Digital Commons Network^™

Uncovering Bacterial Diversity On And Below The Surface Of A Hyper-Arid Environment, The Atacama Desert, Chile, Danielle Rene Bagaley

LSU Master's Theses

The Atacama Desert in Chile extends from latitudes 17º S to 28º S between longitudes 69º W and 71º W. It has been reported that surface soils in the hyper-arid region contain low numbers of culturable heterotrophic bacteria. These soils are considered Mars-like and offer an ideal setting to investigate the application of life detection systems. Thirty-three surface sites were sampled to examine further the extent of the hyper-arid region. We also excavated four soil pits, 40 cm to 90 cm in depth, to explore subsurface microbial communities. One pit was dug in a southern region of the desert compared …

Factors Affecting Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use In Utah's West Desert, J. D. Robinson, Terry A. Messmer

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

Two species of sage-grouse occur within the western United States, the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and the Gunnison sage-grouse (C. minimus). The Gunnison sage-grouse is a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This species occurs in a small range in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. The greater sage-grouse occurs in a larger range throughout the western United States.

Rat Poison Kills A Pack Of Eastern Coyotes, Canis Latrans, In An Urban Area, Eric Strauss

Biology Faculty Works

We document the death of a pack of Eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans) from high levels of brodifacoum, a second generation poison that is the active ingredient in some forms of rat poison (e.g., d-Con®). The Coyotes died within a week of each other during late March/early April 2005. This incident indicates the vulnerability of wild animals to commercial over-the-counter rodenticides.

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 …

Oil-Soluble Dyes For Marking Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Elis Christine Vilarinho, Odair Aparecido Fernandes, Celso Omoto, Thomas E. Hunt

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Although various biological aspects of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) have been examined, adult movement and dispersal of this insect pest is not well understood. Release-recapture techniques by using marked insects is a useful approach for dispersal studies; however, the marking technique should not significantly affect insect biology or behavior. Therefore, the effect of different concentrations of oil-soluble dyes (Solvent Blue 35 [C.I. 61554], Sudan Red 7B [C.I. 26050], Sudan Black B [26150], Sudan Orange G [C.I. 11920], and Sudan I 103624 [C.I. 12055]) on development, mortality, and fecundity of S. frugiperda was evaluated. Dyes were added to artificial …

Proximate And Landscape Factors Influence Grassland Bird Distributions, Mary Ann Cunningham, Douglas H. Johnson

United States Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Publications

Ecologists increasingly recognize that birds can respond to features well beyond their normal areas of activity, but little is known about the relative importance of landscapes and proximate factors or about the scales of landscapes that influence bird distributions. We examined the influences of tree cover at both proximate and landscape scales on grassland birds, a group of birds of high conservation concern, in the Sheyenne National Grassland in North Dakota, USA. The Grassland contains a diverse array of grassland and woodland habitats. We surveyed breeding birds on 2015 100 m long transect segments during 2002 and 2003. We modeled …

Influences Of Management Regimes On Breeding Bird Densities And Habitat In Mixed-Grass Prairie: An Example From North Dakota, Andrea A. Lueders, Patricia L. Kennedy, Douglas H. Johnson

United States Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Publications

It is well known that North American grassland bird populations appear to be declining (Igl and Johnson 1997, Sauer et al. 2004). Most of these birds breed and winter in North America, so declines are likely associated with continental processes (Knopf 1994). Scientists have also observed parallel declines among species that have overlapping breeding ranges but disparate wintering distributions (Igl and Johnson 1997). These patterns suggest declines may be linked to problems on the breeding grounds.

The Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon Pisum: An Emerging Genomic Model System For Ecological, Developmental, And Evolutionary Studies, Jennifer A. Brisson, David L. Stern

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Aphids display an abundance of adaptations that are not easily studied in existing model systems. Here we review the biology of a new genomic model system, the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. We then discuss several phenomena that are particularly accessible to study in the pea aphid: the developmental genetic basis of polyphenisms, aphid–bacterial symbioses, the genetics of adaptation and mechanisms of virus transmission. The pea aphid can be maintained in the laboratory and natural populations can be studied in the field. These properties allow controlled experiments to be performed on problems of direct relevance to natural aphid populations. Combined …

Spatial Associations Of Humus, Nutrients And Soils In Mixed Dipterocarp Forest At Lambir, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, I. C. Baillie, P.S. Ashton, S.P. Chin, S.J. Davies, P.A. Palmiotto, Sabrina E. Russo, S. Tan

