Digital Commons Network^™

Optimization Of A Plate Beam System For Energy Harvesting Using A Piezoelectric Material, Jose Manuel Almendros Espantaleon

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

With a continuously growing demand for power, driven by the need to reduce our environmental footprint, this research provides an examination of the potential of energy harvesting with smart materials technology and its practical applications. The energy harvesting system considered here works on generating energy through vibrations of a piezoelectric material beam which will undergo sustained vibrations due to flow of air over its surface. It is assumed that sustained limit cycle oscillations of this system will occur at the flutter velocity. This research creates an optimization framework to obtain the best values of parameters that will result in the …

Revised Draft Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) Annual Update (Non-Residential Parcels And Residential Daycares), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Ecological Applications Of Δ17O: Validating A Novel Technique For Assessing Animal Metabolism And Water Intake, Zachary Taylor Steele

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Animals obtain water via different processes such as drinking, consuming food, and through metabolic processes like at the end of the electron transport chain when atmospheric oxygen is combined with hydrogen to form ‘cytochrome oxidase water’. Assessing animal water flux and metabolism has mainly been conducted via stable isotope analysis (SIA) of biological samples using hydrogen (²H) and oxygen isotopes (¹⁶O, ¹⁷O, and ¹⁸O; Δ¹⁷O), typically using enriched isotope tracers. However, natural abundance isotope modeling offers an approach for conducting SIA of biological samples that differs because it relies on the unique, …

The Colorado Wolf Reintroduction Portrayal In News Media, Megan K. Mcarthur, Monica V. Ogra

Student Publications

The Colorado gray wolf (Canis lupus) reintroduction began in December 2023 in the hope of restoring this once native population to the area, and it has received mixed responses from the media. By answering the research question of 'How has the wolf reintroduction in Colorado been framed in news media?', this research poster looks at the portrayal of the reintroduction in news articles from six months before and after the first wolves were released. Media is an influential factor in people's opinions and it is important to be aware of the information being shared and any bias within them.

Review Of Agricultural Biomass Burning And Its Impact On Air Quality In The Continental United States Of America, Sai Deepak Pinakana, Amit U. Raysoni, Alqamah Sayeed, Juan L. Gonzalez, Owen Temby, Dawid K. Wladyka, Katarzyna Sepielak

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Burning is a common method to dispose agricultural biomass residue. This practice is widely used by farmers during pre- and post-harvest seasons for crops such as wheat, rice, grass seed, soy, cotton, sugarcane, and corn. Farmers choose this method because it is cost and time effective. These burning activities emit several types of pollutants into the atmosphere, including CH4, SOx, NOx, CO, CO2, and particulate matter of different sizes (i.e., PM1, PM2.5 and PM10). Globally, the United States of America ranks third, preceded by China and India, in greenhouse gas emissions due to agricultural burning activities. According to the 2020 …

Formalizing The Santa Fe Water Bank, Walker Williamson

Water Resources Professional Project Reports

Water users depend on institutional flexibility to efficiently allocate water in legally constrained and overallocated basins. Adaptive market-based mechanisms such as water banking proffer flexibility and fairness, but often face practical challenges fueled by empirical and institutional uncertainties. The Santa Fe Water Bank is a case in point. The City of Santa Fe transfers agricultural water rights from the Middle Rio Grande to its municipal Water Bank for sustainable development. Combined uncertainties in this process can obscure latent changes in water balance and foster misunderstanding, potentially provoking transfer protests. This study develops a formal model clarifying the interrelated institutional and …

Epbc 2010/5491: Weaber Plain Development Project Compliance Report - 1st May 2023 To 30th April 2024, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Irrigated Agricultural Development in the North

The Weaber Plain Development Project (Goomig Project) was approved on 13 September 2011. The approval reference is EPBC 2010/5491 (the Approval).

