georgiana Harper (Georgia Rockcress), Alicia M. Garcia
Demographic And Genetic Consequences Of Small Population Size In Remnant Populations Of Arabis Georgiana Harper (Georgia Rockcress), Alicia M. Garcia
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this thesis is to provide a greater scientific understanding of the demographic and genetic consequences of small population size in remnant populations of Arabis georgiana Harper (Georgia Rockcress). Specifically, 1 ) traits associated with phenological progression, fitness and reproductive success were compared between naturally occurring "native" plants and plants grown ex situ and subsequently restored to one of the largest remaining populations of A. georgiana, and 2) a preliminary analysis of population genetic structure in remnant populations across the species' range was performed. In addition to updating census information on remnant populations of A. georgiana, chapter one …
Determination Of Toxic Heavy Metals In Wet Deposition And Ambient Air In Columbus, Ga, Melissa K.M. Nestor
Determination Of Toxic Heavy Metals In Wet Deposition And Ambient Air In Columbus, Ga, Melissa K.M. Nestor
Theses and Dissertations
Atmospheric pollution is one of the most significant and potentially catastrophic environmental issues threatening the United States and the world today. One such source of this pollution is heavy metals. The impact of heavy metal pollution on living organisms can be disastrous, having the potential to cause the deterioration of ecosystems and posing danger to the health and survival of the human race. Chronic and acute human exposure to this type of pollution can damage the proper functioning of vital body organs by inhibiting important neurological pathways. In plants, it essentially acts as a counter-agent to proper growth. In areas …
Interspecific Hybridization Among Black Basses (Micropterus Spp.) In The Chattahoochee River, Columbus Georgia, Kimberly S. Holley
Interspecific Hybridization Among Black Basses (Micropterus Spp.) In The Chattahoochee River, Columbus Georgia, Kimberly S. Holley
Theses and Dissertations
Interspecific hybridization can lead to the evolution of a new hybrid species or extinction of parental species due to competition or excessive backcrossing, When parental populations differ in abundance, hybrids tend to backcross more frequently with the more abundant parent, resulting in asymmetrical introgression. The objective of this study was to determine the extent and apparent direction of hybridization between shoal bass {Micropterus cataractae), a rare endemic species to the Apalachicola drainage, and spotted bass (M. punctulatus), an introduced and more abundant species. Pelvic fin tissue (N = 130) was taken from bass species in the Chattahoochee River between Columbus, …
Host Fish Assessment And Gravidity For The Mussel Elliptoideus Sloatianus, Andrew Hartzog
Host Fish Assessment And Gravidity For The Mussel Elliptoideus Sloatianus, Andrew Hartzog
Theses and Dissertations
Elliptoideus sloatianus (purple bankclimber) is a freshwater mussel that m endemic to the Apalachicola River Basin, which includes the Chattahoochee, Flint, Chipola, and Apalachicola Rivers. Populations of E. sloatianus also exist in the Ochlockonee River, which discharges independently from the ACF basin into the Gulf of Mexico. In 1998, E. sloatianus was listed as federally threatened due to the loss of suitable habitat and the potential blockage of host fish passage into areas where the mussel lives. For this study, we located three populations of £. sloatianus in the Flint River in southwest Georgia. Gravid mussels were collected in late …
Xmm-Newton Survey Of The Brightest Supernova Remnants In The Large Magellanic Cloud, Zachary I. Edwards
Xmm-Newton Survey Of The Brightest Supernova Remnants In The Large Magellanic Cloud, Zachary I. Edwards
Theses and Dissertations
Therefore, a realistic understanding of SN contribution from SNRs populations is needed to model the evolution of a galaxy.
