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Sinking Poor Decision-Making With Best Practices: A Case Study Of Artificial Reef Decision-Making In The Florida Keys, Thomas Wayne Williams Jan 2006

Sinking Poor Decision-Making With Best Practices: A Case Study Of Artificial Reef Decision-Making In The Florida Keys, Thomas Wayne Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The natural reefs of the world are experiencing higher use and pressures, resulting in anthropogenic impacts that are deteriorating many coral stands and creating poor water quality. The Florida Keys rely primarily on the reef system that surrounds the archipelago for their socioeconomic health and successful future. The Florida Keys shares the symbiotic relationship of the terrestrial and marine realms with many other states and countries and the experience of higher demand on the resource. Artificial reefs could provide a substitute to the natural reefs for commercial and recreational users. An increased demand for derelict vessels of the U.S. Navy …

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Conceptual Packaging, Thirada Raungpaka Jan 2006

Conceptual Packaging, Thirada Raungpaka

Theses and Dissertations

Packaging and package design is commonly thought of as a tool to attract the consumer to material goods. Packages, however, have other attributes. In Japan, packaging design is very charming because of the delicate selection of materials, images, and interaction. Different kinds of material provide different emotions and appeal to our sense of touch, which can be interpreted in many ways. Packaging lets us directly interact with an object and this experience becomes memorable and intimate. The combination of image and interaction creates another dimension of story telling. My creative project, Conceptual Packaging, is an experiment in using materials and …

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A Comparison Of Methods To Construct An Optimal Membership Function In A Fuzzy Database System, Joanne Marie Cunningham Jan 2006

A Comparison Of Methods To Construct An Optimal Membership Function In A Fuzzy Database System, Joanne Marie Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations

A fuzzy set is one in which membership in a category is not Boolean, rather items have a degree of membership. Fuzzy databases expand on this idea by storing fuzzy data and allowing data to be retrieved based on its degree of membership. Determining the degree of membership that satisfies the largest number of users is difficult. Five different methods of determining the membership function: the Direct Rating Method, the Random Method with step sizes of .02 and .03, the Steplock Method, and the Weighted Average Method, were compared on the basis of convergence and user satisfaction. The results support …

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Evolving A Theatre Of Truth, Susan Hayes Jan 2006

Evolving A Theatre Of Truth, Susan Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the challenges of evolving a Theatre of Truth in the context of the immediate zeitgeist. The questions I address are the role of feminist theatre in a world dominated by global media and corporate omnipotence; the conflation of theatre and Realpolitick; the limitations of postmodern thought and critical theory, and the struggle not only of the marginalized, but of all of us to create an activist theatre in perilous times. After examining my response to directing a production of Mud by Maria Irene Fornes, this project will also suggest that a theatre of specialized singular interests, such …

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Cross-Modal Projections From Auditory To Visual Cortices In The Ferret, Meng Y. Wang Jan 2006

Cross-Modal Projections From Auditory To Visual Cortices In The Ferret, Meng Y. Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies have shown that neuronal connections occur between primary auditory and visual cortices of the primate (Falchier et al., 2002; Rockland and Ojima, 2003), and it has been suggested that these projections are involved in multisensory processing in these lower-level, core areas of cortex. The present study was conducted to determine if similar connections occur in other higher mammals such as carnivores (ferrets; Mustela putorius). Large injections of sensitive neuroanatomical tracer were placed within the core areas of auditory cortex in 3 ferrets. After transport and processing, labeled axon terminals were found not in primary visual cortex, but in …

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Evaluation Of Prototype Cell Delivery Catheters Using Agarose Gel And Cell Culture Experiments, Sagar Panse Jan 2006

Evaluation Of Prototype Cell Delivery Catheters Using Agarose Gel And Cell Culture Experiments, Sagar Panse

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors affect millions of patients worldwide and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The blood brain barrier constitutes a major obstacle to delivery of therapeutic agents administered systemically for treating these disorders. Intracranial drug delivery provides a novel way of bypassing the blood brain barrier and achieving high concentration of therapeutic agents in the brain while avoiding systemic side effects. However damage to tissues during insertion of catheters, release of air in the brain and consequent backtracking of dye are some disadvantages with this mode of treatment. We evaluated prototype cell delivery catheters (each with …

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Do Expectancies Mediate The Relationship Between Sensitivities And Fearfulness?: An Alternative To Reiss' Expectancy Theory, Scott David Mcdonald Jan 2006

