Digital Commons Network^™

What Works When Working Together?: Cross-Sector Collaboration Barriers & Facilitators Of A Built Environment Health Impact Assessment In Southern Nevada, Maxim Gakh, Courtney Coughenour, Bertille Assoumou, Emily C. Strickler, Timothy J. Bungum, Jennifer R. Pharr, Pashtana Usufzy, Megan Mcdonough, Nicole Williams Bungum, Mindy Meacham

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

Purpose: Cross-sector collaboration can improve community health because decisions made across sectors influence health. Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) and other health-focused, cross-sector collaborations encounter challenges. This case study uses a completed HIA to explore factors impeding and supporting health-related cross-sectoral collaboration.

Methods: Semi-structured key informant interviews with 10 of 12 HIA working group participants were conducted and analysed using a content analysis approach.

Results: Analysis generated 48 codes across seven themes in three primary groups: HIA as a collaborative tool; logistical and systemic barriers; and benefits and logistical, interpersonal, and sectoral facilitators. Recognizing the importance of knowledge, analysis, and …

Climatological Trends And Effects Of Aerosols And Clouds On Large Solar Parks: Application Examples In Benban (Egypt) And Al Dhafrah (Uae), Harshal Dhake, Panagiotis Kosmopoulos, Antonis Mantakas, Yashwant Kashyap, Hesham El-Askary, Omar Elbadawy

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Solar energy production is vastly affected by climatological factors. This study examines the impact of two primary climatological factors, aerosols and clouds, on solar energy production at two of the world’s largest solar parks, Benban and Al Dhafrah Solar Parks, by using Earth observation data. Cloud microphysics were obtained from EUMETSAT, and aerosol data were obtained from the CAMS and assimilated with MODIS data for higher accuracy. The impact of both factors was analysed by computing their trends over the past 20 years. These climatological trends indicated the variations in the change in each of the factors and their resulting …

Comparing Climate Growth Of Oak And Tulip Poplar Species In Bernheim Forest, Kentucky, Usa Using Dendrochronological Methods, Jacob G. Brown, Jordan Sharp, Maegen Rochner

The Cardinal Edge

Jordan Sharp and Jacob Brown

Department of Geographical and Environmental Sciences, University of Louisville

Title: Comparing Climate Growth of Oak and Tulip Poplar Species in Bernheim Forest, Kentucky, USA using Dendrochronological Methods

Abstract:

With climate change, the state of Kentucky is expected to face increases in hydrological variability and extremes. To understand more about future projections, past climatic conditions can be analyzed with proxy-based data sources. Tree-rings provide annual to sub-annual resolution that can be used for proxy-based climate reconstructions. Kentucky, however, lacks tree-ring data and this leaves the state understudied from a high temporal and spatial resolution paleo perspective. …

Sustainable Flight Training Schools And Their Role To Meet Net Zero Targets, Eva Maleviti

Sustainability Conference

This presentation is part of a wider research project to identify the elements that must be considered regarding flight training schools’ role in aviation sustainability. Net Zero Pathways and goals, emission schemes, design specifications, and sustainable fuels are some of the most popular changes for airlines and manufacturers. Flight training schools must be at the forefront of promoting aviation sustainability to tomorrow’s professionals. The ICAO Carbon Offsetting Requirement Scheme for International Airlines (CORSIA) relies heavily on the firm and reliable information in the operators’ system. Proper emission calculation requires flight crews to feed valid and accurate flight information data. Hence, …

Hurricane Evacuation: Navigating Uncertainty During Covid 19 And With Existing Communication Scales, And Considering Public And Expert Perception Of Alternative Scales, Leilani D. Paxton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the effectiveness of current hurricane warning products and communication strategies, exploring factors influencing public perception of risk and decision-making during evacuations. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data, focus group discussions, and interviews with meteorologists and emergency managers. The first paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hurricane risk perception and evacuation decisions. Findings indicate that while COVID-19 concerns played a role in some individuals' decisions, particularly those with pets or concerns about shelter conditions, the majority of participants evacuated for Hurricane Ian. The study highlights the importance of providing clear, consistent, and …

Comment Letter For Draft Final Butte Reduction Works (Brw) Smelter Area Mine Waste Remediation And Contaminated Groundwater Hydraulic Control Site Phase Iii Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) (Dated September 25, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Banana Fibre Paper For The Management Of The Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita, On Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) In Kenya, Dorris W. Kamau, Wanjohi Waceke, Laura Cortada, Onesmus Mwaura, Tahira Pirzada, Tim L. Sit, Eric Davis, Dick Guenther, Reny Mathew, Lokendra Pal, Saad Khan, Solveig Haukeland, James Kisaakye, Charles Opperman, Danny Coyne