Characterization Of Watersheds On Fort Benning Military Reservation: Comparison Of Field Data To Watershed Parameters, Melinda Rosetta Stahl
Characterization Of Watersheds On Fort Benning Military Reservation: Comparison Of Field Data To Watershed Parameters, Melinda Rosetta Stahl
Theses and Dissertations
Sixteen watersheds located on Fort Benning Military Installation in Georgia were analyzed using both physically collected data and computer modeling data. Physical data collected included total suspended solids (TSS) and grain size analysis using the Wolman Pebble Count method. Computer modeling analyzed the watersheds using ArcGIS 9.3 for comparison to physical data. Land use, slope, and soil data were used in a modified revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) to create a soil erodibility index map. Wolman Pebble Count data showed that in half of the watersheds, 84% of the sampled grains were less than half a millimeter in size. …
Tracking Floral Visitation Using Dna Barcodes, Ivan Ray Shoemaker
Tracking Floral Visitation Using Dna Barcodes, Ivan Ray Shoemaker
Theses and Dissertations
Floral visitation resulting in interspecific pollen transfer (IPT) from non-native or invasive plant species can affect the reproductive fitness of native plant species through pollen allelopathy, stigma clogging, stylar clogging, and ovule (seed) discounting. The prevalence of IPT and the importance of pollinators in mediating its impacts, however, remain poorly understood. Although most traditional methods for examining visitor movement are insufficient for determining rates of potential IPT, one promising alternative is the use of DNA barcoding. Because floral visitors eat, collect or unknowingly obtain pollen, nectar and other floral tissues, plant DNA should be recoverable from their bodies, permitting molecular …
Construction Site Sedimentary Pollution In A Watershed, Imo Okwu
Construction Site Sedimentary Pollution In A Watershed, Imo Okwu
Theses and Dissertations
In the study of sediment pollution on and near a construction site, it is necessary to remember that sediment movement and deposition are part of the natural environment before the intervention of construction. As with many hydrologic problems, most sedimentation problems have visual impacts for relatively short periods, because they are rainstorm-related. Perhaps the most serious sedimentation problem is general deterioration of the total environment, a condition usually not recognized by the public. This research presents an analytical evaluation of five construction sites. The analytical framework categorized the life cycle of construction sites into three stages in order to facilitate …
Comparative Ecology And Conservation Status Of Procambarus (Pennides) Gibbus And Procambarus (Pennides) Versutus In Marion County, Georgia, Joann Chadwick
Comparative Ecology And Conservation Status Of Procambarus (Pennides) Gibbus And Procambarus (Pennides) Versutus In Marion County, Georgia, Joann Chadwick
Theses and Dissertations
Two crayfish species, whose conservation status was of concern, Procambarus (Pennides) gibbus Hobbs and Procambarus (Pennides) versutus Hagen, and one relatively common crayfish, Procambarus (Pennides) spiculifer LeConte were studied at nine creek sites in Marion County, Georgia. Major objectives of the yearlong study were to 1) compare the habitats of these species, looking for environmental differences that might account for their isolated distributions within the county and 2) assess the current conservation status of P. gibbus and P. versutus. Each study site was characterized by a one-time assessment of floodplain width, stream width, water velocity, stream depth and assessment of …
Tolerance And Accumulation Of Copper, Lead And Zinc By Ceratopteris Richardii, Dorothy Jelagat Cheruiyot
Tolerance And Accumulation Of Copper, Lead And Zinc By Ceratopteris Richardii, Dorothy Jelagat Cheruiyot
Theses and Dissertations
Environmental contamination has increased rapidly in recent years. There is a need to develop cheap and environmentally friendly remediation methods. Numerous studies have evaluated the ability plants to remove contaminants from the environment. The present study evaluated the ability of Ceratopteris richardii gametophytes and sporophytes to tolerate copper, lead and zinc and for the sporophytes to accumulate the three metals in their shoots. Spores were sown in plant medium treated with varying concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn. Fifteen-day- old sporophytes were transferred into medium mixed with varying concentrations of the three metals. Ceratopteris richardii tolerated and accumulated each of …
Life History Observations And Determination Of Potential Host Fish Species For Chipola Slabshell, Elliptio Chipolaensis, Lisa Preister
Life History Observations And Determination Of Potential Host Fish Species For Chipola Slabshell, Elliptio Chipolaensis, Lisa Preister
Theses and Dissertations
North America is home to nearly 300 species of freshwater mussels with approximately 80% being found in the southeastern United States. The Federally threatened species, Elliptio chipolaensis (Chipola slabshell), is considered an endemic species to the Chipola River Basin in the Florida panhandle. E. chipolaensis glochidia are released from the female in conglutinates The potential fish host species for Elliptio chipolaensis are the bluegill and redbreast sunfish. Sixty percent of the bluegill successfully transformed E. chipolaensis glochidia into juvenile mussels while 80% of the redbreast sunfish were successful.
