Digital Commons Network^™

Developing An Odonate-Based Index For Monitoring Freshwater Ecosystems In Rwanda: Towards Linking Policy To Practice Through Integrated And Adaptive Management, Erasme Uyizeye

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Worldwide, the decline of biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems is occurring at an alarming rate, due to anthropogenic threats, which directly impact humans in a variety of ways. Freshwater ecosystems occupy an integral part of political, socio-economic and ecological spheres. Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) and Adaptive Management (AM) conceptual frameworks provide an underpinning holistic platform from which to evaluate the performance of policies and actions on the ground in relation to freshwater ecosystem management. I investigate the extent to which environmental policies and practices embrace IWM and AM frameworks in Rwanda. Furthermore, this dissertation develops an odonate-based ecological monitoring tool, referred …

Analysis Of European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, And Trade Efficacy: A Multi-Scale Perspective, Marshall Adams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the international community has launched several policy initiatives to address complex environmental problems, in particular illegal logging. One such initiative is the European Union (EU) Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan and its Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs). The scholarship on FLEGT has overwhelmingly focused on technical and governance aspects, drawing largely from a single institutional analysis theory. However, there is scant empirical research on a range of theories to understand FLEGT efficacy from a multi-scalar governance perspective. My dissertation research contributes to a multi-scalar forest governance …

Emotional Response To Climate Change Learning: An Existential Inquiry, Jennifer Hutchinson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative study aims to explore and explain the existential underpinnings of learning about climate change and potential emotional responses to climate change learning. Undergraduate students in environmental sciences and studies classes at the University of Washingrounded theory on in Seattle, WA participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked about their experiences learning about climate change and how they responded emotionally to the learning. This dissertation examines the responses from those interviews and builds a theory out of the data analyzed. Constructivist Grounded theory as outlined by Kathy Charmaz (2014) was used to analyze the interviews. Codes were created and …

Beyond A Mapping Exercise: Inclusion Of Aboriginal Traditional Ecological Knowledge In Parks And Protected Areas Management, David Cook

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This paper examines current approaches for Parks and Protected Areas (PPA) managers in incorporating Aboriginal Traditional and Ecological Knowledge (ATEK) into their management plans. This paper focuses on two case-studies. They are Nahanni National Park and Reserve in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories, and the Whitefeather Forest Protected Area in the Pikangikum First Nations Traditional Territory in Ontario. They were chosen because of their unique approaches to include Aboriginal communities in the planning process and their designation as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The broader indigenous involvement policies of both Parks Canada and Ontario Parks are examined using academic …

Asynchronous Carbon Sink Saturation In African And Amazonian Tropical Forests, Wannes Hubau, Simon L. Lewis, Oliver L. Phillips, Kofi Affum-Baffoe, Hans Beeckman, Aida Cuní-Sanchez, Armandu K. Daniels, Corneille E.N. Ewango, Sophie Fauset, Jacques M. Mukinzi, Douglas Sheil, Bonaventure Sonké, Martin J.P. Sullivan, Terry C.H. Sunderland, Hermann Taedoumg, Sc Thomas, Lee J.T. White, Katharine A. Abernethy, Stephen Adu-Bredu, Christian A. Amani, Timothy R. Baker, Lindsay F. Banin, Fidèle Baya, Serge K. Begne, Amy C. Bennett, Fabrice Benedet, Robert Bitariho, Yannick E. Bocko, Pascal Boeckx, Patrick Boundja, Roel J.W. Brienen, Terry Brncic, Eric Chezeaux, George B. Chuyong, Connie J. Clark, Murray Collins, James A. Comiskey, David A. Coomes, Greta C. Dargie, Haulleville T De, Marie Noel Djuikouo Kamdem, Jean Louis Doucet, Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert, Ted R. Feldpausch, Alusine Fofanah, Ernest G. Foli, Martin Gilpin, Emanuel Gloor, Christelle Gonmadje, Sylvie Gourlet-Fleury, Jefferson S. Hall, Alan C. Hamilton, David J. Harris, Terese B. Hart, Mireille B.N. Hockemba, Annette Hladik, Suspense A. Ifo, Kathryn J. Jeffery, Tommaso Jucker, Emmanuel Kasongo Yakusu, Elizabeth Kearsley, David Kenfack, Alexander Koch, Miguel E. Leal, Aurora Levesley, Jeremy A. Lindsell, Janvier Lisingo, Gabriela Lopez-Gonzalez, Jon C. Lovett, Jean Remy Makana, Yadvinder Malhi, Andrew R. Marshall, J Martin, Eh Martin, Faustin M. Mbayu, Vincent P. Medjibe, Vianet Mihindou, Edward T.A. Mitchard, Sam Moore, Pantaleo K.T. Munishi, Natacha Nssi Bengone, Lucas Ojo, Fidèle Evouna Ondo, Kelvin S.H. Peh, Georgia C. Pickavance, Ad Poulsen, N/A Pou

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Hospital Ward Temperatures Related To Hypothermic Risk In Orthopaedic Patients, S Goodhew, Jm Latour, J Duthie, H Shireff, P Riddlestone, J Metcalfe

School of Nursing and Midwifery

No abstract provided.

