Digital Commons Network^™

Perspectives Through The Lens Of Educators And Students: Teaching Flood Mitigation And Other Controversial Food, Energy, Water Nexus Issues In The Classroom, Sumaiya Tabassum

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Science and society are inseparably linked, shaping each other in ways that define our world, emphasizing the need to teach science for empowering students capable of taking meaningful action toward building a sustainable and just society. Developing sustainability competencies in students is an important step toward this goal, with controversial socio-scientific issues (SSIs) providing a valuable teaching context, that encourage students in analyzing interdisciplinary evidence while considering the social, economic impacts of potential solutions. However, recognizing the unique perspectives individuals bring to the classroom is prerequisite for tailoring effective, inclusive instruction, as perspectives often shape learning and classroom-engagement. This study …

Digital India, Rajendra Srivastava, Vijay Shankar S, Aman Rajeev Kulkarni

Asian Management Insights

At the heart of India’s ongoing digital transformation lies a ‘perfect storm’ of pivotal elements: a robust telecom industry, groundbreaking digital technologies, an evolving payments ecosystem, and widespread smartphone adoption. Together, these elements have redefined connectivity, communication, and financial transactions, positioning India as a leader in the digital age.

The Path To Greening Our Future, Havovi Joshi

Asian Management Insights

More than half of humanity currently lives in urban areas, and the United Nations predicts that figure will reach 70 percent by 2050. Cities worldwide already generate a significant amount of solid waste annually, adding to vexing issues that the global community is trying to address–demand for transportation, air pollution, access to public open spaces, urban sprawl, and general sustainability challenges. Throw in global warming and the copious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions borne of construction activities, and the challenge of creating the necessary urban infrastructure to cope comes into sharp focus.

Why Isn’T Formula 1 Going Electric?, Terry Van Gevelt

Asian Management Insights

Electric vehicles are not the only sustainable automotive option.

1. While electric vehicles (EVs) are marketed as ‘zero-emission’, their overall environmental impact and battery production all contribute to their lifecycle emissions. In fact, their widespread adoption needs significant infrastructural changes like installing new charging networks and upgrading power grids, which come with substantial environmental and financial costs.

2. Considering a diverse array of energy alternatives, including synthetic e-fuels, could offer Singapore a that is tailored to the specific needs and infrastructural realities of the country and region.

Getting On Board With Incentivising Esg, Shai Ganu

Asian Management Insights

What gets rewarded gets measured and done. Shai Ganu, Managing Director and Global Leader of the Executive Compensation and Board Advisory business at WTW, discusses the increasing adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics in structuring executive compensation. He explores how incorporating ESG goals into incentive plans drives accountability and aligns leadership performance with long-term sustainability objectives.

Microplastic Pollution In Riparian Soils Of The Rapidly Growing City Of Thimphu, Bhutan, Karma Jamtsho, Mark A. Lund, David Blake, Eddie Van Etten

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Plastic has become a vitally important material for humans; however, the large amount of plastic waste generated annually pollutes the environment. Plastic decomposition generates microplastics (MPs), which have emerged as a concerning global environmental pollutant because of their potential to be more harmful to the environment than their larger counterparts. This study examined the occurrence and abundance of MPs in riparian soils (RS) of a rapidly growing city in Thimphu, Bhutan. Additionally, the study investigated the relationships between the abundance of MP and several variables, such as the physicochemical properties of the soil, land use, the distance to impervious cover …

Final Quarterly Operations And Maintenance Report Butte Treatment Lagoon System – Fourth Quarter 2022, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Urban H: Housing, Heat, And Health, Loretta Lees

Asian Management Insights

Future policy needs to triangulate the ‘triple-H’ to help marginalised urban populations.

1. The urban heat island effect generates disproportionately high temperatures in urban settlements compared to non-urban ones, leading to increased heat-related illnesses and mental health issues, especially among vulnerable and marginalised populations living in poorly-planned or -resourced areas.