Effect Of A Water Treatment Bmp On Nutrient Spiraling And Leaf Litter Breakdown In An Urban Stream, Megan Leclair Wheeler
Effect Of A Water Treatment Bmp On Nutrient Spiraling And Leaf Litter Breakdown In An Urban Stream, Megan Leclair Wheeler
Theses and Dissertations
Alterations to stream conditions caused by urbanization can compromise valuable ecosystem services, such as nutrient attenuation and carbon processing. A best management practice (BMP) water facility was installed to restore an impaired urban stream in Columbus, GA. This study was conducted to determine the effect of this BMP on nutrient spiraling and leaf litter decomposition in a 2 km stretch of Weracoba Creek. I hypothesized the BMP would (1) reduce leaf mass loss over time and (2) interfere with nutrient concentrations and uptake lengths. I characterized leaf litter decomposition using tulip tree leaves {Liriodendron tulipifera) in 1mm mesh bags deployed …
A Stratigraphic And Depositional Interpretation Of A Sand Quarry In Middle Georgia, Jessica Taylor
A Stratigraphic And Depositional Interpretation Of A Sand Quarry In Middle Georgia, Jessica Taylor
Theses and Dissertations
Analysis of sediments from two sand quarries in Mauk, Georgia indicate braided stream environment. Sediment samples of both Pleistocene and Cretaceous age were collected, sedimentary features such as trough cross-bedding along with laminar bedding were recorded, and photos were taken to document the scale and stratigraphic sequences of the sediments. Petrified wood was collected throughout the two sand quarries indicating a terrestrial origin. Post-depositional modifications seen at some of sites include load and flame structures. Sediment samples were examined for grain-size distributions and other sediment textures.
Stratification Of Southern Georgia Streams For Rapid Bioassessment Focusing On Differences In Structure And Function Of Black Water And Clear Water Streams, Salini Pradeep Pillai
Stratification Of Southern Georgia Streams For Rapid Bioassessment Focusing On Differences In Structure And Function Of Black Water And Clear Water Streams, Salini Pradeep Pillai
Theses and Dissertations
As part of a rapid bioassessment project for the state of Georgia, relatively unimpaired reference streams and impaired sites were sampled for biological, chemical and physical parameters, and macroinvertebrates were identified. The metrics, biological, physical and chemical metrics, were selected using Ecological Data Application System Version 3.3.2k (EDAS). Discrimination efficiency and correlations were performed to determine the best metrics that separated impaired streams from reference streams and later on to form the index of stream water quality. Principal components analysis of the selected metrics showed that some of the blackwater reference streams and clearwater reference streams are randomly placed over …
A Multimetric Benthic Index For Georgia's Wadeable Streams, Amanda Lynn Middleton
A Multimetric Benthic Index For Georgia's Wadeable Streams, Amanda Lynn Middleton
Theses and Dissertations
Using an ecoregional approach, multimetric indices were developed to describe stream condition in each geographically distinct region of Georgia. Collected from predetermined reference and impaired condition streams, macroinvertebrate data were used to develop multimetric indices. Multimetric indices identified a range of stream conditions, as well as, the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. Based on multimetric indices, the Multimetric Rating System grouped streams according to overall stream condition. The Multimetric Rating System used multiple indices to describe various facets of stream condition. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Multimetric Rating System is a robust water management tool that may be …
Analysis Of Qa/Qc Protocols And Value Of Data To The Development Of Reference Criteria In The Georgia Ecoregions Project, Tracy Jo Ferring
Analysis Of Qa/Qc Protocols And Value Of Data To The Development Of Reference Criteria In The Georgia Ecoregions Project, Tracy Jo Ferring
Theses and Dissertations
The concept of Measurements Quality Objectives (MQOs), in bioassessment programs is a useful tool in evaluating the consistency of data and limiting variability and potential sources of measurement error. Typical evaluations of data repeatability and/or data quality center on the use of a series of calculations that quantify variability between measures. These calculations provided some indication of not only the quality of the data collected, but also acted as a measure of how representative the biological data were to each ecoregion. The evaluation of the Quality Control data for this project provides a framework for data users and water resource …
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction Of The Late Cretaceous Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain In Georgia And Alabama, Tracy L. Hall
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction Of The Late Cretaceous Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain In Georgia And Alabama, Tracy L. Hall
