Digital Commons Network^™

Variation In Tussock Architecture Of The Invasive Cordgrass Spartina Densiflora Along The Pacific Coast Of North America, Jesus M. Castillo, Brenda J. Grewall, Andrea Pickart, Enrique Figueroa, Mark D. Sytsma

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Some introduced species spread rapidly beyond their native range and into novel habitats mediated by a high degree of phenotypic plasticity and/or rapid evolutionary responses. In this context, clonality has been described as a significant factor contributing to invasiveness. We studied the abiotic environment and the responses of different tussock architecture traits of the invasive cordgrass Spartina densiflora Brongn. (Poaceae). A common garden experiment and field studies of S. densiflora in salt marshes across a wide latitudinal gradient from California (USA) to British Columbia (Canada) provided a model system for an integrated study of the potential mechanisms underlying the response …

Water Supply System Classification For Water Quality Improvement, Bruno Melo Brentan, Gustavo Meirelles Lima, Edevar Luvizotto Junior, Joaquín Izquierdo, Rafael Pérez-García

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Universal access to drinkable water is a constitutional right guaranteed in Brazil. However, not all cities in this country are able to supply the population with the expected quality. Important actions should be taken to improve the supply of drinkable water. To define a strategic plan for this purpose, classification tools can facilitate the design of plans, by grouping cities with similar quality conditions. During the last decades, neural network approaches have been used in environmental models, allowing more accurate representation of some complex systems. This work proposes the use of self-organizing maps (SOM’s) coupled with the k-means algorithm …

A Framework For Decision-Making In Cases Of Invasive Species, Peter A. Khaiter, Marina G. Erechtchoukova, Sina Roushan

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Invasion of nonindigenous species is one of the most pressing global challenges, causing substantial environmental, economic and social harm. Invasion of alien species alters the composition, structure and functioning of invaded ecosystems as well as the services they generated before the invasion. Decisions about the management of invasive cases are inherently difficult because of the multifactorial and multiattribute scope of the problem. In particular, the resilience limits of invaded ecosystems to fully recover original, pre-invaded states remain unclear. To facilitate management efforts, decision-makers and environmental practitioners require a framework integrating relevant knowledge and acting as a supporting expert system. The …

A Mathematical Model For Ghg From Sb-Mbr: Calibration By An Innovative Protocol, Giorgio Mannina, Alida Cosenza

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

A mathematical model to quantify greenhouse gases (GHG) (carbon dioxide, CO₂ and nitrous oxide, N₂O) for a membrane bioreactor (MBR) is presented. The model has been applied to a pilot plant with a pre-denitrification MBR scheme. The pilot plant was cyclically filled with real saline wastewater according to the fill-draw-batch operation. The model was calibrated by adopting a specific protocol based on extensive field dataset. Standardised Regression Coefficient (SRC) method was adopted to select the most influential model factors to be calibrated. Results related to SRC method show that among the important model factors a key role …

Full Issue 7(4)

International Journal of Speleology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue 7(3)

International Journal of Speleology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue 7(1/2)

International Journal of Speleology

No abstract provided.

Planning Complex Agro-Ecosystems: The Case Of Analog Forestry, F. Recanati, Giorgio Guariso, M. Saini, Sergio Vilchez Mendoza

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Traditional agroecosystems, aimed at maximizing the short term productivity, are characterized by oversimplification of ecological structure and dependence on the use of external inputs. Moreover, intensive agriculture is one of the main cause of deforestation. The main consequence of traditional agriculture is the loss of natural ecosystems and of their precious services. Analog forestry has emerged as a sustainable productive model able to be integrated in forest contexts, without degrading their ecological functions. The obtained agro-ecosystem is characterized by an ecological structure similar to the one of forest, and by the presence of several productive species in the same area. …

Big Data In Land Change Science: Challenges And Implications Of Advanced Technologies, Hichem Omrani, Amin Tayyebi

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Big data has received a lot of attentions during last decade. Dealing with big data is a complex task as it is challenging to analyse, store, model and make sense of big data. Using big data in land change science (LCS) is a new area of research. One of the main challenges in LCS is using big data for model calibration effectively. In this study, we propose using clustering technique, based on k-means approach, to handle big land-use data and overcome the limitation of model calibration. With clustering, data are partitioned into smaller subsets and are t hen analysed …

Reducing Marginalization Of Fishermen Through Participatory Action Research In The Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe, Bernard Manyena, Andrew E. Collins, Frank Mudimba, Danisa Mudimba