Do Expectancies Mediate The Relationship Between Sensitivities And Fearfulness?: An Alternative To Reiss' Expectancy Theory, Scott David Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

This paper tests Reiss' (1991) expectancy theory of fearfulness. Reiss' moderation model of fears speculates that individual differences in fearfulness and phobic avoidance is a function of the interaction between trait vulnerabilities (i.e., sensitivities) and beliefs about potential outcomes during exposure to phobic stimuli (i.e., expectancies). Four hundred and forty-five undergraduates completed questionnaires related to Reiss' fundamental sensitivities (e.g., "anxiety sensitivity"), expectancies (e.g., "expectancy of physical injury or harm") and the intensity of common fears. Informed by findings concerning fear-related outcome expectancies, a system for measuring expectancies was developed for this study called the Focus of Apprehension Survey Schedule (FASS). …

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Innate, Kiara Pelissier Jan 2006

Innate, Kiara Pelissier

Theses and Dissertations

I often think of life as a tight rope stretching across an expanse. Our inner strength enables us to walk forward across it. When this fails us, we fall. But in those moments when we prevail, we soar and float as though weightless and timeless. As a gymnast I learned that control of one's insecurities results in a powerful and balanced presence of body. Give into them and the body becomes uncertain and clumsy. Rarely is life this transparent. Many forms of tension manifest themselves in physical, spiritual, and emotional unrest. How does the physical contour of the skin reflect …

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Consuming Brazil: Afro Brazilian Religion As A Base For Actor Training, Corey Justin Roberts Jan 2006

Consuming Brazil: Afro Brazilian Religion As A Base For Actor Training, Corey Justin Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

Actor training, like the theatre in Brazil, has historically been a middle and upper class pursuit that followed European models, namely Stanislavski's system. Yet within Brazil there is a wealth of diverse cultures that are inherently theatrical and well suited for application in actor training. In this study I explore one such culture, the Afro Brazilian religion Umbanda. First, I examine its formation to illuminate how the religion itself performed (or served as a site for cultural interaction) throughout history. Then, I explore the practice of the religion both apart from and in relation to the theatre and Stanislavski's system. …

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Combinatorial Modulation Of Multiple Signaling Pathways To Gain Therapeutic Response In Breast And Prostate Cell Carcinomas, William Tressel Hawkins Ii Jan 2006

Combinatorial Modulation Of Multiple Signaling Pathways To Gain Therapeutic Response In Breast And Prostate Cell Carcinomas, William Tressel Hawkins Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Our laboratory is primarily interested in novel pharmacological intervention of cell proliferation and survival pathways expressed in various types of cancer. These cyto-protective pathways can be activated in response to growth factor stimulation, toxic insult and radiation. In our studies, we utilized novel drug combinations with and without radiation to enhance breast & prostate tumor cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Previous studies from our group have shown that UCN-01 and MEK1/2 inhibitors interact to cause tumor cell death in transformed cell lines in vitro. We extended this observation to an in vivo animal model system using the …

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Length Of Hospital Stay, Delirium And Discharge Status Outcomes Associated With Anticholinergic Drug Use In Elderly Hospitalized Dementia Patients, Kelly J. Gauthier Jan 2006

Length Of Hospital Stay, Delirium And Discharge Status Outcomes Associated With Anticholinergic Drug Use In Elderly Hospitalized Dementia Patients, Kelly J. Gauthier

Theses and Dissertations

Problem: There are a significant proportion of patients taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (ChEi) for cognitive dysfunction also taking medications with anticholinergic (ACh) properties that may counteract their effects. As the number of ACh medications, burden, increases so does the likelihood of an adverse outcome.Background: ACh medications are frequently used in the elderly population (Carnahan 2004) even those with dementia or AD (Roe et al., 2002; Giron et al., 2001; Altavela 2003; Gill et al., 2005; Kogut et al., 2005). Methods: Hospitalized patients > 65 years of age with dementia (AD, other dementias, or with inferred dementia based on ChEi or NMDA antagonist …

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Effect Of Nitric Oxide On Oxygen Consumption Of Skeletal Muscle, Christina Lyn Cox Jan 2006

Effect Of Nitric Oxide On Oxygen Consumption Of Skeletal Muscle, Christina Lyn Cox