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Discrete humus layers are common on podzols under temperate coniferous and tropical heath forests, and patchy layers also occur under some temperate broadleaved forests on non-podzolic soils. We used multiple data sets to test the reported association of humus with oligotrophic but non-podzolic soils under non-heath dipterocarp forest at Lambir, Sarawak. We examined the distribution, morphology and nutrient dynamics of necromass on soils derived from sandstone and shale. Concentrations of the main mineral nutrients were lower in fresh litter on the very oligotrophic sandstone soils than on shale. The rates of litterfall were similar, so that annual litterfall fluxes of …

The Politics Of Hate: Ultranationalist And Fundamentalist Tactics And Goals, Joan Davison

Journal of Hate Studies

Ultranationalist and religious fundamentalist movements frequently use hate to mobilize people. These groups possess a sophisticated understanding of the importance of appealing to the emotions. Leaders often employ xenophobic language intended to inspire fear and justify a defensive reaction. The movements also rely heavily upon symbols, myths, and public events to simplify and communicate the “truths” of their ideologies. The leaders convey messages with tremendous affective appeal. Yet, measures exist to counter and contain the politics of hate. The development of civil society, group rights, a free media, and integrated institutions can contribute to a durable solution in cases of …

The Effects Of Focused Deterrence On Gang Homicide: An Evaluation Of Rochester's Ceasefire Program, Christopher Delaney

Theses

In the late 1990’s, a problem-oriented policing initiative in Boston, “Operation: Ceasefire”, achieved significant reductions in youth homicide by focusing on gang behavior. The program was driven by a concept known as “Focused Deterrence”. Gang members are typically frequent offenders for whom general deterrence mechanisms have little effect. Additionally, the social norms of gangs often encourage offending behavior, making typical attempts to deter futile. Focused deterrence attempts to modify individual behavior and group norms with a credible and severe threat of collective punishment for an individual offending behavior. In “Operation Ceasefire”, when a gang member committed a homicide, his gang …

Genetic Variation Among Canada Wildrye Accessions From Midwest Usa Remnant Prairies For Biomass Yield And Other Traits, Kenneth P. Vogel, A. A. Hopkins, K. J. Moore, K. D. Johnson, I. T. Carlson

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis L.) and Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus L.), which are native to the USA, were collected from remnant Midwest prairies. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability among the collected accessions for biomass yield and other traits, determine the extent of genotype 3 environment interactions for these traits across Midwest environments, and to determine the relationship between the geographical location of the collection site and evaluation sites for these accessions for plant biomass yield which can be used as a measure of adaptation. Seed collected from six Midwest states was bulked …

Laboratory Evaluation Of Avian Odors For Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Attraction, S. A. Allan, Ulrich R. Bernier, D. L. Kline

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Attraction of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Culex tarsalis Coquillett, Culex nigripalpus Theobald, and Aedes aegypti (L.) to avian and other host odors was investigated in a dual-port olfactometer. Although attraction to a human arm was high for Ae. aegypti (>80%) and low for all Culex spp. (<25%), all species responded similarly to a chicken (55.3-73.6%). Responses of Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Cx. nigripalpus to feathers were low (<20%) but greater than to controls. There was no difference in attraction of Cx. tarsalis to feathers or controls. Responses to CO₂ (5 ml/min) were low for all species (<15%) except Cx. tarsalis, which were moderate (24.5%). When feathers were combined with CO2, the resulting attraction was additive or lower than responses …

Our Places To Tell Stories: Making Connections With Our Audiences, Public Lands Institute

Our Places to Tell Stories

The idea for an annual Our Places Tell Stories conference was prompted by discussions that took place within a unique partnership of federal, state, university, and public organizations in southern Nevada. Members identified the need to share and learn from successful educational and interpretive strategies. Our increasingly urban surroundings and rapidly changing populations hinder personal connections between people and their natural environment. However, the right tools and techniques will help us inspire children and adults to understand, value, and take care of our shared natural places.