Photo- And Autoxidation Of Unsaturated Algal Lipids In The Marine Environment: An Overview Of Processes, Their Potential Tracers, And Limitations, Jean François Rontani, Simon T. Belt

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Anatomy Of The Magmatic Plumbing System Of Los Humeros Caldera (Mexico): Implications For Geothermal Systems., Federico Lucci, Gerardo Carrasco-Nuñez, Federico Rossetti, Thomas Theye, John C. White, Stefano Urbani, Hossein Azzizi, Yosihiro Asahara, Guido Giordano

EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Understanding the anatomy of magma plumbing systems of active volcanoes is essential not only for unraveling magma dynamics and eruptive behaviors but also to define the geometry, depth, and temperature of the heat sources for geothermal exploration. The Pleistocene–Holocene Los Humeros volcanic complex is part of the eastern Trans- Mexican Volcanic Belt (central Mexico), and it constitutes one of the most important exploited geothermal fields in Mexico with ca. 90MWof produced electricity. With the aim to decipher the anatomy (geometry and structure) of the magmatic plumbing system feeding the geothermal field at Los Humeros, we carried out a field-based petrological …

The Forage Quality And The In Vitro Ruminal Digestibility, Gas Production, Organic Acids, And Some Estimated Digestion Parameters Of Tomato Herbage Silage With Molasses And Barley, Mahmut Teki̇n, Kanber Kara

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study, nutrient composition and use of silage after harvest of waste green parts (herbage) of tomato ( Licopersicon esculentum L.) were researched as a wet forage source for ruminants. Three different silages of tomato herbage: without additive (TS), with 5% sugar beet molasses (TSm), or 5% crushed barley grain (TSb) were prepared. The forage quality and the in vitro ruminal digestibility, gas production, organic acids, and some estimated digestion parameters for different silages of tomato herbage were determined. Besides, the in vitro digestion values of using at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% rates instead of corn silage in …

A Case Study: The Role Of Compassionate Cities, Healthy Cities, And Un Sustainable Development Goals In City Leadership And Planning, Lisa A. Berkley

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This research is a case study examining the relevance of three holistic city frameworks—Compassionate Cities, Healthy Cities, and UN Sustainable Development Goals—to the intentional or tacit thinking of city leaders, community leaders, and activists of Marina, California. Beginning with a discussion of the origin and development of the three frameworks, the study occurred in three phases: Phase I involved interviewing the five elected leaders, city manager, community development leaders, and two planners; Phase II consisted of a survey of appointed city leaders and community organizers and activists; and Phase III was an analysis of relevant public discourse, drawing from local …

Arising: Hurricane (Superstorm) Sandy’S Impact On Design/Planning Professionals, Maxinne R. Leighton

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Standing by my bedroom window, looking out at the ocean, a huge wave comes and swallows up my building. Everything around me is gone, including me. I wake up. I am 13 years old and living in the Coney Island Houses on Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. With ongoing anthropogenic changes to the natural environment such as sea level rise and intensifying storms, coastal communities, especially ones segregated by class and culture, are particularly vulnerable in this context that challenges a way of life, and in some instances, threatens that life's survival. This dissertation focuses specifically on what one massive …

Negative Assortative Mating In Prothonotary Warblers: Crown Feathers Reveal Mating Preference, Jordan Rasure, Elsa Chen

Undergraduate Research Posters

Negative Assortative Mating in Prothonotary Warblers: Crown Feathers Reveal Mating Preference

Jordan Rasure, Depts. of Biology, Spanish, & Chemistry and Elsa Chen, Dept. of Biology, with Dr. Lesley Bulluck, Center for Environmental Studies

While male ornamentation has been the subject of many avian studies, there is a dearth of studies on their female equivalents. Several studies have evaluated male ornamentation as an indication of individual quality and a driving factor in mate choice. Spectral analysis of feathers has revealed that color intensity can be interpreted as an indicator of both aggression and parental quality. We evaluated the correlation between male …

