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Analysis Of Vertebrate Pest Research, Jim Hone

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Research on vertebrate pest control is mostly empirical, focusing on control of species X in location Y using method Z. Such an approach is needed. The science of vertebrate pest research is developing some generalizations across species, locations, and methods. This paper further explores such generalizations by discussing six questions asked by Hone (1994), the answers to which are relevant to vertebrate pest research world-wide. Several case studies are examined, with emphasis on control of damage by small mammals and predation control. Suggestions are made for future research.

Ecological Challenges To Controlling Wild Rabbits In Australia Using Virally-Vectored Immunocontraception, C. K. Williams

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The European wild rabbit in Australia threatens the sustainability of agriculture and conservation of native flora and fauna. Improved means of reducing these impacts are sought including effort to develop virally vectored immunocontraception (VVIC). VVIC for the wild rabbit involves complex interactions between the rabbit, myxoma virus and insect vectors of the virus. Development of the method includes not only reproductive molecular biology and genetics and manipulation of virus genetics, but also many problems in reproductive biology, ecology and population dynamics of the rabbit in diverse environments. Furthermore, epidemiology of enzootic myxomatosis, and behavior and population dynamics of several vector …

Cache County Water Demand/Supply Model, Trevor C. Hughes, Gregory J. Norby, Laxman Thyagarajan

Reports

This report descibes a municipal water demand forecasting model for use in areas of mixed rural and urban housing types. A series of residential demand functions were derived which forecast water demand based on the ype and density of housing and season. Micro sampling techniques were used to correlate water use data and explanatory variable data for low, medium, and high density housing. The demand functions were incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS) platform cosisting of a desk-top mapping program, MapInfo, coupled with a user interface program written in Visual Basic. The GIS-based model analyzes water demand at the …

The Study Of The Resistance And Stability Of Vegetation Ecosystem Plant Groupings In Flood Control Channels: Vol. 1, William Rahmeyer, David Werth

Reports

Preface: The following report was prepared by the utah Water Research Laboratory of Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Volume 1 of the UWRL report USU--400A contains the data summary and conclusions of flow tests conducted with different plant types and ecosystem groupings of shrubs and woody vegetation in the hydraulics flumes of Utah State University. The methodology and equations that were developed to predict flow resistance for fultiple plant types include the effects of plant fexibility, varying plant density, plant characteristics, and multiple plant stems. The study included over 214 flow tests, testing of 20 different plant types, 5 …

Utah Water Research Laboratory Publications Listing 1993-1996, David S. Bowles, Leaunda S. Hemphill

Reports

No abstract provided.

Biodegradation Of Nonionic Surfactants And Effects Of Oxidative Pretreatment, Craig D. Adams, S. Spitzer, R. M. Cowan

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The aerobic biodegradability of nonionic, ethoxylated surfactants and model compounds, and the effect of advanced oxidation pretreatment on the biodegradability of the biorefractory surfactants were examined. Bioassays conducted using a mixed microbial seed showed that the linear primary alcohol ethoxylates, the fatty acid ethoxylates, and also polyethylene glycol were all degradable. The biomineralization of the linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer, and alkylphenol ethoxylate was observed to be inhibited to varying degrees. Additional bioassays were conducted on model compounds to examine the effect of specific structural components on biodegradability. Advanced oxidation pretreatment using hydrogen peroxide in combination …

On Seismic Displacements Of Rigid Retaining Walls, Yingwei Wu, Shamsher Prakash

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Rigid retaining walls experience both sliding and rocking displacement during earthquakes. Richards and Elms' (1979) method incorporates only sliding displacements in design. A realistic method of computing both sliding and rocking displacements of the walls based on nonlinear soil properties both for the base soil and backfill was developed by Rafnsson and Prakash (1994). A design procedure based on this method was then developed by Prakash. et al (1995, b). Comparisons of the displacements of typical walls by both the methods have been made. Also, typical field data from recent earthquakes has been analyzed to compare the observed displacements with …

Multiobjective Optimization Of Structures With And Without Control, Franklin Y. Cheng, Dan Li

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A multiobjective optimization algorithm is introduced, and the effect of different objective functions on structural design is investigated. The basic idea of this approach is to support the decisionmaker by directly selecting the best compromise solution from the Pareto optimal solutions. A payoff matrix is first constructed by optimizing each objective function subject to the given constraints; a substitute function is then formed. Under the original constraint conditions, maximizing the substitute function gives the best compromise solution. This research shows that multiobjective optimization should be carried out to obtain a rational structural design. Two structural optimal design examples - one …

Use Of Gps To Enhance Mapping By Photogrammetry, Robert D. Feeney, James Samuel Bethel, Boudewijn H. W. Van Gelder, Steve Johnson

