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Application Of Machine Learning Techniques To Forecast Harmful Algal Blooms In Gulf Of Mexico, Bala Tripura Sundari Yerrapothu

Master's Theses

The Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) forecast is crucial for the mitigation of health hazards and to inform actions for the protection of ecosystems and fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). For the sake of simplicity of our application we assume ocean color satellite imagery from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a proxy for HABs.

In this study we use a deep neural network trained on the 2-Dimensional time series proxy data to provide a forecast of the HABs’ manifestations in the GoM.Our approach analyzes between both spatial and temporal features simultaneously. In addition, the network also helps …

Stability Of Blood Lead Levels In Children With Chronic Low-Level Lead Absorption, Michelle Del Rio

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background and Significance: Despite the many historical efforts by the U.S. to reduce lead (Pb) in the environment, childhood Pb poisoning continues to be a public health issue today. Pb has been identified as a child hazard because children are highly vulnerable to the effects even at lower levels of exposure (blood lead levels (BLLs) < 10 μg/dL), and these effects can be physical, cognitive, and behavioral. Current state and federal blood lead level screening guidelines for identifying exposed children are based on assumptions that BLLs < 10 μg/dL will remain stable or decline over time (with age); disregard the effects of lowest-range Pb exposure; and disregard Pb levels in children older than approximately age 6. We have observed in past clinical studies that in one U.S./Mexico border community, children in high-risk neighborhoods experienced substantially higher proportions of elevated blood lead levels (CDC reference level of ≥ 5 μg/dL) than the rest of the U.S., and a large proportion of children had detectable blood lead levels. To test current policy assumptions regarding child blood lead level screening, this study examined whether time and/or other possible factors over time, predicted child blood lead levels in children with chronic low-level Pb absorption. Whether time was a significant predictor was examined, and also whether age, sex, and living in families with incomes below the U.S. poverty line, living in an older home, and living near industries predicted child blood lead levels.

Aims and Objectives: Changes in current policy must be evidence-based. The over-arching goal of this study was to test current assumptions that one blood lead level test is sufficient to rule out child lead exposure, and that lead exposure and risk of lead exposure, reliably …

Practical Challenges Of Using Sunn Hemp As A Cover Crop In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Qulina Rai

Theses and Dissertations

Sunn hemp (Crotalaria junceae) is an emerging cover crop with many reported benefits such as nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, and suppression of weeds and nematodes. Relatively little is known about appropriate ways to inoculate sunn hemp ensuring nitrogen fixation, and diseases that affect sunn hemp within the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Four sticking agents, peanut oil, jaggery, gum arabic, and water used to aid inoculation of Bradyrhizobium japonicum in sunn hemp was checked on nodulation. Water treatment was least effective. Peanut oil and jaggery treatment showed better performance in overall total nodules, and active nodules. Gum …

Quantifying The Leaching Of Nutrients And Metals In A Pasture Soil As Affected By Excreta Of Ruminants Fed Alternative Diets, Ian Kennedy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The leaching of nitrate through the soil profile and into adjacent water systems has been a leading cause of water pollution and results in the loss of a valuable nutrient from animal production systems. Forage-based animal production systems may be improved through manipulation of animal diets that incorporate tannins and total polyphenolic compounds with feed, increasing the amount of nitrogen (N) retained by an animal/decreasing rates of digestion and altering the N-containing compounds that are excreted and deposited onto soil. Incorporating the forage legumes sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate [Dumont de Courset] G. Don) and lablab (Lablab purpurues L.) into the …

Infectious Diseases In A Warming World: Using A Modified Sir Model To Investigate The Incidence Rates Of Lyme Disease In The New England Area, Carly Sullivan

Honors Projects in Science and Technology

The effects of climate change are global and unprecedented in scale. Public health is likely to suffer as a result of the warming climate, and one particular risk is the increase in the occurrence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in different regions across the world. The purpose of this project is to investigate the impact of rising temperatures on the incidence rates of Lyme disease in the New England area. Following a review of the existing literature relating to the impact of climate factors on VBDs, an SIR model modified for temperature conditions will be utilized to produce several simulated scenarios. …

Evaluation Of Carbon Accounting Tools Available To Mixed Farming Enterprises In Western Australia, Richard Brake

Climate Science Published Reports

In recent years consumers and the general public have become increasingly more cognisant of the environmental impact, through the emitting of greenhouse gases measured as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), that the production of goods and services they consume have on the world. Global corporate businesses either through desire or market driven necessity are at the forefront of measuring and reducing their carbon footprint and in doing so placing pressure on suppliers to reduce theirs.

