Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of Finite Difference And Finite Element (Telemac) Models Of Dublin Bay, Garrett Keane, Zeinab Bedri, John O'Sullivan

Presentations

A number of hydrodynamic and solute mathematical models of Dublin Bay have been developed in the Centre for Water Resources Research in University College Dublin. One of these was an Eulerian-Langrangian finite difference Extended Dublin Bay model named SW2D which was developed by Hussey (1996). It was used in various studies such as the Dublin Bay Water Quality Management Plan and the Howth Outfall Study to predict the effect of the proposed upgrades at the sewage treatment plants on the water quality in these areas. The finite element TELEMAC modelling system developed by the French EDF group was used in …

Environmental Analysis Of Goes-R Proving Ground Convection Initiation Forecasting Algorithms, Jason M. Apke

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The enhanced temporal and spatial resolution of the GOES-R series will allow for the use of cloud top cooling based convection initiation (CI) forecasting algorithms. Two such algorithms have been created on the current generation of GOES satellites: theUniversityofWisconsincloud top cooling algorithm (UWCTC) and the University of Alabama-Huntsville’s satellite convection analysis and tracking algorithm (SATCAST). Preliminary analysis of algorithm products has led to speculation over pre-convective environmental effects on algorithm performance, which this study aims to examine. CI indications are used with objective segmentation tools to identify and cluster radar objects over theGreat Plainsbased on reflectivity quantitative and spatial thresholds. …

The Fierce Green Fire: Vol. 4 Issue 12, Wofford College Environmental Studies Program

The Fierce Green Fire

No abstract provided.

Lanthorn, Vol. 48, No. 30, December 5, 2013, Grand Valley State University

Volume 48, July 1, 2013 - June 2, 2014

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

The Daily Egyptian, December 03, 2013, Daily Egyptian Staff

December 2013

No abstract provided.

25 Year Club: 32nd Annual Gala, Western Michigan University

25 Year Club

25 Year Club: 32nd Annual Gala

December 3, 2013

• New Inductees
• Members
• Retirees

Wmu International News Fall 2013, Haenicke Institute

WMU International News

In this issue:

• Empowering global engagement across the arts and sciences
• Employees abroad: Spanish immersion program expands understanding of international education
• Excelling in public relations key goal for Chinese twinning student
• WMU cultural anthropologist examines migration and lupus in Ecuador
• Ambiguity of borders continues to intrigue alumna from Berlin
• Visits to 35 countries complements global studies major
• Veteran administrator tapped to lead University’s international initiatives
• Future Iraqi engineer discovers the world at WMU
• WMU alumna coach points Japanese tennis player to Kalamazoo

Assessing “Dangerous Climate Change”: Required Reduction Of Carbon Emissions To Protect Young People, Future Generations And Nature, J Hansen, P Kharecha, M Sato, V Masson-Delmotte, Et Al

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

We assess climate impacts of global warming using ongoing observations and paleoclimate data. We use Earth's measured energy imbalance, paleoclimate data, and simple representations of the global carbon cycle and temperature to define emission reductions needed to stabilize climate and avoid potentially disastrous impacts on today's young people, future generations, and nature. A cumulative industrial-era limit of ∼500 GtC fossil fuel emissions and 100 GtC storage in the biosphere and soil would keep climate close to the Holocene range to which humanity and other species are adapted. Cumulative emissions of ∼1000 GtC, sometimes associated with 2°C global warming, would spur …

12-2013 Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library Services

Library Services Newsletters

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Library Services Newsletter for December 2013.

Limpopo River Basin Monograph, Sergio Sitoe, Peter Qwist-Hoffman

Policy

The purpose of the Limpopo River Basin Monograph Study (LRBMS) is to compile essential baseline information on the Limpopo River Basin. This is required for the preparation of alternative development scenarios and an Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy and Plan (IWRM Strategy and Plan) for the sustainable management of the Basin. Six themes were agreed for the structure of the monograph and each is described below: Basin Characteristics Socio-economy River Basin Ecosystem Water Resources Water Governance LIMIS There are two main elements of the monograph that are the core outputs of the study, and they bring together the information from …

