Digital Commons Network^™

Phragmites Australis Management In The United States: 40 Years Of Methods And Outcomes, Eric L. G. Hazelton, Thomas J. Mozdzer, David M. Burdick, Karin M. Kettenring, Dennis F. Whigham

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Studies on invasive plant management are often short in duration and limited in the methods tested, and lack an adequate description of plant communities that replace the invader following removal. Here we present a comprehensive review of management studies on a single species, in an effort to elucidate future directions for research in invasive plant management. We reviewed the literature on Phragmites management in North America in an effort to synthesize our understanding of management efforts, identify gaps in knowledge and improve the efficacy of management. Additionally, we assessed recent ecological findings concerning Phragmites mechanisms of invasion and integrated these …

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda, March 6, 2014, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences

• Inactivate Course
• Delete Course

Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences

• New Course

School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education

• Prerequisite Change

Department of Theatre Arts

• New Course

Department of Accounting

• Course Number Change

Department of Economic and Finance

• New Course
• Prerequisite Change

Department of Management

• New Course
• Title Change, Prerequisite Change
• Prerequisite Change
• Credit Hour Change

Department of Management Information Systems

• New Course

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

• Title Change, Course Description Change

Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education

• New Course
• Grade Mode Change
• Title Change, Course Description Change

Department …

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes, March 6, 2014, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences

• Inactivate Course
• Delete Course

Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences

• New Course

School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education

• Prerequisite Change

Department of Theatre Arts

• New Course

Department of Accounting

• Course Number Change

Department of Economic and Finance

• New Course
• Prerequisite Change

Department of Management

• New Course
• Title Change, Prerequisite Change
• Prerequisite Change
• Credit Hour Change

Department of Management Information Systems

• New Course

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

• Title Change, Course Description Change

Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education

• New Course
• Grade Mode Change
• Title Change, Course Description Change

Department …

Educational Policies Committee Agenda, March 6, 2014, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Course Approvals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

Educational Policies Committee Minutes, March 6, 2014, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Course Approvals
• Program Proposals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

The Utah Statesman, March 4, 2014, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Sharing The Light Of The Sacred Fire: A Proposal For A Paradigm Shift In Psychology, Art W. Blume Ph.D.

Journal of Indigenous Research

Abstract

Psychology as a science and practice developed with a Eurocentric model that has basic assumptions about humanity and our place in the world. The model places great value on individualism and individual achievement, autonomy and personal liberties, self-achievement and personal rewards.

However, the Eurocentric paradigm of individualism and autonomy in many ways is not effective to respond to global concerns that were not anticipated when psychology first developed. Local problems have become global concerns in which traditional Eurocentric assumptions about boundaries and self-interests no longer hold. Many of the issues that challenge psychological health today are too large, broad, …

The Evolution Of Self-Control, Julie K. Young

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

Although scientists have identified surprising cognitive flexibility in animals and potentially unique features of human psychology, we know less about the selective forces that favor cognitive evolution, or the proximate biological mechanisms underlying this process. We tested 36 species in two problem-solving tasks measuring self-control and evaluated the leading hypotheses regarding how and why cognition evolves. Across species, differences in absolute (not relative) brain volume best predicted performance on these tasks. Within primates, dietary breadth also predicted cognitive performance, whereas social group size did not. These results suggest that increases in absolute brain size provided the biological foundation for evolutionary …

Advancement Of Petroleum Diesel Alternatives Utilizing A Multifaceted And Interdepartmental Approach, Michael Morgan

UCUR

The advancement of biologically derived alternatives to petroleum diesel fuel requires a multifaceted approach. At Utah State University we use an interdisciplinary team including the Colleges of Engineering, Agriculture & Applied Sciences, and Science in conjunction with industry partners to drive innovation in improving the science behind petroleum diesel alternatives. With increasing petroleum use, depleting reserves, increasing emissions standards, and other factors, there is need for petroleum diesel alternatives that are cost effective, offer improvement, and perform similarly to petroleum diesel. Our team has focused on the use of oleaginous microbes utilizing low value effluent and waste sources including sugars …

The Utah Statesman, February 25, 2014, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Virgin River Multi-Objective Optimization: Maximizing Endangered Fish Habitat And Minimizing Costs, L. Basdekas, L. A. Bastidas, T. B. Hardy, Arthur J. Caplan, Mac Mckee