The Goomig Project comprises irrigated farmland, associated infrastructure, and a buffer area on the Weaber Plain located about 30km north-northeast of Kununurra in Western Australia. Figure 1 shows the location and layout of the Goomig Project and interface with other projects including the Knox Creek Plain Irrigation Development (EPBC 2014/7143), Sorby Hills Silver Lead Zinc mining project, and Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) Stage 1 'Cave Springs' farms.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is the Goomig …

Deciphering Water Quality And Algal Dynamics In Clear Lake Through Hyperspectral Analysis Using Emit Data, Wenzhao Li, Shahryar Fazli, Surendra Maharjan, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

This study evaluates the potential application of hyperspectral Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) remote sensing for monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs) and water quality in Clear Lake, California. The research focuses on correlating the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations with EMIT spectral signatures, using waterbody-wide statistical analysis of Chl-a and EMIT data sampling at various lake locations. Results demonstrate distinct spectral signatures associated with varying Chl-a levels, highlighting the potential of hyperspectral imaging in differentiating algae levels and assessing water quality variables. It also indicates the EMIT’s utility in filling data gaps and offering high-resolution monitoring. This study underscores the …

Linkages Of The 2022 Unprecedented Global Heatwave Events To Triple-Dip La Niña, Sachi Perera, Joshua B. Fisher, Mohamed Allali, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Heatwaves are influenced significantly by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which alters temperature and precipitation patterns throughout the world. Since 2020, we have witnessed a "triple dip" La Niña conditions persisting for three consecutive years resulting in severe weather and climate driven events globally. In this study, we identified the dominant frequency of Niño 3.4 Sea Surface Temperature (SST) signals and correlated them with regions experiencing unprecedented heat waves in 2022, namely, the Indian Ocean, the North Atlantic around England and Spain, and the Mediterranean Sea. The signal's power spectrum and its three highest power components are determined based on the …

Ecological Effects On Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Vegetated Estuarine Soils Of The Lower Laguna Madre, David R. De La Garza

Theses and Dissertations

Coastal wetlands are important ecosystems that provide numerous ecosystem services including erosion control, habitat for fauna, and carbon sequestration. Notably, coastal wetlands are producers of greenhouse gases (GHGs) but are able to store significant amounts of carbon relative to their surface area. Mangrove forests are amongst the most effective ecosystems for carbon sequestration. Soil emits (GHGs) containing carbon (such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)), which are produced by organic matter decomposition and soil organic carbon mineralization, and both are an important component of the global carbon cycle. Soil emissions may be affected by a variety of factors including …

Enhancing Water Sustainability In North Africa: Literature Review And Synthesis Of Current Knowledge Gaps In Sudan, Osman M. A. Adam, Aaron R. Mittelstet, Derek M. Heeren, Troy E. Gilmore

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

This study delves into the critical role of groundwater in addressing global water challenges, with a focus on the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS) in North Africa. Groundwater constitutes a source of potable water, irrigation, and industrial use, especially in arid regions where surface water is limited. We analyzed the status of water quantity, withdrawals, recharge, and geological characteristics in the NSAS, specifically in Sudan, Egypt, Libya, and Chad. Though the NSAS is largely an untapped resource, we evaluated various scenarios to determine the quantity of cropland that can be sustainably irrigated. The NSAS is located in an arid region, …

Testing Multiple Environmental Dna Substrates For Detection Of The Cryptic And Critically Endangered Burrowing Freshwater Crayfish Engaewa Pseudoreducta, Kathryn L. Dawkins, Paul Nevill, Brian Chambers, Shane Herbert, Quinton F. Burnham

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Effective conservation of endangered species depends on knowledge of their distributions, but species detection can often be challenging. An example of this is provided by the Critically Endangered Margaret River burrowing crayfish (Engaewa pseudoreducta), which is highly cryptic. Due to the burrowing habit of this crayfish, detection of this species currently requires a great deal of effort, the results are often non-conclusive, and, as it involves manual excavation of their burrows, the habitat of this and other species is destroyed in the detection process. In response to these challenges, this study developed and optimized a species-specific probe-based qPCR assay targeting …

Transforming Place-Based Management Within Watersheds In Fiji: The Watershed Interventions For Systems Health Project, Stacy D. Jupiter, Aaron P. Jenkins, Joel Negin, Shylett Anthony, Ponipate Baleinamau, Rachel Devi, Sikeli Gavidi, Alice Latinne, Kini Koto Mailautoka, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Kelera Naivalu, Timoci Naivalulevu, Vilisi Naivalulevu, Nabeela Nasim, Sikeli Naucunivanua, Sarah Nelson, Ingrid Qauqau, Anaseini Ratu, Mereia Ravoka, Jacqueline Thomas, Andrew Tukana, Paul Van Nimwegen, Ama Wakwella, Amelia Wenger, Donald Wilson, Pierre Horwitz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Watersheds offer opportunities for place-based interventions to transform systems health via preventative versus reactive approaches to management that achieve multiple co-benefits for public and environmental health. The Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project embraced participatory knowledge co-production and action-oriented research to identify risks to public and ecosystem health, prioritize interventions to address risks, and monitor responses of the system to interventions. We used screening filters and local knowledge to collaboratively identify five watersheds for action with high prior incidence of water-related diseases (Fiji’s “three plagues” of leptospirosis, typhoid and dengue) and high risk to downstream environmental …

Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Urban Lawn Soil Amended With Biochar And Compost Under Contrasting Redox Conditions, Angel Salinas

Theses and Dissertations

Green fields around the world are being converted to urban land uses to cope with population growth and urbanization. The objective of this study was to investigate how urban lawn soils can contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in relation to soil saturation-drainage cycles. We measured carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions as well as redox potential (Eh) from garden soils amended with biochar, compost, or biochar + compost under a mesocosm scale. Bermuda turfgrass seed was seeded in each column (5-gallon bucket) and three water saturation conditions (half-saturated, full-saturated, and unsaturated soils) were maintained for …

New Insights On Hybridization In Potamogeton Floridanus (The Florida Pondweed), Kaitlyn R. Sampson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Freshwater ecosystems are some of the most important and highest threatened habitats in the world, and aquatic plants play an important, but often-overlooked, role in maintaining them. Potamogeton is a diverse and ecologically important aquatic plant genus well known for taxonomic difficulty and rampant hybridization. lbis study aimed to 1) test the hypothesis that Potamogeton jloridanus (Florida pondweed) is a hybrid between P. oakesianus and P. pulcher, and 2) to investigate correlations in ecological conditions for the focal species. This study revealed the discovery of a new population of P. jloridanus in Big Coldwater Creek in Santa Rosa Co., FL, …

Urban Soil Compaction Remediation By Shallow Tillage And Compost In Hydroseeded Lawn, James Jihoon Kang, Adam Flores, Engil Isadora Pujol Pereira, Jungseok Ho

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Construction activities often involve removal of topsoil and compaction of the exposed soil by heavy equipments. Such compacted soils with low organic matter can lead to low infiltration and poor vegetation establishment. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tillage (shallow till) and compost on soil physical and biological properties in a hydroseeded lawn as a post-construction best management practice for soil compaction remediation. The experimental site received a total of four land treatments in five replicated trials and it was hydroseeded with common Bermuda grass: 1) No Tillage + Compost (NT-C), 2) No Tillage + …

Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Mandan Park Soil Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp), Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Park Soil Sampling Field Sampling Plan (Fsp) Submittal #13 [Copper Mountain Park], Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Draft Final Bpsou Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Belle Of Butte (Bres No. 8 & Ur-39) Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Park Soil Sampling Field Sampling Plan (Fsp) Submittal #14 [Silver Bow Homes Park, Butte Koa, Fairmont Rv Park, And Cccs Gymnasium], Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Berkeley Pit And Discharge Pilot Project Discharge System Operations Assurance Plan 2024 Update, Revision 1, Wsp Environment & Infrastructure, Inc., Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis Of The Roadside Transportation-Related Air Quality (Startraq 2022): Data-Driven Exposure Analysis By Transportation Modes, Jaymin Kwon, Yushin Ahn, Steve Chung