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Globally, potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a key staple food crop. In Kenya, it is the second most important food crop after maize. Among the various constraints to potato production are plant-parasitic nematodes. In particular, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a significant impediment to potato production, suppressing yield and reducing the quality of harvested tubers. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a lignocellulose fibre matrix (banana paper) either impregnated with a chemical or drenched with a biologically-based nematicide for the management of root-knot nematodes on potatoes, in Kenya. The experiment was conducted in both field and pot …

Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final Quarterly Operations And Maintenance Report Butte Treatment Lagoon System – Third Quarter 2023 (Dated October 15, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Unleaded Fuel For General Aviation, Carolina Anderson, Laura Garcia

Sustainability Conference

The Clean Air Act, passed in the late 1970s, mandating the removal of lead from most fuels due its detrimental effects on public health, yet piston-driven aircraft continue to rely on leaded aviation gas (AvGas 100LL). This fuel remains the last lead-containing fuel regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Lead, added as tetraethyl lead (TEL), enhances octane levels and prevents engine detonation, vital for high-compression aircraft engines. In response to the health effects, regulating bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have tightened lead standards and are assessing the risk posed by AvGas. Research links even low-level lead exposure …

Red Harvester Ants Pogonomyrmex Barbatus (Smith, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Do Not Distinguish Between Sorghum Head Mold Symptomatic And Asymptomatic Seeds, Lilly Victoria Elliott-Vidaurri, Hannah J. Penn, Robin A. Choudhury

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Red harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, are known to gather seeds from areas around their nests and store the seeds inside their nests for later consumption. As these ants often nest in and near agricultural fields, some of these seeds may be from crops and may also be infected with fungal plant pathogens. These pathogens can degrade seed coats and may cause the seeds to rot within the ant nests, decreasing storage time and potentially spreading the pathogen to other stored seeds. We studied how head mold, a …

Effects Of Methyl Orange On The H2/Brine Wettability Of Carbonate Rocks: Implications For H2 Geo-Storage, Fatemah Alhammad, Mujahid Ali, Nurudeen Yekeen, Muhammad Ali, Hussein Hoteit, Stefan Iglauer, Alireza Keshavarz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Nowadays, researchers have shown interest in hydrogen energy because it is regarded as a clean energy and a viable alternative to carbon-based fossil fuels. However, hydrogen has low volumetric energy density and must be stored in large volumes to fulfil global energy demands. Underground hydrogen storage in a geological structure is considered the best choice due to its safety and higher storage capacity than surface storage. In this study, the advancing θa and receding θr contact angles of the stearic acid–aged calcite before and after the treatment with different concentrations (10–100 mg/L) of methyl orange (MO) were measured at reservoir …

Optimization For Qinghai-Xizang Plateau Ecological Security Barrier System, Bojie Fu, Yanxu Liu, Wenwu Zhao, Xiaoming Feng, Shiliang Liu, Chiyuan Miao, Xuhui Wang, Chunyang He, Changjia Li, Aizhong Ye, Zhongmin Hu, Zhifeng Liu, Dingyang Zhou

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The ecological security barrier system is a composite system to maintain ecological security and sustainable development within and outside the region. This system enables the maintenance of the structure and function of the ecosystem in the ecological security barrier region relatively shielded from or minimally impacted by external environmental threats, so that forms a multilevel and orderly stable pattern. Over the period from 2000 to 2020, the ecosystem water conservation function was on the rise, and the soil conservation function, net ecosystem productivity, and habitat quality were generally stable in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Comparing the previous three national parks and …

Green Certificate Of “Lucid Waters And Lush Mountains” And The Yellow River Demonstration, Guangqian Wang, Deyu Zhong

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Guided by the “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets”, this work systematically studies the mechanism for realizing ecological value and proposes an implementation plan centered on a Green Certificate system for ecological assets, to be advanced in three stages. The Green Certificate serves as an objective and quantifiable proof of ecological assets, integrating four categories of ecological products—ecological water, soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration, and afforestation (grass planting)—into a unified, tradable rights certificate system. This provides an institutional foundation for transforming “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains” into “Gold and Silver Mountains” through market mechanisms. Taking the Yellow …

Coordination Degree Of Composite Systems And Its Application, Ke Qi, Jiaojun Zhu, Dexiong Teng, Xiao Zheng, Huaiqing Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