JTRP Technical Reports

This research has sought to demonstrate the benefits of kinematic GPS in conjunction with photogrammetric aerial triangulation for mapping purposes. The work was performed with the existing INDOT aerial camera which is quite old, and while this affected the accuracy of the results, the demonstration of capability with a likely potential for excellent results was achieved. Ground point accuracies from the strip were in the sub-meter range with only a single control point. This is contrasted with full-model control requiring 50-80 control points for such a strip. In order to bring accuracies down to an acceptable level, i.e. sub decimeter, …

Impact Analysis Of Vehicles On Ozone Generation In The Indianapolis Metropolitan Statistical Area, Robert Bertram Jacko, Ouattara Fatogoma

JTRP Technical Reports

Motor vehicles are one of the largest emitters of ground-level ozone precursors – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NO1) – into the atmosphere. Consequently, the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 requires the implementation of transportation control measures in order to reduce ground-level ozone precursor emissions and alleviate the ozone air quality problems. This research investigates the relative effects of motor vehicle emissions of VOCs and NO1 on hourly average concentrations of ground level ozone in the Indiana Airshed Model (UAM-IV). The findings of the research study are presented. This includes the results of the data analyses leading …

Locating The Drainage Layer For Bituminous Pavements In Indiana, Hossam Farouk. Hassan, Thomas D. White

JTRP Technical Reports

Pavement subsurface drainage and its effect on pavement performance has been a subject of interest since the 18th and 19th centuries. With no doubt the detrimental effects of heavy wheel loads on pavements with saturated base material is a significant factor. The consequence of subsurface water on pavement performance includes premature rutting, cracking, faulting, and increased roughness, all of which lead to a decrease in serviceability. This research study involves the evaluation of the drainage performance of three section configurations. The sections were built with a difference in the filter as well as the drainage layer. Indiana #5D, and #53 …

Effective Scheduling Of Road And Bridge Closures: Phase 2, Kumares C. Sinha, Mithilesh K. Jha

JTRP Technical Reports

This research provides a study on work zone impact analysis. In case of multiple road closures, the network approach is used to find an effective scheduling such that the total user delay is reduced. A dynamic model for analyzing the work zone impact during the period when network is in transition state is also developed. A salient feature of the dynamic model is drives’ perception updating model, which incorporates availability and the quality of information as perceived by drivers.

Treatability Of S-Triazine Herbicide Metabolites Using Powdered Activated Carbon, Craig D. Adams, Tammy L. Watson

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Widespread use of s-triazine herbicides such as atrazine, simazine, and cyanazine has led to the contamination of many ground-water and surface-water supplies with the parent compounds as well as by primary metabolites (e.g., deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, and deethylcyanazine). Ozonation has been shown to produce many of the same byproducts. Activated carbon adsorption has been designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the best available technology (BAT) for the treatment of herbicides in drinking water. Little data is available, however, on the applicability of activated carbon treatment for the control of the primary degradation products of herbicides. In this study, the …

Computer Simulations Versus Real Experiments In A Portable Structural Mechanics Laboratory, Richard A. Behr

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Efforts are being made to develop practical and effective innovations for undergraduate engineering teaching laboratories. The 'ANEX' process, in which computer simulations are compared in nearly real time with physical measurements made on bench-scale model experiments, is now being used successfully in an introductory structural analysis course. ANEX is described, as well as current plans to develop software simulation modules and matched, bench-scale model experiments for new 'MECH-ANEX' laboratory applications in lower-division statics and mechanics of materials courses. The ANEX process could also be adapted to undergraduate laboratory applications in a wider range of engineering and science disciplines.

Phytoremediation: Plant Uptake Of Atrazine And Role Of Root Exudates, Joel G. (Gerard) Burken, Jerald L. Schnoor

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Phytoremediation is an Emerging Technology for Degradation of Organic Chemicals. the Potential of Phytoremediation in the Cleanup of Contaminated Sites and Prevention of Non-Point-Source Pollution Was Examined with the Pesticide Atrazine in Two Experimental Systems. Uptake Was Determined in Batch Experiments with 14C Ring-Labeled Atrazine and Hybrid Poplar Trees Grown in Two Soil Types. Mineralization Was Studied Utilizing Soil Microcosms with the Addition of Root Exudates. Results Indicate that Poplar Cuttings Were Able to Uptake the Majority of Applied Atrazine that Was Not Tightly Sorbed to the Organic Fraction of the Soil, with No Detectable Adverse Effects to the Trees. …

A Study On The Causes Of Variations In Transmissivity And Storativity During Pump Tests At Asylum Lake, Paul Joseph Pare