Theses and Dissertations

Mammalian cells require a continuous and sufficient supply of oxygen to carry out their functions. The oxygen pathway has an overall direction taking O2 from the air to the mitochondria, which is a result of the mitochondrial O2 consumption (VO2) NO various effects on the mitochondria: at low concentrations for short periods NO specifically and irreversibly inhibits cytochrome c and reversibly inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, to decrease VO2. Thus, NO can modulate VO2 of skeletal muscle. The purpose of the present study was to measure VO2 of the rat spinotrapezius muscle under conditions of altered NO. The methods used provide …

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The Role Of Sulfatide In Alzheimer's Disease, Charles Britton Beasley Jr. Jan 2006

The Role Of Sulfatide In Alzheimer's Disease, Charles Britton Beasley Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and loss of cortical neurons that control memory and cognition. The cause of NFTs and Aβ plaques is not clear, though it is known that they are formed by enzymes which are preferentially sequestered to membrane domains called lipid rafts. Sulfatide (ST) is a glycosphingolipid that is essential for the proper structure and function of lipid rafts. In mice that lack ST, membrane domains that are normally maintained by adhesive contacts and functional lipid rafts are improperly formed and are unstable. In these ST null …

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Public: An Exploration Of Community, Environment, And Technology, Christopher John Malven Jan 2006

Public: An Exploration Of Community, Environment, And Technology, Christopher John Malven

Theses and Dissertations

This project examines the potential of computer technology to enhance navigation within, and incorporate information-sharing into, the public urban environment.

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Using Visual Culture To Address Gender Expectations In Middle School Art Education: Visual Art Curriculum Design Based On The Manga Ranma1/2, Ting-Yu Chen Jan 2006

Using Visual Culture To Address Gender Expectations In Middle School Art Education: Visual Art Curriculum Design Based On The Manga Ranma1/2, Ting-Yu Chen

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I identify and explore approaches to middle school art curricula that address the cultural expectations of gender in visual culture media. I use images from the Japanese comic Manga: Ranma1/2 to develop units of instruction with goals of engaging students in relating the study of art to their visual culture outside the classroom. The unit has three lessons that deal with cultural expectations of gender to help students become aware of understand gender differences in contemporary society. In the lessons, students examine how the Manga characters are depicted differently according to the character's gender. Also, the teacher …

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Facts Of The Imagination (From The Inside Out), Janelle Ann Iglesias Jan 2006

Facts Of The Imagination (From The Inside Out), Janelle Ann Iglesias

Theses and Dissertations

Growing up in a bicultural household, navigating the F train as well as mountain creeks, studying culture and then participating in its production, these are some of the idiosyncrasies that I bring to my work. My investigations are rooted in combining a rediscovery of the sensuousness of the natural world and an investigation of the poetics of everyday life. Choosing materials and situations within the realm of the everyday, I'm interested in a transformation that suggests the infinite potential and worth in all things. The resulting objects have identities as complex as my own. They are ridiculous and serious, normal …

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Drawing Through A Linear Temperament, Jorge Miguel Benitez Jan 2006

Drawing Through A Linear Temperament, Jorge Miguel Benitez

Theses and Dissertations

I am a draftsman, painter and printmaker. This first person statement is a written extension of the art that constitutes my thesis. It discusses the links between my work and the Enlightenment, Humanism, Catholicism, ethics and the Western canon as well as my use of perspective and other classical techniques in relation to history, language, high art, popular culture, propaganda, contemporary upheavals, Christian and Islamic Fundamentalism, globalization and the digital revolution. Furthermore, the main arguments draw upon my Cuban origin and European ancestry, the Cuban Revolution, my Belgian early education and eventual American hybrid identity. The overriding theme, however, concerns …

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Impact Of Terrorism On Migration Patterns In Turkey, Yilmaz Simsek Jan 2006

Impact Of Terrorism On Migration Patterns In Turkey, Yilmaz Simsek

Theses and Dissertations

This study is among the first studies that evaluate the social impacts of terrorism in a specific country for a 10 year period. It tests the effects of terrorism on domestic net-migration in Turkey, especially in the terror infected provinces of the Eastern and South Eastern regions of the country between the years 1992 and 2001. Terrorism has impacted people not only physically, but also psychologically. When faced with "future uncertainty" or the "fear of terrorism," it is natural for people to leave their home towns, and to migrate to somewhere else where they feel safe. In order to explore …

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Modulation Of The Serotonin Reuptake Transporter In Raw264.7 Macrophages, Sienna Marie Arenas Malubay Jan 2006

Modulation Of The Serotonin Reuptake Transporter In Raw264.7 Macrophages, Sienna Marie Arenas Malubay