A Rooftop Revolution? A Multidisciplinary Analysis Of State-Level Residential Solar Programs In New Jersey And Massachusetts, Alden Griffith, Monica Higgins, James Morton Turner

Faculty Research and Scholarship

The success of alternative energy policies is usually measured in terms of energy capacity. By this metric, state-level policies to promote solar installations in New Jersey and Massachusetts have been a success. To fully evaluate these policies, however, it is necessary to consider how these policy programs are structured and funded, who participates in these programs, and the complete life-cycle consequences of 'clean' energy technologies. This paper focuses specifically on residential solar installations, which represent more than half of the total U.S. rooftop solar capacity potential. It takes a multidisciplinary approach that draws on policy analysis, spatial and demographic analyses, …

The Chat Room, Vol. 32, Eastern Illinois University

The Chat Room (CEPS Newsletter)

The Chat Room is the College of Education and Professional Studies newsletter. This is Volume 32, December 2013.

Global Digital Elevation Model Accuracy Assessment In The Himalaya, Nepal, Luke G. Miles

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are digital representations of surface topography or terrain. Collection of DEM data can be done directly through surveying and taking ground control point (GCP) data in the field or indirectly with remote sensing using a variety of techniques. The accuracies of DEM data can be problematic, especially in rugged terrain or when differing data acquisition techniques are combined. For the present study, ground data were taken in various protected areas in the mountainous regions of Nepal. Elevation, slope, and aspect were measured at nearly 2000 locations. These ground data were imported into a Geographic Information System …

Photo-Identification Methods Reveal Seasonal And Long-Term Site-Fidelity Of Risso’S Dolphins (Grampus Griseus) In Shallow Waters (Cardigan Bay, Wales), Marijke N. De Boer, Josephine Clark, Mardik F. Leopold, Mark P. Simmonds, Peter J.H. Reijnders

Ecology Collection

A photo-identification study on Risso’s dolphins was carried out off Bardsey Island in Wales (July to September, 1997-2007). Their local abundance was estimated using two different analytical techniques: 1) mark-recapture of well-marked dolphins using a “closed-population” model; and 2) a census technique based on the total number of iden-tified individual dolphins sighted over the study period. The mark-recapture estimates of 121 (left sides; 64 - 178, 95% CI; CV 0.24) and 145 dolphins (right sides; 78 - 213, 95% CI; CV 0.24) closely matched the census technique estimates (population size of 90 - 151). It was found that the dolphins …

Stairway To Heaven: Evaluating Levels Of Biological Organization Correlated With The Successful Ascent Of Natural Waterfalls In The Hawaiian Stream Goby Sicyopterus Stimpsoni, Richard W. Blob, Heiko L. Schoenfuss, Takashi Maie, Kristine N. Moody, Kelsey E. Lesteberg, Tonya C. Schoenfuss

Publications

Selective pressures generated by locomotor challenges act at the level of the individual. However, phenotypic variation among individuals that might convey a selective advantage may occur across any of multiple levels of
biological organization. In this study, we test for differences in external morphology, muscle mechanical advantage, muscle fiber type and protein expression among individuals of the waterfall climbing Hawaiian fish Sicyopterus stimpsoni collected from sequential pools increasing in elevation within a single freshwater stream. Despite predictions from previous laboratory studies of morphological selection, few directional morphometric changes in
body shape were observed at successively higher elevations. Similarly, lever arm …

Assessment Of The Predictive Reliability Of A Swat Flow Model And The Evaluation Of Runoff Generation And Bmp Effectiveness In A Shale-Gas Impacted Watershed Using A Modeling Approach, Kwasi Asante

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In order to ensure a harmonious harness of shale-gas resources while ensuring minimal damage to the environment, it is imperative that studies to conduct to inform various aspects of managing the environment. This includes the development of reliable hydrologic models to inform in decisions concerning water and the environment.