A composite system (CS) is an organic whole composed of multiple subsystems. It has the property of operating in a coordinated manner through the interconnection and interaction between its subsystems, which could be evaluated by the indicator of coordination degree of composite systems (CDoCS). However, there is currently a lack of quantitative methods for CDoCS and the CDoCS-based technology for composite system optimization. As a result, there is a lack of effective solutions to the problems caused by the disharmony of composite systems such as the mountain-water-forest-farm-lake-grass-sand systems (i.e., composite ecosystems) and the social-economic-natural systems. Therefore, the connotation of CDoCS …

Research On Regional Suitability Assessment And Promotion Mechanisms Of Conservation—Based Utilization Models For Black Soil, Xiaojie Liu, Liangjie Xin, Jiliang Ma, Yuxian Wang, Fan Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Black soil represents a high-quality and scarce arable land resource, serving as a critical foundation for ensuring food security in China. However, prolonged development and utilization have resulted in varying degrees of degradation of black soil in Northeast China, directly affecting national food security and ecological stability. Since 2015, China has initiated and progressively intensified efforts in black soil protection. Technical models such as the “Lishu Model” and the “Longjiang Model” have been developed, demonstrated, and promoted, leading to increasingly significant conservation outcomes. Nevertheless, current technical models for black soil protection face dual challenges: unclear suitability boundaries and difficulties in …

Evolutionary Logic And Development Trends Of China’S Ecological And Environmental Fiscal Polocies—Quantitative Analysis Based On Policy Texts, Yu Qi, Wumei Shi, Yankun Xu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The modern fiscal system has a unique role in promoting the development of green transformation, taking into account the different interests of different subjects, linking different governance links, and balancing the distribution of benefits between regions and generations, and has become a tool that is increasingly relied upon to improve the basic system of ecological civilization, sound ecological and environmental governance system, and innovate the mechanism of green and low-carbon development. Through a retrospective study of 1 516 policy texts issued by the central government departments since the reform and opening up of China, which are closely related to “ecological …

Comparison And Enlightenment Of International Renewable Energy Legislation Systems, Lanchun Li, Wei Feng, Wei Chen, Qing Liu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The high-quality development of renewable energy cannot be achieved without legal system guarantees. In the new era, the deepening of national major strategies such as energy revolution, high-quality development, and dual carbon have put forward new and higher requirements for China’s renewable energy legal system. Based on the perspective of “past-now-future”, this study systematically reviews the development process and evolution trend of international renewable energy legal systems, extracts typical experiences of major countries, and compares and summarizes the analyses of China’s legal systems. In light of gaps, it is proposed to further improve the revision of the Renewable Energy Law …

Ongoing Efforts To Develop Open Climate Change Resources: An Interview With Dr. Tamara Shapiro Ledley, James Thibeault

Open Educational Resources Publications

This article explores the significant contributions of Dr. Tamara Shapiro Ledley in developing open educational resources (OER) for climate change education. Through an interview with Dr. Ledley, the article highlights her journey from a climate science researcher to a passionate advocate for open access to scientific information. Dr. Ledley's work, funded by prominent organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and NOAA, has focused on creating and disseminating freely accessible resources to enhance public understanding of climate science. Key initiatives discussed include the Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET), EarthLabs, and the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN). These …

Should We Stay Or Should We Leave? Multi-Objective Tradeoffs In Identifying Robust Beach Nourishment And Managed Retreat, Prabhat Hegde

Sustainability Seminar Series

In some low-lying coastal areas around the world, decision-makers are beginning to consider “managed retreat” of human populations to adapt to sea-level rise. One of the main challenges in designing a managed retreat strategy is determining when to trigger retreat. Decision-makers lack tools and scientific understanding to evaluate whether the benefits of interim response strategies, like beach nourishment, outweigh the costs of waiting longer to trigger retreat.

In this talk, I will contextualize the coastal beach nourishment problem within the umbrella of decision analyses frameworks for climate change adaptation. I will demonstrate how considerations of uncertainty and multiple objectives improve …

Changing Characteristics Of Land Cover, Landscape Pattern And Ecosystem Services In The Bohai Rim Region Of China, Jiaqi Liu, Wei Chen, Hu Ding, Zhanhang Liu, Min Xu, Ramesh P. Singh, Congqiang Liu

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Since the Anthropocene, ecosystems have been continuously deteriorating due to global climate change and human intervention. Exploring the changing characteristics of land use/land cover (LULC), landscape pattern and ecosystem service (ES) and their drivers is crucial for regional ecosystem management and sustainable development. Taking the Bohai Rim region of China as an example, we used the land use transfer matrix, landscape pattern index and InVEST model to analyze the changing characteristics of LULC, landscape pattern and six key ESs [crop production (CP), water yield (WY), carbon storage (CS), soil conservation (SC), habitat quality (HQ), landscape aesthetics (LA)] during 2000–2020. Detailed …