Masters Theses

Over a two year period, Western Michigan University ran a number of pump tests in the Asylum Lake Area in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The transmissivities and storativities calculated from these tests differed significantly from well to well in any particular test, and from pump test to pump test. Utilizing the computer programs AQTESOLV 3.0 and Aquifer Parameter Estimator, a number of T and S values were calculated. After analysis of the results, the following conclusion was drawn. The main reason for the deviations in the T and S values arose from the mixing of the results of numerous methods (some of …

Critical Assessment Of The Operator-Splitting Technique In Solving The Advection-Dispersion-Reaction Equation: 1. First-Order Reaction, Jagath J. Kaluarachchi, Jahangir Morshed

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Operator-splitting technique (OST) is a common mathematical approach used in the solution of the advection-dispersion-reaction equation (ADRE), especially in the presence of biological decay, where the scales of transport and biological decay are far apart. The OST introduces a time-lag between the advection-dispersion and reaction stages by splitting the ADRE causing a breakdown of the physics of the problem, thus limiting its applicability. In this work, the applicability of the operator splitting technique is studied in parts. This first manuscript addresses the critical limitations of the operator-splitting technique as related to first-order decay, and the second manuscript extends the work …

Geostatistical Analysis Of Hydraulic Conductivity In Heterogeneous Aquifers, Craig S. Biondo

Theses and Dissertations

Observations of the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity of the heterogeneous alluvial aquifer at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi are analyzed using parametric geostatistical approaches. Field studies have revealed that the heterogeneity of the aquifer hydraulic conductivity field controls the movement and dispersion of groundwater solutes. Therefore, a means of quantifying spatial variability is essential for the application of flow and solute transport models to practical problems. Application of these models requires a large number of hydraulic conductivity measurements. Geostatistical analysis and kriging estimation procedures assist in providing these large numbers of values when sampling designs have provided sparse …

Evaluating The Feasibility Of Sequential Indicator Simulation In Reproducing Spatial Connectivity In A Heterogeneous Transmissivity Field, D. Duane Kenyon

Theses and Dissertations

A Non-Parametric estimation technique was used to simulate realizations of a heterogeneous transmissivity field based upon sampled values from three different sampling scenarios. These realizations were compared to output from a parametric estimation technique with respect to truth as defined by an exhaustive data set of 6,000 transmissivity values. Estimated transmissivity fields were then used as input into a flow model from which fields of heads and specific discharges were obtained and compared. Given the financial limitations imposed upon the number and quality of samples reasonably available, Sequential Indicator Simulation, a non-parametric technique, was shown to be of considerable value …

The Effect Of Meteorological Data Averaging Times On Plume Concentrations From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Open Burning Operations, Ida L. Widmann

Theses and Dissertations

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Open Burning (OB) operations are performed to treat and dispose of unserviceable munitions in the Department of Defense (DOD) inventory. Air pollution modeling of OB operations is an Environmental Protection Agency requirement for permit issuance at OB sites. Specific OB regulation is still in its infancy; therefore, establishment of OB modeling techniques is still in the early stages. This thesis effort sought to develop a computer model, based upon the Gaussian Puff Equation. The model varies from standard plume modeling practices by not making the assumption that the wind direction, wind speed and turbulence are uniform …

Comparison Of Gravel Substrate Vs Soil Substrate For The Construction Of An Experimental Fen, Carolyn S. Langley

Theses and Dissertations

Under the Clean Water Act Section 404 of 1972 and 33 CFR 320-330 and 40 CFR 230 moderate the destruction of wetlands by the Air Force to make way for other uses. To obtain a permit for a design or construction project which affects a wetland, the Air Force must agree to create new wetlands, or replace lost wetland acreage through wetland creation or restoration. The Air Force is interested in building 'successful' wetlands as inexpensively as possible. It has been common practice to use hydric soil, which often had to be hauled in, as the substrate at the restored …

A System Dynamics Approach To Modelling The Degradation Of Biochemical Oxygen Demand In A Constructed Wetland Receiving Stormwater Runoff, Leslie A. Mudgett

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to develop a tool to aid the Air Force Environmental Manager in the identification of the design parameters of a constructed wetland system that may be optimized to provide a desired biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal efficiency during the treatment of Air Force stormwater runoff. The objective is achieved through the development and use of a system dynamics model which simulates the hydrological functions of a constructed wetland as well as the processes within the wetland responsible for degradation of BOD. Based on literature review, the primary mechanism responsible for the degradation of BOD …