Theses and Dissertations
The present study reconstructs the regional paleoenvironment (particularly paleoclimate) of the Late Cretaceous Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain of Georgia and Alabama using paleobotanical, paleoecological and geochemical methods in order to evaluate the Late Cretaceous climate of the Southeastern United States, and to add to the body of paleoclimate data for that time. Paleobotanical analysis indicates a terrestrial mean annual temperature (MAT) of about 27°C during the Late Cretaceous, which is considerably warmer than modern terrestrial MAT. Stable oxygen isotope data from molluscan carbonate indicate mean sea surface temperature (SST) of 26.8 °C for the Santonian, 23.5°C for the early Campanian, …
Development Of Biological Reference Conditions Of Wadeable Streams In The Major Ecoregions And Subecoregions Of Georgia, Duncan L. Hughes
Development Of Biological Reference Conditions Of Wadeable Streams In The Major Ecoregions And Subecoregions Of Georgia, Duncan L. Hughes
Theses and Dissertations
One bioassessment tool available to resource managers to indicate NPS impairment of wadeable streams and rivers are multi-metric invertebrate indices. Such indices are assembled from metrics in broad categories that represent different aspects of community structure and function (e.g. richness, composition, tolerance/intolerance, feeding group, and habit). Indices must incorporate suites of metrics that are ecologically relevant, quantifiable, non-redundant, and that best individually discriminate between reference sites and impaired sites. More than 240 wadeable streams in Georgia were sampled during the September thru February index period using RBP protocols during three successive sample seasons (1999-2003). Ecoregional reference (minimally impaired) sites, as …
The Effects Of Nutrient Concentrations On Macroinvertebrate Distributions In Georgia, Paula Michele Pollock Brossett
The Effects Of Nutrient Concentrations On Macroinvertebrate Distributions In Georgia, Paula Michele Pollock Brossett
Theses and Dissertations
Nutrients are considered the second largest nonpoint source pollutant in Georgia's running water ecosystems. Nutrients can naturally occur in low amounts and are typically increased in streams as a result of industry, agriculture, silviculture, and urbanization. In large amounts, nutrients can cause many problems to occur in the stream ecosystem. Macroinvertebrates have been established as good indicators for determining the level of impairment of a stream; however, not much research has been done on how nutrients affect macroinvertebrates in a stream. Approximately 225 reference and impaired streams were sampled over a 3 - year field season, (index period from September …
The Effect Of Sample Size On Rapid Bioassessment Scores And Management Efficiency, Uttam Kumar Rai
The Effect Of Sample Size On Rapid Bioassessment Scores And Management Efficiency, Uttam Kumar Rai
Theses and Dissertations
The rapid bioassessment method for stream bio monitoring generally uses a fixed count of 200 macro invertebrates as the standard subsample size. This number has been argued to be too small to provide accurate estimates on the richness of macro invertebrate communities and is believed to give misleading information pertaining to stream health. In this study, I used data collected from multiple habitats from 29 streams located in several subecoregions of Georgia to examine how the rapid bioassessment scores perform across subsample sizes of 100, 200, and 300 organisms. Subsample sizes of 100 and 200 organisms were found to underestimate …
Hydrogeologic Model Of A Leachate Plume In An Unconfined Coastal Plain Aquifer And Chemical Transport Mechanisms Of Metals And Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids, Thomas Lindblad
Theses and Dissertations
Groundwater contamination is of increasing environmental concern as many aquifers across the globe have experienced a decrease in water quality in recent time. The growth of the world's population over the last couple of decades has caused a dramatic increase in the rate of groundwater use. One potential source of groundwater contamination is waste material in landfills. The 1 st Division Road Sanitary landfill at Fort Benning Military Reservation was studied to evaluate the potential effect on local groundwater and a leachate plume was recognized using data from 16 groundwater monitoring wells located around the facility. The study site is …
A Cost Effective Approach To Taxonomic Resolution For Bioassessment And Monitoring Programs In The State Of Georgia, Jodi Alene Williams
A Cost Effective Approach To Taxonomic Resolution For Bioassessment And Monitoring Programs In The State Of Georgia, Jodi Alene Williams
Theses and Dissertations