The impact of carbon emissions from agricultural enterprises and the role that the agricultural industry plays in the level of carbon emitted or sequestered continues to …

Outline - Coyote Population Dynamics, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

The purpose of this lesson is to encourage students to begin thinking about the interactions between animals in an environment and the ways in which those interactions affect each animal. Students will learn about predator/prey dynamics and ecosystem biodiversity through the lens of coyotes and other city predators, primarily cats, by learning about their diets and movement patterns. They will then be asked to consider the impacts of humans and feral cat colonies on urban environments. Students will learn through discussion and interactive activities before presenting their findings via a management plan presentation.

Powerpoint - Coyote Population Dynamics, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Outline - Coyote Traits, Adaptations & Behavior, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

The purpose of this lesson is to facilitate student acquisition of background knowledge on topics related to Canid speciation and evolution. This will focus on unique physical and behavioral characteristics of coyotes from other Canids as well as those adaptations that have allowed them to become so widely distributed through North America, though not quite as well distributed as dogs, which will also be a focus of this lesson. Students will research and present their findings via a Project Based Learning (PBL) poster.

Powerpoint - Coyote Traits, Adaptations & Behavior, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Outline - Coyote Biodiversity, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

The purpose of this lesson is to facilitate student acquisition of background knowledge on topics related to human and coyote impacts on biodiversity. This will focus on how humans impact biodiversity in urban areas, how coyotes fit into the urban food web, and how the two species interact with one another. Students will research and present their findings via a Project Based Learning (PBL) poster.

Coyote Risk Assessment Backyard Survey, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Science Probe - Wildlife Management Scenario Group 1, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Science Probe - Wildlife Management Scenario Group 2, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Science Probe - Wildlife Management Scenario Group 3, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Science Probe - Wildlife Management Scenario Group 4, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Science Probe - Wildlife Management Scenario Group 5, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

Science Probe - Wildlife Management Scenario Group 6, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 12: Urban Wildlife

No abstract provided.

2018 Student Hummingbird Poster, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 11: Bird Migration

No abstract provided.

Urban Birds - January 2019, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 11: Bird Migration

No abstract provided.

Lesson Plan: Observing Seasonal Expression Of Migratory Behavior In Pine Siskins, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 11: Bird Migration

The purpose of this lesson is to teach students how to observe migratory bird behavior, using videos of Pine siskins (Spinus pinus) in a laboratory setting. Students will learn how to apply the scientific method to make predictions, observe behaviors, collect data, formulate questions, test hypotheses, draw conclusions, and communicate findings.

Powerpoint - The Pine Siskin, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 11: Bird Migration

No abstract provided.

Powerpoint - Ethograms, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 11: Bird Migration

No abstract provided.

Lesson Plan: Trees In My City, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 08: Urban Environmental Action

Students have seen how people can actively work to improve the environment. Students will determine current tree / green coverage and why this information is important when planning for change. Students will learn the impacts trees can have on cities and will use understanding to identify tree species and plan future tree plantings in following lessons.

Lesson Plan: Seven Generations, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 08: Urban Environmental Action

In this lesson, students will consider the benefits and trade-offs of their action plans over an extended period of time. Students will consider and discuss a quote attributed to the Great Law of the Iroquois and predict and complete a timeline of the benefits and tradeoffs of their action plan for ecological communities (human and non-human) seven “generations” into the future. This lesson allows you and your students to consider the future impact of their action plans, and allows your students to consider making any modifications to their action plans.

Student Pages - From Action Plan To Seven Generations, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 08: Urban Environmental Action

No abstract provided.

Reading - The Science Of Biodiversity, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

No abstract provided.

Reading - The Challenge Of Measuring Biodiversity, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

No abstract provided.

Biodiversity Game - Event Cards, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

No abstract provided.

Lesson Plan: Habitat Fragmentation And Species Survival, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

The last two lessons explored how specific events impact biodiversity. This lesson adds to the concept that biodiversity is impacted by events. One such event is a change in land use. Habitat loss and fragmentation in urban settings impacts the survival of many species. Through this sequence of activities, students will find that the more connected and closer the habitat patches, the more likely the population is to survive. After exploring the online simulation, students will consider best practices for designing green space in their own urban area so that species are able to immigrate between the patches and increase …