The first objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive reliability of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model based on respective methods of LULC data classification and data type spatial resolution. Results showed that the high-resolution data classified with object-oriented image method does not provide any significant advantage …

Smokeless Tobacco Use: A Risk Factor For Hyperhomocysteinemia In A Pakistani Population, Mohammad Perwaiz Iqbal, Mohsin Yakub

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Background

Smokeless tobacco (ST) use is highly prevalent in the South Asian populations. While there have been a number of reports on association of ST consumption with cancer, very few studies have been conducted to investigate its relationship with cardiovascular disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, its association with ST use has never been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of ST use with hyperhomocysteinemia in an urban Pakistani population.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In a cross-sectional study for assessment of risks of hyperhomocysteinemia, 872 healthy adults (355 males and 517 females …

A Chance To Be Heard: Thoughts About Schedules, Caps, And Collateral Source Deductions In The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, Stephan Landsman

DePaul Law Review

No abstract provided.

Minimal Medium For Optimal Growth And Lipid Production Of The Microalgae Scenedesmus Dimorphus, Colin Welter, Jacob Schwenk, Bahar Kanani, John Van Blargan, Joanne M. Belovich

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

The culture of Scenedesmus dimorphus at the laboratory scale has often been in standard microalgae media, such as 3N-Basal Bold medium (3N-BB), which contains 15 different chemicals. Given the extremely tight profit margins of large-scale production of biofuel from microalgae, it is important to identify the minimally sufficient quantities of nutrients necessary to maximize lipid productivity. The individual and interactive effects of six groupings of the components of 3N-BB medium on growth rate, lipid content, and total biomass yield of S. dimorphus were determined. Trace metal and vitamin concentrations were reduced to 1/6 the level of 3N-BB medium without adversely …

The Association Between Mercury Emissions And Individuals With Autism Aged From 3-21 In The State Of California From 2001 To 2007, Sen Guo

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The paper explores how historical mercury deposition associates with the incidents of autism, identified in individuals aged from 3 to 21 in California from 2001 to 2007. The association between mercury deposits and the prevalence of individuals with autism aged from 3 to 21 in California was explored using the data from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program and the U.S. Education Department. A correlation analysis is applied to find if a relationship between mercury deposits and the autistic individuals in California. A regression test is run showing that for every 2.41ng/square meter per year increase of mercury deposits in California, …

Development Of Microreactor System For In Situ Investigation Of Rock-Brine-Co2 Interactions, Ashley Elizabeth Thompson

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

A microreactor has been developed for in situ, high-energy x-ray diffraction investigations of reaction process between carbon dioxide, brines and rocks. Our design is an evolution of a previous existing reaction cell developed by Diefenbacher et al [1]. | Several changes and improvements have been made to the new cell design: (i) the reactor chamber will be accessible through two points, whereby any combination of gases, liquids or fluids can be injected and investigated,(ii) the CO₂ flow and pressure will be controlled through a supercritical fluid pump which allows the cell to operate under a well-controlled pressure and flow …

Sustainability Curriculum Inventory And Literacy Assessment: The Influence Of Values On Knowledge Of And Perceived Importance Of Sustainability Components, David James Drogos

Theses

The incorporation of sustainability education and sustainable practices in higher education serves several purposes. It prepares students for work in sustainability-focused professions, fosters environmentally responsible behavior in individuals, and helps to reduce the ecological impacts of the operational aspects of educational institutions. However, contemporary definitions of sustainability, which consider social, political, ecological, and economic influences on the environment, complicate educational initiatives. Distinct educational departments often consider sustainability through their specialized lens. Trans-disciplinary initiative must be enacted in order for sustainability education to reach its full potential. This paper outlines the results of an electronically administered faculty sustainability curriculum inventory as …

Assessing The Biodiversity And Susceptibility Of Trees In Maxwell Park To Future Invasive Tree Pest Outbreaks, Genevieve Alexander '14

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

The purpose of this project was to assess tree susceptibility to invasive tree pest outbreaks in a Central-Illinois urban park. Tree biodiversity in Maxwell Park, located in the Town of Normal, Illinois, was evaluated assuming that the greater the tree biodiversity in a park, the more resilient the park would be to future invasive tree pest outbreaks. The Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Department served as the community partner for this project. By determining Maxwell Park’s current level of biodiversity, proposed new trees for future replacement plantings could be identified to help increase biodiversity and decrease the potential for …

Assessing The Indoor Tanning Behaviors And Risk Of Skin Cancer Among Illinois Wesleyan University Students, Ellen Cornelius '14