International Journal of African Development

Equitable sharing of fishing resources has been the major source of tension between Zambezi Valley communities and the Zimbabwe government authorities since the 1950s following the Kariba Dam-induced resettlement. Using participatory action research, it was found that the fishing license system and criminalization of fishermen were the major sources of tension between fishermen and government authorities. Engaging with government authorities to address these tensions, fishermen were recognized as partners in the fishing industry. The conclusion was that enhancing community agencies through participatory action research would be fundamental towards creating socially just and equitable arrangements that could emancipate marginalized communities from …

International Journal Of African Development, Vol. 3, Issue 2

International Journal of African Development

Complete issue of International Journal of African Development, Volume 3, Issue 2 - Spring 2016.

Arts, Humanities, And Museums Amendments: Reports With Minority Views (1990): Report 06

Arts, Humanities, and Museums Amendments: Reports with Minority Views (1990)

No abstract provided.

Multi-Label Classification Methods For Predicting Mixed Land Use Change, Hichem Omrani, Amin Tayyebi, Amir H. Tayyebi, Bryan Pijanowski

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Current progress on land use highlights the interest of the multi-label concept in predicting land use change. The new concept allows a multi-label class assignment (ML), where a spatial unit may be associated simultaneously with a set of multiple classes. The multi-label concept is different than the commonly used mono-label one (ml: binary or multi-class), in which a spatial unit has only one elementary label at a time. Recently, it has been shown the merit of the ML concept to model mixed land use change. In this paper, we study the multi-label class-assignment by different multi- label classifications models. The …

Volume 111 Issue 25, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

The Southwestern - Archive

News Editor...............................Maggie Tran

Online Editor.............................Raven White

Features Editor..........................Hannah Flaherty

Publications Manager................Laura Howe

Advertising Manager.................Kierra Prewitt

Photographers............................Riley Roberson, Maggie Tran, Nakota Taylor

Staff Reporters...........................Amber Bachiochi, Bayli Blanchard, Elizabeth Fuller, Kelsie Gerlach, Brooke Harden, Bailey Hood, Maxwell Jirak, Conner Kent, Makenli Ladd, Katie Lafferty, Ayo Ojo, Caylie Patton, Jennifer Steiner, Michelle Taylor, Andikan Usanga

Editing Staff...............................Amber Bachiochi, Bayli Blanchard, Tariq Carey, Hunter Green, Bailey Hood, Maxwell Jirak, Bailey Kephart, Katie Lafferty, Delmi Menendez, Ayo Ojo, Saul Pina, Bradley Rowson, Jennifer Steiner, Jessica Tortorelli, Amber Trogdon

Hdac6 Inhibition Prevents Tnf-Α-Induced Caspase 3 Activation In Lung Endothelial Cell And Maintains Cell-Cell Junctions, Jinyan Yu, Mengshi Ma, Zhongsen Ma, Jian Fu

Center for Research on Environmental Disease Faculty Publications

Pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α induce caspase activation in endothelial cells, which leads to degradation of cellular proteins, induction of apoptotic signaling, and endothelial cell dysfunction. New therapeutic agents that can inhibit caspase activation may provide protection against inflammatory injury to endothelial cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of selective histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibition on TNF-α induced caspase 3 activation and cell-cell junction dysfunction in lung endothelial cells. We also assessed the protective effects of HDAC6 inhibition against lung inflammatory injury in a mouse model of endotoxemia. We demonstrated that selective HDAC6 inhibition or knockdown of …

Soft Matter Films Interfaced To Electronic Devices: Capacitance-Modulated Field Effect Transistors Integrating Protein Layers, Gerardo Palazzo, Luisa Torsi, Maria Magliulo, Antonia Mallardi

Colloidal, Macromolecular & Biological Gels: Formulation, Properties & Applications

Soft matter systems interfaced to an electronic device are presently one of the most challenging research activity that has relevance not only for fundamental studies but also for the development of highly performing bio-sensors.

Layers of proteins anchored on solid surfaces have small capacitance that undergoes to only minute changes as the ligand–protein complex is formed.

For properly designed systems, the protein layer represents smallest capacitance in a series of capacitors and as such dominates the overall capacitance. When such a protein layer is integrated in a Field Effect Transistor (FET) transduction is remarkably sensitive as the transistor output current …

Endowed Research Fund, Dave Larsen

College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

A University of Dayton alumnus who is considered a pioneer in the field of sea turtle research has committed $100,000 to launch an endowed fund to assist biology and environmental science students with their research projects.