The Urban-H research agenda by Boston University’s Initiative on Cities focuses on the interconnected effects of housing, heat, and health (triple-H) to develop a resilience index for cities.

3. The proposed global Urban-H Index could help cities worldwide address the triple-H crisis by guiding policymakers to craft equitable, as well …

Our Roads Are Choking Us, Mark Stevenson, Ferdinand Balfoort, Darius Balfoort

Asian Management Insights

Re-imagining transport systems to cut carbon emissions and drive climate change.

1. The global transport sector, particularly road transport, contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution, causing serious health issues like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially in highly urbanised areas.

2. In-vehicle telematics and smartphone apps that provide emission feedback can help incentivise drivers to adopt sustainable driving habits. A global carbon credit market can help achieve the same goal by letting individuals and companies monetise their emission reduction.

3. Transitioning to electric vehicles and micro- mobility solutions, with the support of proper infrastructure and regulations, …

Urban Sustainability: The Singapore Experience, Chuan Seng Lee

Asian Management Insights

The importance of green buildings, the circular economy, and zero waste.
Lee Chuan Seng, Chairman of the National Environment Agency (NEA) and founding President of the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), shares insights on urban sustainability. He emphasizes the significance of green buildings, the circular economy, and achieving zero waste. Lee also discusses strategies to promote the reduction and reuse of materials in the built environment, contributing to Singapore's leadership in sustainable urban development.

Power Shift: Steering The Energy Sector Towards A Net Zero Future, Tengku Muhammad Taufik

Asian Management Insights

Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group CEO of PETRONAS, discusses how the global energy company navigates an increasingly volatile energy market while advancing its commitment to a Net Zero future. Balancing traditional operations with the demands of an accelerated energy transition, PETRONAS focuses on delivering energy to its stakeholders while meeting sustainability expectations. The company adopts frontier technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) as key enablers in its strategy to achieve a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Rabbit Fencing To Protect Crops And Pastures, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet outlines the use of fencing to protect crops and pasture from rabbits.

Rabbits cause an estimated loss of $217 million each year to Australian agricultural production and cause significant environmental damage. In Western Australia (WA), areas of native vegetation, particularly on sandy ridges that would otherwise be subject to wind erosion, have been retained on farms. Bush remnants are a major refuge habitat for rabbits, which can cause considerable damage to nearby pastures and crops. A measure of rabbit control can be achieved by poisoning around bush remnants in late summer or autumn, prior to seeding. To be …

Gorse And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant with links to requirements that landowners/occupiers must adhere to, pest control methods and how to search, detect and report it.

Gorse is a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) present in Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory; it is not present in the Northern Territory. Gorse is a declared pest plant in WA.

European Wasp: Declared Pest, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The European wasp is one of the worst wasps in the world — harmful to people, outdoor lifestyles, and horticultural and agricultural industries. Early detection of wasp activity is critical to prevent the wasp establishing in Western Australia (WA). This is achieved via collaboration between residents, businesses, industry, and government.

European Wasp Information For Local Government, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The department’s European wasp surveillance and eradication program is a yearly campaign, aimed at detecting the presence of this destructive pest as early as possible so that nests can be found and eradicated.

The continued success of European wasp surveillance and eradication program relies on surveillance in metropolitan Perth and regional areas, strong community awareness, and participation between residents, business owners, community groups, industry, and government.

Confined Paddock Feeding And Feedlotting Of Sheep, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Confinement feeding (also referred to as lot feeding or feedlotting) is an intensive feeding system in a confined area where all, or the majority of, feed and water is supplied to the contained animals. The department recommends using confinement feeding as part of a whole farm livestock, pasture and erosion management program.

We recommend having a confinement feeding system as an integral part of a whole farm livestock, pasture and erosion management program. Guides and resources that provide more detailed information are listed at the bottom of this fact sheet.