A Comparison Of Response Surface Methodology And A One-Factor-At-A-Time Approach As Calibration Techniques For The Bioplume-Ii Simulation Model Of Contaminant Biodegradation, Benjamin Shuman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis compared Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to the one-factor-at-a-time approach for calibrating the Bioplume-II simulation model of contaminant biodegradation. The MADE-2 data set from Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi was used. The one-factor-at-a-time approach reduced the root-mean-squared (RMS) error for the flow to 0.921225 feet in a total of 36 runs of Bioplume-II. The RSM approach reduced the error criterion to 0.918875 in a total of 47 runs. The one-factor-at-a-time approach was unable to reduce the error below 67.1831 parts per billion (ppb) after 21 runs. The RSM approach reduced the RMS error to 67.0327 ppb after 47 runs. …

Groundwater Study: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Usa Georgetown, Kentucky, Gary Felton, Lyle V. A. Sendlein, Teri Dowdy, Daryl Hines

KWRRI Research Reports

An eighteen month study of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing (TMM) plant site and the surrounding area was undertaken. The basic charge for this project was to characterize the groundwater that is potentially impacted by the TMM plant site. This included occurrence, flow direction, and, if possible, velocity. Because the area is karstified (has sinkholes, springs, caves, etc.) surface water and groundwater are intimately connected and, hence, surface water was frequently an important component of this work.

Data from TMM construction plans and monitoring work done subsequent to construction were elicited from the various repositories within the TMM infrastructure. Aerial color …

Intermodal Commuter Network Planning, Maria P. Boile

Dissertations

An intermodal commuter network is an integration of passenger transportation systems, or modes, to a single comprehensive system that provides connections among the various modes, and improved travel choices to users. In the system examined in this dissertation, commuters access their final destination via auto, rail, and intermodal auto-to-rail modes. There are numerous highway paths by which a commuter can reach the final destination. Once on the highway, the commuter can switch to rail at stations along the rail route. The commuter may also choose to walk to the rail station closest to the trip's origin.

The main focus of …

A Theoretical Analysis Of Volatile Contaminant Removal By The Pneumatic Fracturing Process, Yuan Ding

Dissertations

A mathematical model that simulates the process of contaminant removal from a pneumatically induced fracture within a porous medium is presented. It includes: (1) model development; (2) parameter evaluation; (3) statistical sensitivity analysis; and (4) model validation.

Based on the dual porosity approach, a mathematical model for a fractured porous formation is developed for both two dimensional and axial symmetrical cases. This model constitutes a pair of coupled partial differential equations for the porous medium and discrete fracture, respectively. The initial and boundary conditions have been determined based on field considerations of a soil vapor extraction system. By means of …

A Study Of Settlement In Landfills Due To Biodegradation, Michael Guasconi

Theses

Finding new space for landfills is difficult due to land availability, stringent environmental regulations, and public sentiment. So other means of waste disposal, such as hauling it to a distant landfill, or incinerating it, will have to be resorted to. These methods may be unpopular with the public involved. By studying settlement due to biodegradation, ways to increase settlement can be found, allowing for additional waste disposal capacity in operating, and closed landfills.

Existing theoretical models are based on rheological concepts, not on biodegradation. So, they do not realistically model settlement. In this study, a model to determine the rate, …

Optimizing Rail-Truck Intermodal Drayage Operations, Wen Zhang

Theses

This thesis presents a case study of the trucking (or drayage) portion of rail-truck intermodal freight transportation. The approach used was to examine in detail the current costs and potential for improvement at one New Jersey intermodal terminal. The analysis is conducted using a mathematical programming model to find an optimal scheduling plan for the drayage operation. To solve the model more efficiently, a modification is made to explore the special structure of the original problem which has a sparse constraint matrix. The model is solved first with an objective function that minimizes the total cost of the operation, and …

Shear Strength And Fatigue Crack Propagation In Concrete By Energy Method, Wei Wang

Dissertations

The limit analysis methods have been commonly used to predict the ultimate flexure strength of reinforced concrete members over 50 years. However, current design formulas for shear in structural concrete are mostly empirical. In part one of this dissertation, attempts are made to apply the theory of plasticity to predict the shear strengths of reinforced concrete structures.

The modified Coulomb-Mohr failure criterion is used as the constitutive law of concrete, and the plastic flow is assumed to be associated with this failure criterion. A generalized formulation for energy dissipation in accordance with the failure criterion and associated flow rule is …

A Nondestructive Method For The Determination Of Fracture Energy In Concrete Structures, Been-Jyh Yu

Dissertations

It is generally believed that linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts can not be employed in determining fracture parameters in concrete, and therefore most of the current research effort has focused on applying the principles in yielding fracture mechanics. Despite all these efforts, comparison of results reported by many investigators indicate wide variations in fracture toughness values even for essentially similar materials. The main source of discrepancy in the observed results is the existence of a large process zone at the crack tip. Hence, the amount of energy consumed in advancing the crack will depend on the size of the process …