Passive Microrheology As A Useful Tool For Milk Gel Analyses, Roland Ramsch, Giovanni Brambilla, Mathias Fleury, Pascal Bru, Gérard Meunier

Colloidal, Macromolecular & Biological Gels: Formulation, Properties & Applications

Passive microrheology based on Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS) [1,2] is presented as a straightforward tool for the analysis of milk gel preparation. Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy consists of analysing the interferential images of light, which is backscattered by the sample. This so called speckles images, which are detected by a CCD camera, change in time due to the Brownian motion of the particles that scatter the light. The variation of the images as a function of time can be directly correlated to the viscoelastic properties of the sample. As it is an optical method, it is perfectly adapted to study the …

Teacher Conceptions, Curriculum Ideologies, And Adaptations To Linear Change In River School District: Implications For Gifted And Talented, William T. Allen Jr., Scott L. Hunsaker

Teacher Education and Leadership Faculty Publications

Curriculum ideologies are educational theories applied in everyday pedagogical practice. In this study, to better meet the learning needs of their students, four middle school teachers used a variety of ideologies as a professional toolbox. When confronted with school district standardization, these teachers adapted; however, as predicted by earlier studies, adjustments required the loss of previously successful curriculum. As predicted by Feldhusen, these losses affected teachers of high-level students (honors and gifted and talented) the most. In this district, two such teachers opposed standardization; nevertheless, even with resistance, they lost ideological-based curriculum choices. What are teachers of high-level students …

We Are…Marshall, July 13, 2016, Office Of Marshall University Communications

We Are ... Marshall: the Newsletter for Marshall University 1999-2023

No abstract provided.

The Clinical, Biochemical And Genetic Features Associated With Rmnd1-Related Mitochondrial Disease., Yi Shiau Ng, Charlotte L Alston, Daria Diodato, Andrew A Morris, Nicole Ulrick, Stanislav Kmoch, +Several Additional Authors

Neurology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the RMND1 (Required for Meiotic Nuclear Division protein 1) gene have recently been linked to infantile onset mitochondrial disease characterised by multiple mitochondrial respiratory chain defects.

METHODS: We summarised the clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic investigation of an international cohort of affected individuals with RMND1 mutations. In addition, we reviewed all the previously published cases to determine the genotype-phenotype correlates and performed survival analysis to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS: We identified 14 new cases from 11 pedigrees that harbour recessive RMND1 mutations, including 6 novel variants: c.533C>A, p.(Thr178Lys); c.565C>T, p.(Gln189*); c.631G>A, p.(Val211Met); c.1303C>T, …

Projects Funded Through Amc21 Multi-Investigator Grants, Kendra Carter

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

New "Light" For One-World Approach Toward Safe And Effective Control Of Animal Diseases And Insect Vectors From Leishmaniac Perspectives, Kwang Poo Chang, Bala K. Kolli, Ramesh B. Batchu, Hui Wen Chen, Larry Ming C. Chow, Robert Elliott, Jonathan F. Head, Chia Kwung Fan, Chen Hsiung Hung, Dar Der Ji, Zhao Rong Lun, Laura Manna, Yoshitsugu Matsumoto, Dennis K.P. Ng, Camila I. De Oliveira, Sayonara Melo, Yusuf Ozbel, Ahmet Özbilgin, Joseph Reynolds, Chizu Sanjoba, Shin Hong Shiao, Nang Yao Shih, Chi Wei Tsai, Maria Da Graça H. Vicente, Charles H. Barré, Petr Volf, Yueh Lung Wu, Chao Lan Yu, Xiao Nong Zhou

Faculty Publications

© 2016 The Author(s). Light is known to excite photosensitizers (PS) to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of oxygen. This modality is attractive for designing control measures against animal diseases and pests. Many PS have a proven safety record. Also, the ROS cytotoxicity selects no resistant mutants, unlike other drugs and pesticides. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to the use of PS as light activable tumoricides, microbicides and pesticides in medicine and agriculture. Here we describe "photodynamic vaccination" (PDV) that uses PDT-inactivation of parasites, i.e. Leishmania as whole-cell vaccines against leishmaniasis, and as a universal carrier to …

Structural And Functional Roles Of Proteins Modulating Aggregation In Multiple Neurodegenerative Diseases, Meenakshisundaram Balasubramaniam Balasubramaniam