Theses and Dissertations

Serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role as both a neurotransmitter and animmune modulator. The serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) clears the extracellular space of 5-HT, which decreases the effects of 5-HT on target cells. This study demonstrated that the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line expresses SERT function, measured by assays of 3H-5HT uptake. The 5-HT uptake in RAW264.7 macrophages was more than 10-fold that of peritoneal macrophages, indicating that these cells are an excellent model for studying regulation of the SERT. Activation of macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased SERT activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and Western blots indicate that the …

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Genetic Variation Among Geographically Disparate Yellow Perch Broodstock Populations, Chandler Brooke Givens Jan 2006

Genetic Variation Among Geographically Disparate Yellow Perch Broodstock Populations, Chandler Brooke Givens

Theses and Dissertations

As a prelude to strain selection for domestication and future marker assisted selection, genetic variation revealed by microsatellite DNA was evaluated in yellow perch, Perca flavescens, from four wild North American populations collected in 2003-2004 (Maine, ME; New York, NY; North Carolina, NC; and Pennsylvania, PA), and two captive populations (Michigan, MI; Ohio, OH). For the loci examined, levels of heterozygosity ranged from He = 0.04 to 0.88, genetic differentiation was highly significant among all population pairs, and effective migration ranged from low (Nem = 0.3) to high (Nem = 4.5). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg 1equilibrium was regularly observed indicating significant …

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Isolation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Adult Bone Marrow And Umbilical Cord Blood And Their Potential To Differentiate Into Osteoblasts, Andrew P. Pacitti Jan 2006

Isolation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Adult Bone Marrow And Umbilical Cord Blood And Their Potential To Differentiate Into Osteoblasts, Andrew P. Pacitti

Theses and Dissertations

The demand for treatment strategies of musculoskeletal tissues is continuously growing, especially considering the increasing number of elderly people with degenerative diseases of the skeletal system. Despite major strides in the field of bone regenerative medicine during the years, current therapies, such as bone grafts, still have several limitations. Multipotent stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for tissue repair because of their differentiation potential and their capacity to undergo extensive replication. However, isolating a homogeneous population of MSCs from multiple sources is an area that needs to be addressed. Also, the knowledge regarding the mechanisms …

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The Role Of Dna Methylation And Methyl Binding Domain Protein 2 In The Regulation Of Human Embryonic And Fetal Beta Type Globin Genes, Jeremy William Rupon Jan 2006

The Role Of Dna Methylation And Methyl Binding Domain Protein 2 In The Regulation Of Human Embryonic And Fetal Beta Type Globin Genes, Jeremy William Rupon

Theses and Dissertations

The genes of the human β-globin locus are located on chromosome 11 in the order of their expression during development: 5' ε, γ, β 3'. During development, silencing of the 5' gene occurs with activation of the immediate 3' gene. This process occurs twice and is termed hemoglobin switching. The exact mechanism(s) of this process have not been fully described. Herein, we describe a role for DNA methylation and methyl binding domain protein 2 in the transcriptional regulation of the human embryonic and fetal beta type globin genes. Adult mice containing the entire human β-globin locus as a yeast artificial …

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Anatomical Bases For Auditory Projections To Suprasylvian Visual Areas In The Cat Cerebral Cortex, Giriaj K. Sharma Jan 2006

Anatomical Bases For Auditory Projections To Suprasylvian Visual Areas In The Cat Cerebral Cortex, Giriaj K. Sharma

Theses and Dissertations

How the neural representations of different sensory modalities transition from one to another is an unexplored issue of cortical organization. The present experiments addressed this problem by examining auditory projections to the lateral suprasylvian visual area (LSS) of the cat using neuroanatomical tract tracing methods. Injections of tracer (Biotinylated Dextran Amine, BDA) were made into defined areas of the cat auditory cortex. Following transport and tissue processing, a light microscope with a digitizing stage was used to visualize and plot labeled auditory projections to the LSS. The results showed that all auditory cortices tested demonstrated projections to a restricted portion …

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Making The Forest Together: Young Children Represent A Shared Experience In Clay, Anna Mary Golden Jan 2006

Making The Forest Together: Young Children Represent A Shared Experience In Clay, Anna Mary Golden

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the strategies young children use to develop a common set of goals when collaborating on a group art work. Teachers at Sabot School spend a great deal of time in discussion of children's group work. By concentrating on one project in my preschool classroom, I reached a greater understanding of the way children work together on a group project. This understanding enriched my practice of teaching so that I could become a better facilitator of similar projects in the future. The information is valuable to me and the other Sabot School teachers when planning future group projects, …