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

The purpose of this research is to assess the indoor tanning behaviors of students at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in Bloomington, Illinois and formulate strategies to reduce students’ risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is widespread, and is the second most common cancer among people aged 15-24 years. There is strong evidence to support that many skin cancer cases seen today could have been avoided if the individual had never used an indoor tanning device. Research suggests the use of indoor tanning devices is popular among college-aged females in the US, thus persuading this demographic to reduce their indoor tanning …

Geospatial Framework For The Use Of Natural Resource Extraction In Public Private Partnerships, Juan De Dios Barrios

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Resources for the maintenance and expansion of existing highway infrastructure are scarce. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are feasible solutions to the concern of lagging investment. PPP are increasingly used for the procurement of services and goods, because of their flexibility and ability to channel private resources. This research addresses the possible implementation of a barter approach in Public Private Partnerships (PPP), which includes natural resources for trade model to offset costs.;Federal law permits the extraction of coal when it is a byproduct of the construction process, coal which under normal circumstances would not be economically feasible to extract. West Virginia …

Relationships Between Recreational User Perceptions And The Biological Condition Of West Virginia Watersheds, Jennie M. Franks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Limitations in bioassessments of stream condition should be recognized and a need exists to broaden our approach to identify and solve knowledge gaps in scientific data. Combining collection methods based upon biological data and social perceptions may provide an effective way to identify gaps and involve local stakeholders in river conservation strategies. Our research objectives were to: 1- describe recreational users and their perceptions of water quality; 2- quantify relationships between recreational user perceptions and biological condition; 3- examine if perceptions vary spatially across watersheds; and 4- determine if recreational users' values and perceptions can be used to complement bioassessment …

Environmental Beliefs And Concern About Animal Welfare: Exploring The Connections, Catherine A. Faver

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An online survey examined environmental beliefs and concern about animal welfare among 105 social work students in the U.S.- Mexico border region. Environmental beliefs were measured using items from the revised New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) Scale (Dunlap, Van Liere, Mertig, & Jones, 2000). Higher concern about animal welfare was significantly related to three dimensions of the revised NEP Scale: (1) belief in the fragility of nature's balance, (2) belief in the possibility ofan ecological crisis, and (3) rejection of the notion that humans have a right to dominate nature (anti-anthropocentrism). The findings suggest that by making explicit connections between the …

A Model Of Contaminant Transport, Saline Valley Aquifer, Gallatin County Illinois, Ryan William Cox

Theses

The Saline Valley Conservancy District (SVCD) formed in 1980 to provide a stable source of water to many communities in Southern Illinois. The SVCD well field located in the thickest, most productive region of the Saline Valley Aquifer lies directly adjacent to a reclaimed coal mine. Subsurface movement and surface discharge from the mine has been shown to be responsible for deterioration of water quality in the surrounding area, including the aquifer. Previous studies conducted in the region have addressed water supply issues and simulated contaminant transport from the reclaimed mine. The limited scope of these models did not extend …

Institutionalizing Harm In Tennessee: The Right Of The People To Hunt And Fish, Lois Presser, Jennifer L. Schally

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

What discourses render harm to nonhumans a right? In this article we consider the case of Tennessee's Senate Joint Resolution 30, which proposed to grant citizens "the personal right to hunt and fish." To clarify the institutional logics legitimizing such harm, we analyzed the text of the Resolution as well as statements by politicians and others leading up to the passage of the amendment the Resolution would enact. Logics that supported the Resolution were: (1) claims of the economic utility of hunting and fishing; (2) veneration of the past; and (3) claims of future infringement on said activities. Nonhuman targets …

Privatization And Ethical Implications For Public Managers., Eric Dennison 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Thesis is an examination of privatization and the ethical implications for public managers. It begins with a historical overview of public administration, followed by discussion of the ethical concerns. Case studies show private companies have gained an upper hand in contract negotiations, and public managers have failed to keep the public trust by offering long term contracts that result in monopolies from closed or no bid contract systems. The thesis addresses ways to improve ethical decision making through better regulations and teaching. As privatization becomes a more viable way to pay for government services, the public administrator must maintain …