Digital Commons Network^™

Taking Charge: Survey And Discussion Report, June 2009, Jill E. Thayer

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The data presented in this Report are based on two types of public input. First, Lincoln residents completed 1,812 online surveys between April 21 and May 15, 2009. The surveys asked about residents to give their input on 25 budget, program, and service issues. The survey respondents were randomly presented with a subset of the questions so that the survey could be completed in about 20 minutes by most people. Second, an all-day discussion event was held on Saturday, May 16, 2009. One hundred and eleven residents began the day, with 107 able to stay for the entire discussion. The …

Well-Being In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions Of The Present And Views Of The Future, Rebecca J. Vogt

Nebraska Rural Poll

Views of Community Life in Rural Nebraska

Working In Non–Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt

Nebraska Rural Poll

Perceptions of Well-being and Personal Finance Among Rural Nebraskans

Satisfaction With Community Life In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt

Nebraska Rural Poll

Working in Non–Metropolitan Nebraska

Climate Change And Water Resources Management: A Federal Perspective, Levi D. Brekke, Julie E. Kiang, J. Rolf Olsen, Roger S. Pulwarty, David A. Raff, D. Phil Turnipseed, Robert S. Webb, Kathleen D. White

United States Geological Survey: Publications

Many challenges, including climate change, face the Nation’s water managers. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has provided estimates of how climate may change, but more understanding of the processes driving the changes, the sequences of the changes, and the manifestation of these global changes at different scales could be beneficial. Since the changes will likely affect fundamental drivers of the hydrological cycle, climate change may have a large impact on water resources and water resources managers.

The purpose of this interagency report prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Bureau of Reclamation …

Reducing Fine Fuel Loads, Controlling Invasive Annual Grasses, And Manipulating Vegetation Composition In Zion Canyon, Utah, J. R. Matchett, Aviva O'Neill, Matt Brooks, Cheryl Decker, Jennifer Vollmer, Curt Deuser

Joint Fire Science Program Research Project Reports

Fine fuels created by non-native annual grasses are a land management problem throughout the United States and beyond. These fuels facilitate the ignition of wildfires and promote their spread, creating hazardous fuel conditions in wildland urban interface areas. For example, fine fuel accumulations from non-native annual grasses in the riparian corridor at Zion National Park threaten the few egress routes from Zion Canyon, creating a threat to human life should a large wildfire occur there. In addition, when these non-native plants create novel fuel characteristics and fire behavior, they can lead to altered fire regimes that can significantly degrade natural …

Community Wildfire Protection Plans: Enhancing Collaboration And Building Social Capacity, Daniel R. Williams, Pamela J. Jakes, Sam Burns, Antony Cheng, Kristen Nelson, Victoria Sturtevant, Alex Bujak, Rachel Brummel, Stephanie Grayzeck Souter, Emily Saeli Staychock

Joint Fire Science Program Research Project Reports

The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) was enacted to reduce wildfire risk to communities and other at-risk lands through a collaborative process of planning, prioritizing and implementing hazardous fuel reduction projects. One of the key features of HFRA is the development of community wildfire protection plans (CWPPs). We studied the development of CWPPs in order to identify those factors and processes that consistently lead to effective collaborative fire and fuels management as defined by HFRA, and enhance local social capacity to sustain wildfire protection activities into the future. Findings from this research highlight the importance of: (1) drawing …

Adapting To The Current Economic Climate In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt

Nebraska Rural Poll

Television Signal Changes and Rural Nebraskans

Socioeconomic Impacts Of Developing Wind Energy In The Great Plains, F. Larry Leistritz, Randal C. Coon

Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences (through 2013)

Wind energy has been growing rapidly in the Great Plains because of the region’s favorable wind resources and because it has been stimulated by a federal production tax credit and by state renewable portfolio standards. Wind energy installations also offer economic development opportunities for rural areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the socioeconomic effects of the recent development of a wind energy center on nearby communities. Project construction occurred over a six-month period, with the workforce peaking at 269. Project operation supports 10 permanent jobs and expenditures to local businesses and households totaling $1.4 million annually. These …

Resource Page

Court Review: Journal of the American Judges Association

Resource Page: Focus on Indian Law

This Resource Page separately identifies some resources that we have surveyed that appear useful. Judges wanting a comprehensive overview of potential sources about Indian law should review the Carter article in addition to this Resource Page.

The Resource Page

Thirty years ago, published research concluded that an expert’s chance of predicting recidivism was no more accurate than flipping a coin would be, and there was little in the way of valuable research on risk factors generally for criminal behavior or effective means of rehabilitation. Much has changed, and the Chapman Journal of Criminal Justice …

Only The Really Hard Part Of Ecourt Is Really Worth Doing, Michael H. Marcus

Court Review: Journal of the American Judges Association

Some 20 years ago, I released a defendant facing a minor charge pending his trial, who promptly beat up proprietors in a new attempted robbery. I had no access to information about the defendant’s criminal history. Even today, my mistakes that are based on inadequate information can allow tremendous harm to victims, communities, families, and children. I profoundly hope that I’m sending the right people to prison, to probation under proper conditions, and to the right providers.

It is, of course, terrible when someone we release promptly causes great harm. It is understandable that observers blame the judge for that …

Sovereign Comity: Factors Recognizing Tribal Court Criminal Convictions In State And Federal Courts, Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Court Review: Journal of the American Judges Association

State and federal courts increasingly are being confronted with prosecutors moving the court to consider prior convictions in American Indian tribal courts during the sentencing phase, and sometimes earlier. For example, in People v. Wemigwans, the Michigan Court of Appeals allowed the use of a defendant’s two prior tribal court convictions to support a state-law felony charge for drunk driving, third offense. But in United States v. Lente, a divided panel of the Tenth Circuit noted that prior tribal court convictions (that apparently were uncounseled) for drunk driving did not support an upward departure under the federal sentencing …

Black Bear Activity And Visitation Patterns At Human Food Sources In Utah, Dustin Ranglack, Kari Signor, Kevin Bunnell, John Shivik

Wildlife Damage Management Conference Proceedings

Bear activity and behaviors in areas of human use or proximity require research because of significant and potentially dangerous conflicts between humans and bears. Previous studies in areas of the country outside of Utah determined that black bears (Ursus americanus) tend to exhibit diurnal or crepuscular activity patterns. Activity patterns, however, may be influenced by humans, especially in urbanized landscapes or in areas such as campgrounds where anthropogenic food resources are available. Our study objectives were to determine bear activity schedules and changes in visitation patterns to regularly supplied anthropogenic food sites in the La Sal Mountains of …

Satisfaction With Community Life In Non- Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Most of the smaller communities in rural Nebraska have experienced population decline since 2000 while most of the larger communities have experienced population growth. Most communities are also facing budget issues due to the economic recession. Given these conditions, how do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided? Are they planning to move from their community next year? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation?

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. …

Adapting To The Current Economic Climate In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

The national economy has faltered during the past year. While Nebraska’s economy has also faltered, it has not seen the level of job losses and mortgage foreclosures that have occurred in other parts of the country. Given these conditions, what do rural Nebraskans think about the current economic climate? How has their household been impacted during the past year? What changes have they made because of concerns about the economy? How concerned are they about financial matters? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual …

Working In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Self employment is the fastest growing part of the rural economy. Given this, what types of jobs do rural Nebraska households have? How many rural Nebraskans derive income from self employment? Are rural Nebraskans self employed out of necessity or because of personal preferences? How many rural Nebraskans have health insurance? Who owns agricultural land in the state and what are their future plans for it? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series …

Well-Being In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions Of The Present And Views Of The Future, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska has experienced the effects of the recent recession. How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their individual well-being. Trends for these questions are examined by comparing data from the thirteen previous polls to this year’s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent …

Selected Law Pertaining To Nebraskas Firefighters And Fire Departments, Nebraska Forest Service, Wildland Fire Protection Section

Nebraska Forest Service: Publications

The Nebraska statutes contained in this handbook reflect actions taken through the end of the 2009 regular legislative session; Nebraska Laws: Cities, Counties and Political Subdivisions.[13-303] Nebraska Budget Act.[13-501 - 13-601] Interlocal Cooperation Act.[13-801 - 13-807] Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act.[13-901 - 13-903, 13-1801] Local Government Miscellaneous Expenditure Act.[13-2202 - 13-2204] Emergency Response Systems, Employment of Full-time Fire Chief .[16-222.01 – 16-222.03] Serving Outside City Limits; Contracts.[18-1706 - 18-1710] Fire Training School.[18-1712 - 18-1714] Sinking Funds, Cities and Villages .[19-1301 - 1304] Annexation of Territory by a City or Village.[31-763 - 31-766] Multiple office holding; when allowed.[32-604] Fire Companies and …

2009 Government And Industry Pipeline R&D Forum Report

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

Nine government and industry organizations via a steering committee organized, planned and executed this forum. The forum brought together approximately 215 representatives from Federal, State and foreign government offices along with domestic and foreign natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators. The forum’s goals included identifying key challenges facing industry and government, sharing information on current research efforts, and identifying research that can help to meet the challenges.

Europe And The 'Resolution Revolution': 'European' Legal Approaches To Privacy And Their Relevance For Space Remote Sensing Activities, Frans G. Von Der Dunk

Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program: Faculty Publications

English abstract: With the increasing general availability of very high resolution (VHR) satellite remote sensing data, issues of potential invasion of personal spheres of privacy will become ever more important. As of yet, there is no international law providing for a clear-cut regime balancing the freedom of information, including information gathering, with the rights of individual persons to remain free from interference with their privacy. The latter issues therefore essentially can be tackled only at a national level, with the obvious disadvantage that any regulation remains principally limited in scope to the national jurisdiction concerned.

Also at the European level …

Intraspecific Comparison Of Population Structure, Genetic Diversity, And Dispersal Among Three Subspecies Of Townsend’S Big-Eared Bats, Corynorhinus Townsendii Townsendii, C. T. Pallescens, And The Endangered C. T. Birginianus, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Kirk W. Navo, Craig W. Stihler

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Townsend’s big-eared bat, Corynorhinus townsendii, is distributed broadly across western North America and in two isolated, endangered populations in central and eastern United States. There are five subspecies of C. townsendii; C. t. pallescens, C. t. australis, C. t. townsendii, C. t. ingens, and C. t. virginianus with varying degrees of concern over the conservation status of each. The aim of this study was to use mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA data to examine genetic diversity, population differentiation, and dispersal of three C. townsendii subspecies. C. t. virginianus is found in isolated populations in the eastern United States and …

Estimating Griliches' K-Shifts, Lilyan E. Fulginiti

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

Griliches’ k-shift, a crucial parameter in the welfare evaluation of technological change, is shown to be equal to the radial rate of technological change plus a vector of commodity bias parameters obtained from the distance function. The analysis permits decomposition of sectoral productivity growth into productivity growth by commodity. The k-shifts estimated for wheat, corn, soybeans and beef in U.S. agriculture indicate a decrease in the marginal cost of production of corn, soybeans and wheat during the 1950-1993 years.

Acuta Enews October 2008, Vol. 37, No. 10

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Nominate Now for 2009-2008 Board of Directors

From the President................. Corinne Hoch, Columbia Univ., ACUTA President

Tech Talk: Why Not Share That Extra Computing Power?................ Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

DC Update................. Dave Ostrom, Washington State University

Clemson Researchers' EarthBottle Made fro Plants Will Soon Be in Stores

Info Links...................... Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern Iowa

The ICT Regulations toolkit: A Resource Worth Checking Out

Loans to Cover Disaster Losses

Board Report................ Riny Ledgerwood, San Diego State Univ., ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

Check It Out: Press Releases... Job Postings... RFIs/RFPs

OCS Federation Submarien Cable Completed

Welcome New Members

Infrastructure Impacts, Carolyn Johnsen

College of Journalism and Mass Communications: Student Media

As federal pressure increases to meet ethanol mandates and as new ethanol plants are built across the country, how will all this ethanol be moved around — from factory to distributor to vehicle? Here’s a sampling of the infrastructure issues.