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Pathological Upregulation Of A Calcium-Stimulated Phosphatase, Calcineurin, In Two Models Of Neuronal Injury, Jonathan Elledge Kurz Jan 2006

Pathological Upregulation Of A Calcium-Stimulated Phosphatase, Calcineurin, In Two Models Of Neuronal Injury, Jonathan Elledge Kurz

Theses and Dissertations

Excitotoxic calcium influx and activation of calcium-regulated systems is a common event in several types of neuronal injury. This mechanism has been the focus of intense research, with the hope that a more complete understanding of how neuronal injury affects calcium-regulated systems will provide effective treatment options. This study examines one such calcium-stimulated enzyme, calcineurin, in the context of two common neurological pathologies, status epilepticus and traumatic brain injury.Status epilepticus was induced by pilocarpine injection. NMDA-dependent increases in calcineurin activity were observed in cortical and hippocampal homogenates. Upon closer examination, the most profound increases in activity were found to be …

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The Oldest Well, Saul Benjamin Becker Jan 2006

The Oldest Well, Saul Benjamin Becker

Theses and Dissertations

This body of work, representing the past two years, is focused on the idea of the composite landscape. This reconfiguring of the elements from the external world combined with invented places is a way for me to articulate the subtle transactions between the interior psyche and the external world. The way this new conglomerate space is represented is a result of my inquiry into the relationship between nature, culture, and the sublime. The place where the private acts of the studio meet the shared exterior world is where I find my intellect, fantasy, and sense of reality collaborating in chorus.

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A Longitudinal Investigation Of Cognitive Predictors Of Self-Care Behaviors In Youth With Type I Diabetes, Michelle Marie Greene Jan 2006

A Longitudinal Investigation Of Cognitive Predictors Of Self-Care Behaviors In Youth With Type I Diabetes, Michelle Marie Greene

Theses and Dissertations

Cross-sectional research of youth with type I diabetes has demonstrated that rote and working memory predict blood glucose monitoring (BGM) and carbohydrate consumption, respectively; however, to date, no longitudinal follow-up studies exist. Rote and working memory subtests from well-standardized memory measures, along with a problem-solving and executive functioning measures were administered to 118 youth with type I diabetes, aged 9-16 in two waves of data collection (mean interval = 2.07 years). Diabetes care behaviors were assessed through the 24-hour Diabetes Interview. This study was the first to document longitudinal prediction of BGM by rote memory and fat consumption by working …

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Textural Diversity, Paul Eskew Jan 2006

Textural Diversity, Paul Eskew

Theses and Dissertations

The sculptures I create reflect the elements of the natural world such as trees, the lumpy bush, clumps of turf. They have imperfect yet fascinating textures, picturesque in form, seemingly fractal in design, working together harmoniously to serve the aesthetic. My sculptures, like these natural shapes, are heavy or thicker toward the bottom and lighter toward the top, like a tree or stone. I strive to echo the mercurial, the animated natural surfaces, and the enticing vignettes one would experience on a woodland stroll.

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Bitterroot Landing: An Adaptation From Novel To Stage, Christy Leake Jan 2006

Bitterroot Landing: An Adaptation From Novel To Stage, Christy Leake

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis explores the process involved in adapting Sheri Reynolds' novel, Bitterroot Landing, into a stage play. During the adaptation process I faced numerous challenges, including structural issues, expanding or changing dialogue, omitting or melding scenes and characters, and dealing with the serious themes of incest and sexual abuse. This thesis describes these challenges and the steps I took to overcome them.

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A Gis And Remote Sensing Based Analysis Of Impervious Surface Influences On Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) Nest Presence In The Virginia Portion Of The Chesapeake Bay, Jennifer M. Ciminelli Jan 2006

A Gis And Remote Sensing Based Analysis Of Impervious Surface Influences On Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) Nest Presence In The Virginia Portion Of The Chesapeake Bay, Jennifer M. Ciminelli

Theses and Dissertations

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and remote sensing techniques were used to predict relationships between bald eagle nest presences and land type, distance to land type and impervious surface cover area. Data plots revealed bald eagle nest presence decreases in response to an increase in area of bareland; increases with an increase in area of forested land; decreases with an increase in distance (m) to shoreline, and decreases in response to an increase in area of impervious surfaces. Logistic regression models identified impervious surfaces as an indicator for bald eagle nest presence (P 24% as unsuitable. Unsuitable area covered 17.82% of …

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