Theses and Dissertations

Age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases form neurotoxic protein aggregates containing both disease-specific initiator ('seed') proteins and shared components that are common to multiple neuropathies (e.g., TDP-43, α-synuclein, hyper-phosphorylated tau). To date, the protein compositions of aggregates and the functional roles of shared components, in aggregation and disease progression, have not been fully explored. This dissertation investigated common aggregation-prone proteins, identified to promote aggregation and toxicity in multiple neurodegenerative disease models. Proteomic analysis of muscle aggregates from Caenorhabditis elegans expressing unc-54p/ Q40::YFP (a model of Huntington's disease) which forms aggregates in muscle, identified proteins that co-aggregate with long polyglutamine tracts. Functional analysis uncovered …

Overview Of The Phytoplankton And Water Quality Of Lake Maumelle For 2009, Rich Shaver

Theses and Dissertations

Since 1989 the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Central Arkansas Water (CAW) have collected water quality and phytoplankton samples from Lake Maumelle in Central Arkansas. These samples were collected from three locations within the reservoir. Phytoplankton samples for 2009 were identified to genus and counted. The phytoplankton did not follow a typical succession pattern for north temperate lakes. Starting in late winter, Chlorophyta tended to be the dominant division followed by Cyanophyta in the fall. Diversity was relatively high at all sampling locations and no differences among sites were detected. Total phosphorus appeared to be the limiting nutrient. Based …

Gorillas Stand Up For Working, Cheryl K. Giefer

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Session presented on Saturday, July 23, 2016 and Sunday, July 24, 2016:

Purpose: This project involved the introduction of the workplace trend, ergonomically-designed sit-stand desks (SSDs). Research in this area has concluded that for optimal health people should sit less and move more. Studies indicate the negative effects of prolonged sitting cannot be negated even by an hour of physical activity each day. Prolonged sitting time has been identified as a health risk factor and musculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs) are report by 60% of office workers. SSDs allow office workers to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the working day. Therefore, …

Exercise Program On Reducing Anxiety And Improving Metabolic Indicators For Patients With Anxiety Disorders, Wei-Fen Ma, Linton Wang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Session presented on Thursday, July 21, 2016 and Friday, July 22, 2016:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of home-based exercise program on reducing anxiety levels and improving metabolic indicators for patients with anxiety disorders.

Methods: A randomized experimental design with convenient sampling was used to recruit 86 subjects from a psychiatric clinic. Three measures were a pre-test before exercise program, a post-test at one week and a follow-up test at 3 months after receiving exercise program. Four self-report scales and biological physical assessments were used for measuring personal data, lifestyle behaviors, anxiety and metabolic …

Understanding And Promoting Safer Sex Behavior: The Power Of Story, Technology & Other Observations, Anne E. Norris

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Session presented on Saturday, July 23, 2016:

Low income adolescents and adults in the U.S. continue to experience health disparities in the area of sexual and reproductive health. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Norris has studied sexual behavior among adolescents and young adults. This work has consistently been conducted in an interdisciplinary context. The impetus for this work was an undergraduate nursing student clinical experience in which she saw the potential power of one adolescent's personal story for impacting sexual risk behavior. During her dissertation and under the guidance of her nursing and psychology mentors, she conceptualized her clinical experience …

Exploring The Symptomatology Of Adults With Acute Leukemia, Tara Angela Albrecht

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Session presented on Friday, July 22, 2016:

Advances in treatment of acute leukemia have improved and prolonged survival. However, these treatments are aggressive and associated with significant toxicity, symptoms, and lengthy hospitalizations, which are thought to negatively impact the patients' health-related quality of life. The diagnosis of acute leukemia has far-reaching effects not only on the patient but also their family system. These effects include changes to family roles, schedules, and financial strains are just some of the stressful challenges that the family system may experience. This increased stress for both the patient and the family system is thought to …

Exposure To Secondhand Smoke And The Development Of Childhood Caries: Nhanes 2011-2012, Deborah J. Mattheus

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Session presented on Thursday, July 21, 2016:

According to the World Health Organization more than half of the children world-wide are exposed to tobacco smoke, with the majority of this exposure occurring at home. Recently there is growing evidence linking secondhand smoke to the development of dental caries in the pediatric population. Children with family members who smoke are noted to have more decayed, missing or filled teeth compared to children who have no smokers in the family. Dental caries continue to plague young children with numerous adverse effects including pain, poor growth and development, decreased quality of life as …