Sheep Feed Value Guide, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Sheep are supplementary fed for either survival or production purposes. Efficient supplementary feeding should aim to supply sheep with a diet that is sufficient in digestible energy and protein. We recommend testing feedstuffs, although the feed tables supplied here can be used to help roughly estimate the amount of grain and fodder required.

Knowing the value of different feedstuffs is critical when making decisions about livestock nutrition, for survival, maintenance and growth.

Supplementary feeding is a key part of a Western Australian (WA) sheep enterprise because most sheep systems are on annual pasture which is dry over the Mediterranean summer. …

Evaluation Of Dual Purpose Canola And Cereals Grazed With Cattle, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducted research to investigate and demonstrate the importance of dual-purpose crops (canola, wheat and barley) to improve the feed availability for cattle (in late autumn to early winter) in mixed farming systems of the high rainfall environment of Western Australia (WA).

The grain yield of a wide range of canola and cereal varieties sown in mid-April were unaffected by the grazing of cattle at a stocking rate of 20 to 22 dry sheep equivalent (DSE) per hectare (ha) for up to 4 weeks at Esperance in 2011.

The grazed crops yielded the …

Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Determines The Provenance Of Coastal Marine Soils And Their Organic And Inorganic Carbon Content, Lewis Walden, Oscar Serrano, Zefang Shen, Mingxi Zhang, Paul Lavery, Zhongkui Luo, Lei Gao, Raphael A. Viscarra Rossel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Vegetated coastal ecosystems (VCE), encompassing tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses, serve as significant ‘blue’ carbon (C) sinks. Improving our understanding of VCE soils and their spatial and temporal dynamics is essential for conservation efforts. Conventional methods to characterise the dynamics and provenance of VCE soils and measure their total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) contents are cumbersome and expensive. We recorded the mid-infrared (MIR) spectra and measured the TOC and TIC content of 323 subsamples across consistent depths from 106 soil core samples. Using the spectra of each VCE, we determined their mineral and organic composition by depth. …

Chronological Progress In Enhancing Cigs Solar Cell Performance Through Window Layer Development: Fundamentals, Synthesis, Optimization, Nadia Hartini Suhaimi, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Boon Kar Yap, K. Sobayel, Md Helal Miah, Islam, Sieh Kiong Tiong, Narottam Das, Mayeen Uddin Khandakher, Nowshad Amin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Several factors, particularly the material of the window layer, contribute to the efficiency of CIGS solar cells. To optimize light absorption and reduce energy losses, it is critical to select the appropriate material for the window layer development. Thus, the main emphasis of this review is on the development of window layers, covering fundamental concepts, synthesis techniques, characterization methods, and optimization strategies. Metal oxides and doped metal oxides are critical materials for optimizing charge carrier flow, minimizing energy loss, and elevating sunlight transmission to the CIGS absorber. Despite tremendous progress, difficulties such as increased conductivity, transparency, stability, and cost-effectiveness remain. …

Draft Final Materials Management Plan Silver Bow Creek Conservation Area, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Draft Final 2022 Unreclaimed Sites Sampling Ur-13 Site Evaluation Summary Report, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

September 2024 Berkeley Pit Migratory Waterfowl Protection Monthly Report, Mark Thompson, Loren Burmeister

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

State Of The Fisheries: Status Reports Of The Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Of Western Australia 2023/24, Stephen J. Newman, Jenny Moore, Daniel J. Gaughan

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

This edition of the “State of the fisheries” continues the tradition of annually reporting on the status of exploited fish and their habitats in Western Australia. Critically, the reports provide overviews of the science outcomes that underpin management of fishing across the state.