Mineta Transportation Institute

Particulate matter (PM) pollution poses significant health risks, influenced by various meteorological factors and seasonal variations. This study investigates the impact of temperature and other meteorological variables on PM10 and PM2.5 levels in Fresno County, known for high air pollution. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and generalized additive models (GAMs) assess the significance of these relationships. Analyzing data from Fresno County, we examine PM10 and PM2.5 levels across "hot" (June to August) and "cool" (September to May) seasons. Findings indicate PM10, both MLR and GAM models identify statistically significant variables, excluding temperature and wind direction in each season. However, during the …

Revised Draft 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.

Assessing Rice Phenological Features With Hyperspectral Imaging Insights From Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (Emit), Shahryar Fazli, Wenzhao Li, Surendra Maharjan, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

In California's Central Valley, water management and crop health, particularly in rice cultivation, are critical. This paper details the application of Earth surface Mineral dust source InvesTigation (EMIT) hyperspectral imaging, specifically employing Spectral Correlation Mapper (SCM) and Spectral Information Divergence (SID), for precise phenological analysis. By aligning EMIT data with Hyperion satellite references, we address spectral and geographical discrepancies. Our methodology includes seasonal sampling of spectral curves to capture the phenological stages of rice. Results show a strong correlation (R ² = 0.86) between August EMIT and Reference dataset, emphasizing EMIT's utility in enhancing agricultural practices and water efficiency in …

Enhancing Sustainable Development Goals Through Future Vapor Pressure Deficit Analysis In The Nile River Basin, Surendra Maharjan, Wenzhao Li, Shahryar Fazli, Hani Sewilam, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) is crucial in meteorology and agriculture for understanding plant-environment interactions. Its application as an indicator in agricultural practices notably advances Sustainable Development Goals such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13). This research focuses on the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and food security in the Nile River Basin (NRB), emphasizing the role of VPD, temperature, and precipitation. Utilizing Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) datasets from NEX-GDDP-CMIP6, the study analyzes key climatic variables that influence agricultural conditions. The study applies the Mann-Kendall test to evaluate VPD trends from 2000 …

Can Corporate Sustainability Performance (Csp) Overcome Indonesia's Corporate Debt Problems?, Johnson Ferry Febrian, Nora Sri Hendriyeni

Jurnal Akuntansi dan Keuangan Indonesia

Based on IMF publications (2022), Indonesian companies have a risky debt level that may cause bankruptcy, so companies are required to make leverage adjustments to return the debt to its optimal level. In recent years, corporate sustainability performance (CSP) practices have been proven to improve performance and overcome financial problems such as debt by integrating sustainability aspects into business processes. Based on stakeholder theory and trade-off theory, this study aims to examine the effect of CSP on leverage adjustment and the role of competitive advantage, equity mispricing, profitability, and firm size in moderating this relationship. This study used a sample …

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

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program Mandan Park Soil Rawp (Dated May 10, 2024), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit Berkeley Pit And Discharge Pilot Project - May 2024 Monthly Discharge Monitoring Report, Mark Thompson, Dave Griffis

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Recycled Water On Microbial Source Tracking Techniques That Aim To Identify Untreated Sewage In Surface Waters, Aldo E. Lobos

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fecal pollution in recreational waters can introduce pathogens that cause increased human health risk, where exposure can occur during recreational activities such as swimming, diving, surfing, and fishing. Furthermore, human fecal pollution (i.e., sewage) can introduce nutrients and other harmful chemicals that may negatively affect the environment and aquatic species. Generally, sewage is considered the highest risk to human health compared to animal fecal pollution because it typically contains a high diversity of pathogens (including human specific viruses), antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes associated with antibiotic resistance. However, pathogens are difficult to detect due to their low concentrations in the …