This first conference supports professionals in creating and evaluating effective educational programs and interpretive …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Annual Progress Report, Year Ending June 30, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending March 31, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Executive Summary

Activity highlights during the third quarter of Year Two include the following actions toward task agreement deliverables:

• Agenda and minutes prepared and distributed for Core Group meetings on January 17 and March 21, 2006.
• Cultural curriculum 100% completed
• Night Sky curriculum 100% completed.
• Green Building curriculum 75% completed.
• Native American Correlations 75% completed.
• Teacher piloting workshops held on February 23, March 18, and March 25, 2006 at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and the Oliver Ranch site.
• RRDLC newsletter completed.
• Website content, navigation, and graphics updated and improved.

Learning About The Natural World Through An Inquiry-Based Residential Experience, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The mission of the Red Rock Desert Learning Center is to instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Community Outreach Activities Plan, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The Red Rock Desert Learning Center is being designed to teach participants about the natural world through inquiry-based experiential and interdisciplinary methods in a residential outdoor setting in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The intent is for students, teachers, and researchers to gain an appreciation of desert ecosystems and to begin to apply and connect their knowledge to world ecological systems. The campus will incorporate many “green building” systems in its design and operation, and those systems will be an active part of the school’s curriculum.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Fact Sheet, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

Overview and questions about Red Rock Canyon Desert Learning Center and Wild Horse and Burro Facility.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Frequently Asked Questions, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The mission of the Red Rock Desert Learning Center is to instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Newsletter, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The mission of the Red Rock Desert Learning Center is to instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems
and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Historical Timeline, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

Historical Timeline of Red Rock Desert Learning Center.

Transforming The Suburban Realm: A Call For Diversification In The Las Vegas Home-Building Process, Kory W Harris

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

More U.S. residents live within suburban boundaries than they do the central cities and rural regions combined---creating a need for suburban design methods that adequately meet the desires of the suburban population. The design of suburban neighborhoods over the past several decades, however, has not adequately met the needs of its residents. This dilemma has only intensified over the past several years because of an increasingly varied group of potential hornebuyers. Local, state, and federal governments---as well as land developers, planners, and architects---need to raise awareness to the issues facing suburban design. By incorporating strategic design elements into the development …

On Computing Bayesian Credible Sets For The Coefficient Of Variation Of A Normal Population, Skanda Pokkunuri

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The use of Coefficient of Variation (CV) is quite common in many disciplines, yet its estimation has not received much attention from statisticians. In this paper, we consider the problem of confidence interval estimation of CV for a normal population using the Bayesian approach. The method of Gibbs Sampler is used for numerical integration in order to compute the Bayes credible sets for CV for two different joint prior distributions---the natural conjugate prior, and the non-informative prior. Several simulated examples are included to demonstrate the proposed procedure.

Behavioral Genetics And Crime, In Context, Owen D. Jones

Vanderbilt Law School Faculty Publications

This Article provides an introduction to some of the key issues at the intersection of behavioral genetics and crime.

It provides, among other things, an overview of the emerging points of consensus, scientifically, on what behavioral genetics can and cannot tell us about criminal behavior. It also discusses a variety of important implications (as well as complexities) of attempting to use insights of behavioral genetics in legal contexts.

Environmental Awareness Of Waterville Junior High School Students, Jenna Morrison

Honors Theses

An environmental awareness survey was designed to assess the influences of gender and grade level on the relationships among outdoor experience, environmental knowledge, and environmental behavior at Waterville Junior High School, Waterville, ME. Environmental awareness indicates a fundamental understanding of the natural world, which is essential for developing future sustainable development. The foundation and acquisition of environmental knowledge of Waterville Junior High School students was determined using the multiple-choice survey. A total of 125 sixth graders and 136 eighth graders were surveyed. 61% of sixth graders and 73% of eighth graders indicated that their most common source of environmental information …

The Roles Of Food And Predation In Shaping Adaptive And Maladaptive Behaviors In Postfire Bird Species, Bruce Andrew Robertson

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Most animals live in rapidly changing environments, and within-individual phenotypic plasticity can allow populations to track sources of selection that often vary dramatically in time and space. However, if conditions change too rapidly, the cues animals use to track environmental changes may become uncoupled from the ultimately important factors with which they have been historically correlated. Animals relying upon proximal cues to guide their behaviors may, in novel environments, consistently make errors. When these errors occur within the context of choosing a habitat, the organism is said to be caught in an ‘ecological trap’. Herein, I develop a conceptual model …

A Geographic Study Of Childhood Cancers Near Hazardous Waste Sites In Florida., Gregory D. Kearney

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.