Extension Education For Real Estate Professionals: Teaching Regulations And Sharing Resources That Protect Water Quality And Property Values, Linda Patterson, Shari Halik, Kristine F. Stepenuck

Journal of Extension

Real estate professionals can be an important source of information for home buyers and sellers about regulations and practices that protect water quality and properties from environmental damage. Lake Champlain Sea Grant (LCSG) Extension identified a deficit in real estate education covering these topics for real estate professionals. Accredited real estate workshops were initially developed by LCSG Extension and Vermont Agency of Natural Resources specialists. The program was later expanded to New York. Six-month follow-up surveys indicated that the majority of participants continued to use knowledge and tools gained in the workshops. Suggestions for replicating this program elsewhere are provided.

Increasing Wildfire Preparedness Through Defensible Space Training For The Private Sector, Christina Restaino, Spencer Eusden

Journal of Extension

There is a large effort across the United States to create fire adapted communities which are communities that are resilient to wildfire and are safe for firefighters to defend. These communities need adequate defensible space to become fire adapted, but the capacity to perform the work is low. A skilled workforce trained in defensible space can increase capacity and help communities be more prepared. We created a defensible space certification training program for landscape architects and contractors. The training is a way to increase our collective capacity to address the wildfire issue in Northern Nevada and across the West.

Re: Comment Letter For Bpsou Draft Phase I Design Investigation Evaluation Report (Dated September 25, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Place-Based Conservation In Coastal And Marine Ecosystems: The Importance Of Engagement With Underrepresented Communities, Viniece Jennings, Kelly M. San Antonio, Mya J. Brown, Lalah Choice, Queriah Simpson, Imani Ford, Hyun Jung Cho, Pedro Solis, Ashley Lacey, De’Marcus Robinson

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Through the years, research has described the importance of community-based approaches in the management of coastal and marine ecosystems. Coastal and marine issues are multifaceted and require place-specific approaches developed in partnership with vulnerable communities who are impacted by environmental stressors. Place-based conservation, a management approach that focuses on unique, place-specific characteristics, and other similar methods. It considers the need to integrate human dimensions and location-centered approaches, which are often lacking in typical natural resource management. Meaningful engagement with underrepresented communities can holistically account for socioeconomic factors and cultural knowledge that inform best management practices. As the health of marine …

Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit, Butte Reclamation Evaluation System Draft 2024 Field Evaluation Of Previously Reclaimed Sites Summary And Technical Recommendations Report, Butte-Silver Bow Department Of Reclamation And Environmental Services

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Comment Letter For Bpsou Draft Phase I Design Investigation Evaluation Report (Dated September 25, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Biological Control For One Health, Urs Schaffner, George E. Heimpel, Nicholas J. Mills, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Matthew B. Thomas, Yubak D. Gc, Kris A.G. Wyckhuys

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Biological control has been effectively exploited by mankind since 300 CE. By promoting the natural regulation of pests, weeds, and diseases, it produces societal benefits at the food-environment-health nexus. Here we scrutinize biological control endeavours and their social-ecological outcomes through a holistic ‘One-Health’ lens, recognizing that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment are linked and interdependent. Evidence shows that biological control generates desirable outcomes within all One Health dimensions, mitigating global change issues such as chemical pollution, biocide resistance, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction. Yet, its cross-disciplinary achievements remain underappreciated. To remedy this, we advocate a …

Qualitative Study On Hydrocarbon Contamination In Cpo_A Case Study Of A Palm Oil Mill Based In Sumatera_Indonesia, Kanagasabai Narayanan, Jamalludin Helmi Hashim, Shirley Sie Ling Tan

Jesselton Journal of Educators and Scholars

This study addresses hydrocarbon contamination in Crude Palm Oil (CPO) from Sumatera, Indonesia, focusing on identifying sources, establishing acceptable levels, and proposing mitigation strategies. Key challenges include high costs of alternative lubricants and limited awareness among small-scale producers. The research employs a comprehensive approach, including data collection from Palm Oil Mills, interviews with RSPO auditors and Palm Oil Managers, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) implementation. Findings reveal contamination sources such as gear oil and plastic containers, with recommendations including enhanced equipment maintenance, awareness campaigns, and stricter regulations. The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration, regulatory compliance, and …

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final Quarterly Operations And Maintenance Report Butte Treatment Lagoon System – Second Quarter 2023 (Dated October 15, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Comment Letter For Draft Clark Tailings Consolidated Waste Management Area (Ctcwma) Site Investigation Draft Data Summary Report 2019-2023 (Dated October 3, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.