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper discusses a comparative analysis of hypothetical operational scenarios by the use of dynamic temperature and fish habitat modelling in a multi-objective framework in the Virgin River Basin, Utah. Results were compared on the basis of quantified fish habitat, operational costs, and hydropower revenue. The modelling framework, the Virgin River Operation Optimization Model, is considered as a basin-level planning model. The optimization objectives were to minimize net river system operational cost of the Washington County Water Conservation District and maximize endangered fish habitat. Considerations included infrastructure alternatives to increase flow and cold water discharges as well as demand reductions. …

The Utah Statesman, February 18, 2014, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Management Of The Great Salt Lake Ecosystem: Water, Economic Values And Competing Interests, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Less Cookbook And More Research! Synthetic Efforts Toward Jbir-94 And Jbir-125: A Student-Designed Research Project In A Sophomore Organic Chemistry Lab, Mike A. Christiansen, C. L. Crawford, C. D. Mangum

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

In light of the meaningful learning gains that can be obtained through a genuine research experience, chemistry educators have had a longstanding interest in making teaching labs less “cookbook-like” and more research-driven [1]. With this mindset, we recently restructured our two-semester sophomore organic chemistry lab course to include a synthesis project that was chosen, designed, and carried out by students. This led to progress toward the syntheses of JBIR-94 and JBIR-125, two antioxidative/anticancer natural products that have yet to be assembled through organic chemistry. The major drawback of our course redesign is that it requires close supervision by an instructor …

Targeted Drug Delivery System For Kidney And Liver Failure Patients Using Human Serum Albumin, Sara Gertsch, Sean Bedingfield, Stephanie Lawanto

Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) Grant Program

Due to kidney or liver failure, normally harmless doses of prescription drugs can have toxic effects leading to further medical complications (Ing, 1979). Those suffering from kidney and liver failure frequently suffer related and unrelated ailments, but are restricted on the medications and the amounts thereof. Site-‐ specific ailments such as arthritis, localized viral infections, neuropathic pain, and other illnesses could be treated with smaller doses if the treating drug were only made available at the targeted site. The project goal is to develop a drug delivery system using human serum albumin (HSA) as a carrier for anti-‐ inflammatory, antibiotic, …

A More Social Science: Barriers And Incentives For Scientists Engaging In Policy, Gerald G. Singh, Jordan Tam, Thomas D. Sisk, Sarah Klain, Megan E. Mach, Rebecca G. Martone, Kai M. A. Chan

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Scientists are increasingly called upon to engage in policy formulation, but the literature on engagement is strong on speculation and weak on evidence. Using a survey administered at several broadly “ecological” conferences, we investigated: (1) the extent to which respondents engage in policy‐related activities (including reporting scientific results, interpreting science for policy makers, integrating science into decision making, taking a position on a policy issue, and acting as a decision maker); (2) what factors best explain these types of engagement; and (3) whether respondents' activity levels match their stated beliefs on such activities. Different factors explain different forms of participation. …

Hydrologic And Erosion Responses To Wildfire Along The Rangeland-Xeric Forest Continuum In The Western Us: A Review And Model Of Hydrologic Vulnerability, Christopher Jason Williams, Frederick B. Pierson, Peter R. Robichaud, Jan Boll

Articles

The recent increase in wildfire activity across the rangeland–xeric forest continuum in the western United States has landscape-scale consequences in terms of runoff and erosion. Concomitant cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) invasions, plant community transitions and a warming climate in recent decades along grassland–shrubland–woodland–xeric forest transitions have promoted frequent and large wildfires, and continuance of the trend appears likely if warming climate conditions prevail. These changes potentially increase overall hydrologic vulnerability by spatially and temporally increasing soil exposure to runoff and erosion processes. Plot and hillslope-scale studies demonstrate burning may increase event runoff or erosion by factors of 2–40 over …

Educational Policies Committee Agenda, February 6, 2014, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Course Approvals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

Practicing Environmental Etiquette In Utah's Deserts, Jordan Burningham, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Ten Most Common Mistakes In Using No-Till, Earl Creech, Phil Rasmussen, Robert Newhall

All Current Publications

Interest in no-till (NT) crop production practices has increased greatly among Utah farmers and ranchers in recent years. This publication highlights 10 common mistakes that are often made by producers that are new to NT.