Merrifield, Urban Wildlife Management Inc., And California Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators Association, V. Lockyer And California Structural Pest Control Board: United States Court Of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit, Case No. 05-16613, Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain,

Other Publications in Wildlife Management

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Maxine M. Chesney, District Judge, Presiding. Argued and Submitted August 16, 2007—San Francisco, California. Filed September 16, 2008, Before: Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain, Michael Daly Hawkins, and Kim McLane Wardlaw, Circuit Judges. Opinion by Judge O’Scannlain; Partial Concurrence and Partial Dissent by Judge Hawkins

Timothy Sandefur, Pacific Legal Foundation, Sacramento, California, argued the cause for the plaintiffs-appellants and filed briefs; Meriem L. Hubbard, Pacific Legal Foundation, Sacramento, California, was on the briefs. Diann Sokoloff, Deputy Attorney General, Oakland, California, argued the cause for the defendants-appellees and filed a …

“同一个世界，同一个梦想”还是 “同会异梦”?, James Farrer

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Mo Bangfu, a Chinese columnist writing for the liberal Asahi Shimbun, used his weekly column the day before the closing ceremonies to award the Beijing Olympics a symbolic “silver medal” for its overall organization (Aug. 23, 2008, p. B3). Despite accusations of fakery, the opening ceremonies and the Olympic volunteers both deserve “gold medals,” as do the ordinary Beijing residents and migrant workers who had to put up with massive everyday inconveniences.

The government, however, deserves a “disqualification” for not allowing any demonstrations in the designated demonstration areas, for restricting the access of normal citizens to the Olympic venues, and …

Nebraska Community Learning Center Network: Expanded Learning Opportunity Fund Mapping Project, Mitchel Herian, Nancy Shank

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Table of Contents:

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
A Note on Terminology and Population
Fund Mapping Challenges
Approach and Presentation
Fund Mapping Results
Current Funding
Survey of Nebraska Funding Sources
Summary of Federal Funding Programs
Early Childhood Care
Survey of Nebraska Afterschool Programs
Federal Funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Nebraska Crime Commission
Parental Involvement
Potential Funding
Summary of Federal Programs
Discussion of 2008 Survey of Funding Sources
Future Directions and Conclusion

Appendices

Appendix A - Summer 2008 Survey of Organizations that Fund Expanded Learning Opportunities
Appendix B - Potential Federal Programs for Expanded Learning Opportunities
Appendix C - …

Global Climate Change: Opinions And Perceptions Of Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, David J. Peters

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

It is predicted that the earth’s climate will change because of the buildup of greenhouse gases. However, the exact effect of these gases on the climate is difficult to predict. Given these conditions, what do rural Nebraskans think about global climate change? Do they think global climate change will impact them? What are their opinions about the causes and effects of global climate change? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,496 responses to the 2008 Nebraska Rural Poll, the thirteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions …

Office Of Research -- Annual Report 2007-2008

Office of Research and Economic Development: Publications

Table of Contents
ANNUAL REPORT 2007–2008 1
A Time to Think Boldly 1
Lake Mud Holds Climate Secrets 2
Of Grass and Sand – Lessons in Resilience 4
Web Tools Aid Drought Decisions 6
Partnering on Climate Research 7
New Home Furthers Virology Collaboration 8
Innovation Campus in the Works 10
Projects Aim to Ease Research Space Shortage 11
Quilt Center Expanding Its Reach in New Building 12
Genetics Project Melds Biology, Nanotechnology 14
Strengthening Plant Science Research 15
Tiny Tools, Big Potential 16
Omaha and Ponca Dictionary Going Digital 18
Historian Influencing Digital Research 19
Building Longer-Lasting Bridges 20 …

Securing The Olympics, Eric Setzekorn

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

More than any state-of-the-art sports complex or amazing athletic performance, many visitors will remember the Beijing Olympics as the world’s largest security event. In an effort to squelch any sort of protest or more serious terrorist act the government has instituted strict new rules and enforced many existing but hitherto disregarded laws. Estimates of total security personnel range from 250,000 to 500,000, depending on the criteria, but visitors should be either alarmed or comforted to know their every action is monitored and scrutinized.

The epicenter for Olympic security is Tiananmen Square. Since 1989 and even more so since the Falun …