Scientifically assessing the status of fish resources and potential impacts on ecosystems is inherently challenging; I acknowledge and thank the dedicated fisheries science teams and various support staff for again producing outstanding, robust scientific results that are summarised herein. I similarly acknowledge (i) the fisheries management team who use the science outcomes in policy development and to …

Tritrophic Interactions Mediated By Zoophytophagous Predator-Induced Host Plant Volatiles, Bashiru Adams, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Baldwyn Torto, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The zoophytophagous mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis and the ectoparasitoid Stenomesius japonicus are important biological control agents for several agricultural pests including the invasive leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta, a destructive pest of Solanaceous crops especially tomato in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about how feeding by N. tenuis can influence the tritrophic interactions in the tomato plant. Here, we tested the hypothesis that N. tenuis phytophagy would influence the tritrophic olfactory interactions between the host plant tomato and pest, predator, and parasitoid. In olfactometer assays, P. absoluta females and N. tenuis adults were both attracted to constitutive volatiles released by the …

The Divergent Responses Of Salinity Generalists To Hyposaline Stress Provide Insights Into The Colonisation Of Freshwaters By Diatoms, Kathryn J. Judy, Eveline Pinseel, Kala M. Downey, Jeffrey A. Lewis, Andrew J. Alverson

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Environmental transitions, such as the salinity divide separating marine and fresh waters, shape biodiversity over both shallow and deep timescales, opening up new niches and creating opportunities for accelerated speciation and adaptive radiation. Understanding the genetics of environmental adaptation is central to understanding how organisms colonise and subsequently diversify in new habitats. We used time-resolved transcriptomics to contrast the hyposalinity stress responses of two diatoms. Skeletonema marinoi has deep marine ancestry but has recently invaded brackish waters. Cyclotella cryptica has deep freshwater ancestry and can withstand a much broader salinity range. Skeletonema marinoi is less adept at mitigating even mild …

Addressing Governance Challenges Of Digitalisation And Sustainability: The Case Of Central Bank Digital Currency, Heng Wang

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Digitalisation and environmental sustainability are widely discussed topics. However, their nexus remains underexplored and can pose significant challenges for governments and industries alike. The environmental implications of digitalisation are becoming increasingly pertinent with the advent of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and their inherent energy consumption and production of e-waste. On the other hand, digitalisation could potentially support sustainability efforts. This begs the question of how systems of governance, such as regulatory frameworks and internal organisational governance, should harmonise digitalisation and sustainability goals. Such harmonisation entails ensuring that digitalisation processes are environmentally responsible while exploring how the application and features …

Yellow Crazy Ant, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are believed to be native to west Africa or Asia. They are not present in Western Australia (WA) and are prohibited.

Yellow crazy ants were first observed in Australia in the early 1900’s on the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Christmas Island, where they have now caused a massive decline in the population of iconic red crabs. More recently, they have been recorded in Queensland, the Northern Territory (NT), and New South Wales (NSW).

Rabbit Control: Warren And Harbourage Destruction, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

If correctly and appropriately undertaken, the destruction of rabbit warrens, or modification of the habitat so it becomes less favourable to rabbits, can be an important and effective part of reducing the impacts of rabbits.

Destruction of warrens can improve the overall effectiveness of rabbit control programs, even though many rabbits live and shelter above-ground under bushes, and in scrub). If undertaken properly, the ripping of rabbit warrens can often provide a relatively permanent and long-term benefit. Similarly, removing or modifying other forms of rabbit-harbourage (for example, removing rock piles) can help, particularly in semi-urban areas or on smallholdings.

Rabbit Control In Urban And Semi-Urban Areas, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet provides information on control options for rabbits in urban and semi-urban areas in Western Australia (WA).

Rabbits cause considerable losses to agricultural and horticultural industries. They can cause serious environmental problems, such as soil erosion and degradation of native vegetation. Rabbits also compete with native fauna for food and habitat.

Rabbits may be a problem or a nuisance in urban environments where they can damage lawns and gardens, buildings, garages, and sheds. Rabbits can also damage golf courses, sports grounds, and parkland reserves.

The options for control of rabbits in urban areas are more limited than in rural …