Physiological Effects Of Habitat Disturbance In The Wandering Gartersnake (Thamnophis Elegans), Austin Spence

Research on the Hill (Salt Lake City)

This study investigated the physiological effects of localized habitat disturbance around well-studied hibernacula of the wandering gartersnake, Thamnophis elegans. After three years of monitoring snake populations, construction occurred at two hibernacula. Individuals from the two populations with construction events were compared to a control population with no construction. At the time of emergence from the hibernacula the year following construction, blood samples were collected upon capture and again following a uniform stressor. The plasma was analyzed using a radioimmunoassay to measure corticosterone levels and a bacterial killing assay to measure innate immunocompetence. There were differences in baseline and post-stress …

Analysis Of Mexican Spotted Owl Diet In The Canyonlands Of Southern Utah, Natalie Schvaneveldt

Research on the Hill (Salt Lake City)

While diets of Mexican Spotted Owls within forested habitat have been studied, little research has been published on the diet of owls that occupy canyon habitats (see Willey In Press). Since the Mexican Spotted Owl is federally listed as a threatened species, it is important to identify primary prey of Utah’s canyon dwelling owls to better understand their dietary needs (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). We hope that the findings from this research can better inform state and federal managers on spotted owl prey use and aid in future management of small mammal populations in canyon habitats. We intend …

Family Financial Investment In Organized Youth Sport, Michael King, Kevin Rothlisberger

Research on the Hill (Salt Lake City)

Nearly 90% of American youth participate in organized youth sport during childhood and/or adolescence. Parents are important contributors, as they typically encourage/ initiate children’s sport involvement and provide instrumental and emotional support for children over their careers. Although parent involvement is instrumental in youth sport, media and anecdotal reports often characterize sport parents as a necessary evil. This has led to a cultural debate on the appropriateness of parent involvement in youth sport, and what impact that might have on child outcomes. However, despite the rising costs associated with youth sport participation, few researchers have examined the potential impact of …

The Utah Statesman, January 30, 2014, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Long-­‐Term Evaluation Of Leafy Spurge Biological Control At Richmond, Utah, Jacob Anderson

Research on the Hill (Salt Lake City)

Leafy spurge (LS) is an aggressive Eurasian weed that has been reduced in many areas in North America through biological control releases of flea beetles. Three flea beetle species were released in the mid-1990s at a site dominated by LS in Richmond, Utah. This study assessed the long term effects of LS biocontrol on the plant community at this site by addressing four questions:

(1) Is LS abundance significantly lower in 2013 than it was in the 1990s?

(2) What plant species are replacing LS and are they native or non-native?

(3) Have the flea beetle populations persisted since their …

The Effects Of Music On Subjects With Alzheimer And Dementia Disease In Cache Valley, Landon Frost

Research on the Hill (Salt Lake City)

Music has been shown to trigger old memories and induce various levels of stress relief and relaxation. My research focused on the effects of music on subjects with Alzheimer and Dementia disease. Eleven patients were selected through an informed consent process which included permission from responsible family members. During the course of three or more visits to patients in their care centers, the subjects listened to a variety of songs. These included songs that family members thought would be personally meaningful based on their knowledge of the patient’s past experiences with music. Other popular songs were selected to represent a …

The Utah Statesman, January 28, 2014, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

The Utah Statesman, January 14, 2014, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper for Utah State University in Logan.

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda, January 9, 2014, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

School of Veterinary Medicine

• New Course
• Credit Hour Change

School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education

• New Course

Department of Agricultural Systems Technology and Education

• New Course
• Prerequisite Change
• Title Change, Prerequisite Change, Course Description Change
• Title Change, Course Description Change

Department of Art and Design

• Dual List Change

Department of Economic and Finance

• Title Change

Department of Management

• New Course
• Title Change
• Title Change, Prerequisite Change

Department of Management Information Systems

• Title Change, Course Description Change
• Prerequisite Change
• Prerequisite Change, Course Description Change

Department of Psychology

• New Course

College of Engineering

• University Studies Request

Department of Languages, Philosophy and …

Educational Policies Committee Agenda, January 9, 2014, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Course Approvals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee