Digital Commons Network^™

Microplankton Dynamics In The River-Dominated Mississippi Bight, Adam D. Boyette

Dissertations

The Mississippi Bight (MSB) is a river-dominated continental margin influenced by multiple large river systems, including the Mississippi River, Alabama and Tombigbee rivers via Mobile Bay, and numerous smaller rivers, creeks, and bayous. This is part of a biologically-rich ecosystem that supports the second largest fishery industry by volume in the United States. Despite our understanding of the linkages between primary production with higher trophic levels, there remains limited studies quantifying these trophic interactions in this system. Microplankton (µm) community dynamics and trophic connectivity between primary producers and heterotrophic protists represent a critical nexus influencing overall biological productivity in this …

Food Insecurity And Risky Sexual Behaviors Among College Students, Bertille Octavie Mavegam Tango Assoumou M

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Food insecurity and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are growing public health problems in the United States. Young people in general, and particularly college students, exhibit high prevalence of food insecurity, STIs, and risky sexual behaviors (RSB). Food insecurity and STIs among college students can have short- and long-term impacts on their academic success and their lives. Several studies have reported an association between food insecurity and some risky sexual behaviors among specific populations including HIV-infected people and homeless people. However, little is known about the relationship between food insecurity and RSB among college students. Given the high prevalence of food …

A Study Of The Frustrated Honeycomb Battery Material Na2ni2teo6, Nathan Christopher Episcopo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The P2-type layered hexagonal compound Na2Ni2TeO6 with Ni2+ on a honeycomb lattice was synthesized by the standard solid-state route. Structural characterization chemical phase purity was confirmed by Rietveld refinement of laboratory and synchrotron data. The crystal structure refines well in the P63/mcm space group. Single crystal growth trials using the self-flux-melt method were conducted with limited success. The magnetic transition temperature pertaining to Ni2+ lattice was confirmed by analysis of specific heat capacity to be . The magnetic susceptibility remains largely unchanged in magnetic field of and external pressure of . There is an almost linear response in isothermal magnetization …

How Does Land Cover Classification In Google Earth Engine Compare With Traditional Methods Of Land Cover Classification? What Are The Tradeoffs?, Carlos Sebastian Reyes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The project focuses on comparing land cover classification of traditional methods such as ArcGIS with newer ones such as Google Earth Engine (GEE) as well as discussing any potential tradeoffs. Two studies were performed in both platforms, the first involved analyzing land cover change in the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) region of southern New Mexico, far west Texas, and northern Chihuahua, Mexico. The MRG study focused on urban and agricultural change in the region using two different classification methods. The second study focused on creating a post-hurricane damage assessment (PDA) with the goal of developing an automated method of estimating …

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Npl Site Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Dynamic Analysis Of A Microgrid Powered With An Inverter And Machine-Based Distributed Resources, Brandon William Blackstone

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The proliferation of renewable distributed energy resources, particularly photovoltaic (PV) power systems, and the increasing need for a reliable power supply has led to the concept of microgrids, a mini-grid that consists of locally connected power generation units and needs, able to operate connected or disconnected from the utility grid, using controlled and coordinated methods to provide for the users of the microgrid the best possible conditions for their needs. The main technical issues facing microgrids include some of the following, seamless transition from stand-alone to utility grid connected operation, how to preserve frequency and voltage stability, and provide the …

Estimation Of Spatial Change In Cropland Area And Evaluation Of Irrigation Performance In Imperial Valley Using Remotely Sensed Data, Usha Poudel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Imperial Valley (IV) in the US is an extensively irrigated agricultural region, which includes multiple crops changing on an annual and semiannual basis. The valley is facing grave concerns about water management due to its semi-arid environment, water intensive crops, and limited water supply. A simple, inexpensive, and repeatable method to detect changes in cropping patterns may assist irrigation managers to understand crop diversification and associated consumptive use. In addition, a spatial assessment of existing water irrigation system performance and productivity is crucial to benchmark and improve current water management strategies. This thesis estimates the spatial pattern of change …

A Fusion Of Remotely Sensed Data To Map The Impervious Surfaces Of Growing Cities Of Punjab, Pakistan, Binita Shrestha

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Urban population is expected to exceed 70% of the world’s total by the middle of the 21st century. Thus, growth in number as well as the sizes of the cities are certain in the near future. The urbanization rates will be much higher in the developing countries than the developed. Such phenomena are accompanied by conversion of land cover from its natural use to built up environment to accommodation growing population. Built up surfaces include road networks, buildings, parking lots and pathways. They are permanently impervious and hydrologically active surfaces. Large volume and discharges of runoff characterize impervious surfaces with …

Industry Funding Scheme Regulations: A Review Of Operation And Effectiveness, May 2021, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Section 147 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 requires the Minister for Agriculture and Food to carry out a review of the operation and effectiveness of any regulations made for the purposes of establishing an Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) every five years.