The Georgia Ecoregions Reference Sites Project has developed biological criteria for streams in Georgia according to the Rapid Bioassessment Protocols For Wadeable Streams and Rivers. Streams will ultimately be classified into categories of impairment so that management decisions can be made in accordance with the Clean Water Act. A cost-effective approach to accomplish mandates set forth by the Clean Water Act must be employed, as state budgets are limited. One means of examining costs is to assess taxonomic resolution. Taxonomic resolution not only assesses the sensitivity of biocriteria, it also allows one to make recommendations to state agencies regarding the …
The Occurrence And Control Of Disinfection By-Products (Dbps) In Two Water Treatment Plants Utilizing The Same Source, Sam George Khoury
The Occurrence And Control Of Disinfection By-Products (Dbps) In Two Water Treatment Plants Utilizing The Same Source, Sam George Khoury
Theses and Dissertations
The influence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) on the operation and design of water treatment plants has been increasing since the early studies by Rook on trihalomethanes (THMs) (Stevens, 1977). Work conducted in the 1980s identified the existence of nonvolatile halogenated organics (non-THM organics), of which the majority produced by chlorination were haloacetic acids (HAAs), within the HAAs, dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) were the dominant members. Concern over potential health effect led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total THMs and HAAs. The disinfectant/disinfection by-product rule (D-DBP Rule) currently proposed …
The Impact Of Urbanization On Macroinvertebrate Communities Of Creeks Within Western Georgia, Jeniffer Susan Lang
The Impact Of Urbanization On Macroinvertebrate Communities Of Creeks Within Western Georgia, Jeniffer Susan Lang
Theses and Dissertations
Urbanization is a major cause of stream impairment in the United States, altering stream ecological integrity in a variety of ways. While control of point source pollution has largely improved over the last twenty years, the control of non-point source pollution has proved to be more of a challenge. Urbanization in the area surrounding streams has been linked with elevated levels of sediment, heavy metals, organic matter, and nutrients within streams, as well as with other negative effects. Examining the macroinvertebrate communities within streams has proven to be an effective indicator of the effects of urbanization on water quality. This …
Terrestrial Movements And Habitat Use Of Gopher Frogs (Rana Capito) At Fort Benning, Georgia, Jonathan H. Neufeldt
Terrestrial Movements And Habitat Use Of Gopher Frogs (Rana Capito) At Fort Benning, Georgia, Jonathan H. Neufeldt
Theses and Dissertations
Gopher frogs (Rana capito) were radio-tracked between the 2000 and 2001 breeding seasons to study their terrestrial movements and habitat use in a longleaf pine- sandhill area on the Fort Benning Military Reservation, Georgia. The telemetry research was conducted in response to the need for biological data concerning gopher frog terrestrial habits. Ultimately the data could aid biologists and land managers in describing critical habitat and the development of a management or recovery plan. Twelve gopher frogs were caught at a herpetofaunal array surrounding two neighboring breeding ponds during a post breeding migration, implanted with miniature transmitters, released and radio-tracked …
Effect Of Heavy Metals On Bacteria, Elena Vratonjic
Effect Of Heavy Metals On Bacteria, Elena Vratonjic
Theses and Dissertations
Heavy metals have become devastating environmental contaminants due to their widespread use in the manufacture of electronics, plastics, batteries and dyes. The discharge of heavy metals into the environment has caused concern about their effects on the ecosystem. Many metals are essential for growth in small amounts. However, at higher concentrations heavy metals are toxic because they bind to organic compounds. This accounts for their effects on some important parts of the cell structure, like their ability to denature protein molecules. The initial objective of this study was to find out the growth rate of E.coli and M.roseus in the …
Characterization Of Environmentally Friendly Polymers: Amylopectin And Its Blends, Mohammad Osman Melibari
Characterization Of Environmentally Friendly Polymers: Amylopectin And Its Blends, Mohammad Osman Melibari
Theses and Dissertations
Biodegradable polymers are desirable for a variety of applications, such as in packaging, agriculture, and medicine. Its biological degradation by microorganisms accelerated the interest in biodegradable polymers during the last decades. Within this group of innovative environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers, starch or Amylpectin plays a predominant role, due to their potential biodegradability. This research was attempted to characterize Amylopectin to obtain its physio-chemical properties. In addition, characterizations were extended to include blends of Amylopectin and biodegradable diluents. Blends of Amylopectin with biodegradable diluents including Polycaprolactone, Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide), and Poly(3- hydroxybutyric acid) were prepared. The physical properties and the thermodynamic characteristics of …