In 2010, regulations establishing three IFSs commenced to address pest and disease threats relevant to Western Australia’s broadacre and pastoral cropping and livestock sectors. This report documents the second fifth-year anniversary statutory review of the following regulations:

• Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Industry Funding Scheme (Cattle) Regulations 2010

• Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Industry Funding Scheme …

Surface Modified Polypropylene Membranes For Treating Hydraulic Fracturing Produced Waters By Membrane Distillation, Tharaka Hawpe Gamage

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Membrane distillation is an emerging technology for treating hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced waters. Suppression of membrane fouling by inorganic and polar and non-polar organic compounds is a challenge. Here polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, polyacrylic acid, polvinylallyl imidazolium bromide and polyvinylhexyl imidazolium bromide chains have been grafted from the membrane surface. Fouling is initially due to adsorption of organic compounds followed by scale formation. When challenged with produced water, membranes modified with polvinylallyl imidazolium bromide chains provided the greatest resistance to fouling. For EC pretreated produced water and synthetic produced water that contained mainly inorganic species, the flux decline was much less.

Observing Changes In Vegetable Production Through Alternative Agricultural Practices, Austin Grey Livingston

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Locally, responsibly grown produce is becoming more popular as consumers are shifting to organic products or those obtained at a local farmer’s market. The importance of soil health through conservation practices is increasing as the negative effects of industrial production are apparent. The over-application of synthetic fertilizers, soil erosion from wind and water, and nutrient leaching in high vegetable production areas has initiated a need for the investigation of alternative management practices. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of tillage and cover crops in the production of green beans and okra. In 2019 and 2020, …

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 …

Nitrogen Supply And Physical Disturbance Shapes Arctic Stream Nitrogen Uptake Through Effects On Metabolic Activity, Maria Myrstener, Steven A. Thomas, Reiner Giesler, Ryan A. Sponseller

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

1. Climate change in the Arctic is altering the delivery of nutrients from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. The impact of these changes on downstream lakes and rivers is influenced by the capacity of small streams to retain such inputs. Given the potential for nutrient limitation in oligotrophic Arctic streams, biotic demand should be high, unless harsh environmental conditions maintain low biomass standing stocks that limit nutrient uptake capacity.

2. We assessed the drivers of nutrient uptake in two contrasting headwater environments in Arctic Sweden: one stream draining upland tundra and the other draining an alluvial valley with birch forest. At …

Epa Region 8 Qa Document Review Crosswalk, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc., Nikia Greene

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Epa Region 8 Qa Document Review Crosswalk, Nikia Greene

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Reading - The Science Of Biodiversity, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

No abstract provided.

Lesson Plan: Setting Up The Biodiversity Investigation, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

The purpose of this lesson is to connect the issues around biodiversity to the students’ field site. The lesson starts with a class discussion where students talk about what they believe the bird biodiversity is at their field site, and whether or not they believe it is likely to be higher in some areas compared to others. Then in groups students develop the research question they will be investigating in this module as well as their predictions for that research question. Students will return to this investigation four times during the module to collect data and then to analyze the …

Lesson Plan: Identifying Birds, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize students with taxonomy and basic birding skills, including using binoculars, navigating field guides and identifying birds. The lesson begins with a discussion of taxonomy and the importance of naming or identifying birds. The students are introduced to both the binoculars and field guides before they go outside to conduct a bird binocular race. During the binocular race, students use binoculars and field guides to identify pictures of birds on laminated cards. If time permits, students can practice their skills on a bird walk around the schoolyard. They will use these birding skills …

Lesson Plan: Bird Biodiversity Data Collection (Day 1), Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

The purpose of this lesson is for students to begin collecting observations in order to answer their research question as part of their field investigation and to inform their action plan. The lesson begins with a review of how to identify birds with the students identifying four birds shown in a PowerPoint. In their groups, students discuss their data collection protocol before they head outside. Students go outside to collect their first set of bird biodiversity data. The reflection question for today focuses on whether students need to revise or refine their methodologies in order to collect appropriate data for …

Student Pages - Biodiversity Game, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 06: Urban Biodiversity

No abstract provided.

Student Pages - Where Can I Get Food In My Neighborhood?, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 05: Public Health & Water Quality

No abstract provided.

Student Pages - Answer Key, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 05: Public Health & Water Quality

No abstract provided.

Lesson Plan: Green Space, Social Networks And Crime, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 05: Public Health & Water Quality

The purpose of this lesson is to investigate how green space influences the interactions between people in cities. Specifically, the lesson focuses on the idea that increased green space provides a location where social networks can be established and supported. Social networks affect health by improving collaboration and the transmission of knowledge. Green space can also reduce conflict and stress in the neighborhood, which can reduce crime. The lesson starts with students brainstorming what they think is the relationship between the amount of available green space and the interactions between people in cities. The students conduct an activity that focuses …

Student Pages - How Can You Gather The Most Information?, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 05: Public Health & Water Quality

No abstract provided.

Student Pages - Answer Key - How Can You Gather The Most Information?, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 05: Public Health & Water Quality

No abstract provided.

Lesson Plan - Public Health Action Plan, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 05: Public Health & Water Quality

The purpose of this lesson is to revisit the driving question introduced in lesson 1 of this module: How can I make my neighborhood a healthier place to live? Students synthesize what they have learned across the module - that healthy neighborhoods have green space, robust social networks, effective waste delivery and waste removal, clean air and healthy foods. They use this general information to analyze a proposed exercise path. Students work in groups to address the action plan topic for this module: resources, both social and material. For this action plan, there is a specific focus on discussing resources …

The Power Of Information: Information, Leak Notices, And Water Conservation In Edina, Mn, Federico Chung

Economics Honors Projects

This paper provides evidence on the effects of information provision on households’ water use. I use quarterly household consumption data from a utility in Minnesota to test the effect of a new residential water billing system on households’ water consumption. The updated billing format was possible as the utility transitioned to an automated meter reading (AMR) system. I also study impacts of another source of improved information provision from AMR adoption, faster high-water consumption notices. I find mixed evidence of the impact of personalized information on households’ water use. Households respond to high-consumption notices by significantly reducing consumption, even relative …

Bioaccumulation And Partitioning Of Heavy Metals In Cicindelidia Haemorrhagica In Yellowstone National Park, Monica Gotschall

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The tiger beetle Cicindelidia haemorrhagica (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are widely distributed in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and exclusively living on thermal areas. Heavy metals including arsenic, copper, lead, and selenium are present in these thermal springs, presenting an unique environment for C. haemorrhagica. Therefore, from 2018 – 2020 I sampled adult C. haemorrhagica from YNP and adult C. haemorrhagica from a known population in a salt flat in Idaho not associated with a hot spring and measured heavy metal concentrations. All populations of C. haemorrhagica bioaccumulated heavy metals. Cuticular waxes showed small concentrations of metals indicating that those metals are …

Appendix A Atlantic Richfield Responses To Agency Comments From Comment Letter Dated April 27, 2021, Specific To General Comments For Data Management And Remedial Investigation Data Collection, Atlantic Richfield Company

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

New Mathematical Model And Key Parameters Of Capillary Pressure Curves Of High-Rank Coal Samples, Chen Ke, Tang Lei, Yin Chao, He Wei, Zhang Wei, Quan Zheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Capillary pressure is an important parameter that affects the occurrence and development of coalbed methane. In order to establish an effective mathematical model to characterize capillary pressure curves of high-rank coalbed methane reservoirs, coal samples from No.3 coal seam in southern Qinshui Basin was taken as the research object, high-pressure mercury intrusion experiments were carried out, and the adaptability of the typical mathematical models of the capillary pressure curve currently in common use are systematically evaluated. Then a new mathematical model with higher fitting degree for high-rank coal is established. The results show that capillary pressure curves of 6 coal …