The Power Of A Profound Experience With Nature, Becky N. Mathers

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation explores the long-term influences of a profound experience with nature—an experience that shifts an individual’s view of or relationship with the natural world. Significant life experience research investigates the associations between formative experiences in nature and resulting environmental concern and action, including both singular events and repeated experiences. In the case of a single, memorable experience with nature, little is known about the long-term effects of these experiences or how individuals use the associated memories in their lives. This research investigates these questions through semi-structured interviews with twenty-one adults who had a profound experience with nature, exploring how …

Assessing Benefits And Barriers To Deployment Of Solar Mini Grids In Ghanaian Rural Island Communities, Jude T. Nuru

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Researchers, policy makers, and development partners are increasingly concerned about the challenges of climate change and lack of energy access facing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. While the majority of people in sub-Saharan African countries lack livelihood diversification skills and are vulnerable to climate change, energy poverty is also widespread, particularly in the rural areas where it is difficult and expensive to extend grid electricity. In the face of these two challenges, it has been envisaged that since sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with variety of renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and biomass, their deployment could help address both climate …

The Potential Role Of Payment For Ecosystem Services In Protected Area Management In Rwanda: A Case Study From Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Yves Gakunde

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The demand for ecosystem services (ES) by communities around the world especially from developing countries is increasing, and creates conflict between protected ecosystem management and community socioeconomic wellbeing needs, particularly around protected areas. Taking into consideration globalization, capitalism, weak policies, and population growth as some of the majors driving factors to land change, increased demand for ES comes in part from societies’ changing economic demands and opportunities, such as food and commercial crop production, timber extraction, urbanization, and infrastructural development. Many biodiversity conservation approaches and initiatives have been used to protect and maintain healthy ecosystems. While the fence and fine …

The Human Dimensions And Spatial Ecology Of Poaching And Implications For Red Wolf Survival, Suzanne Agan

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

In the 1970’s, red wolves were considered America’s most endangered mammalian species and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) developed the Red Wolf Recovery Plan soon after passage of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to preserve and eventually reintroduce them. It marked the first successful attempt to reintroduce a large predator that had been completely extirpated from the wild. The conservation of predators, such as red wolves, stirs controversy when it hinders human activities and some people retaliate by illegal killing. In Northeastern North Carolina (NENC), poaching has been a problem throughout the entire recovery process and is the …

Traditional Ecological Knowledge And Opportunities For Reducing Human-Wolf Conflicts In Mongolia, Tuul Sukhbaatar

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Conflicts between humans and wolves occur anywhere these two inhabit the same area. This research explored traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of Mongolians and potential opportunities that this knowledge could offer to improve relationships between humans and wolves (Canis lupus) in Mongolia. Research questions include: what is the local understanding of TEK as it applies to wolves; what are the perceptions of different stakeholder groups on the wolves; and what opportunities are there to draw upon TEK to reduce human-wolf conflicts? This research, using the case study and mixed methods, involved 128 individuals who represented four stakeholder groups (herders, urban residents, …

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Using Fluorescence-Quenched Carbon Quantum Dots For Mercury Ion Detection, Andaru Dena Prasiwi

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Mercury ion (Hg2+) is one of the most challenging problems due to its high toxicity at low concentration and bioaccumulative effects affecting human health. Herein, we propose a strategy to exploit the fluorescence quenching of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) combined with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique to detect Hg2+. CQDs exhibit strong fluorescence emission interfering SERS measurement. However, with the presence of Hg2+, fluorescence from CQDs can be quenched, and the SERS spectrum can be collected. In this work, SERS spectra of rhodamine 6G (R6G) incorporated with CQDs and Hg2+ (0.100‒100 ng/L) were studied. The SERS spectra of R6G was …

Marine Influence On Chemical Composition Of Aerosol In Thailand, Jariya Kayee

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study was focused on atmospheric aerosols covering aerosols over both continent and ocean. Continent's aerosols were collected from two coastal cities, Bangkok and Chonburi, and one in-land city, Chiangrai. To investigate seasonal variation and air-sea-land influences on chemical composition of aerosols, metals, lead isotope and water-soluble inorganic ions were examined coupled with air mass trajectory analysis. The study was divided into 3 parts. The first part, PM2.5 samples were collected in Bangkok and Chonburi during January 2018 to April 2019. The results revealed the highest PM2.5 concentrations in NE monsoon, and the lowest in SW monsoon. During NE monsoon, …

The Effect Of Wildlife Wellbeing On Environmental Concern, Laura Casne

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Environmental campaigns have used animal imagery to push their initiatives for years, shocking viewers with images of human caused damage to change environmental behavior. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), a nonprofit located in Britain released a statement that they responded to 5000 calls annually regarding litter and that the main victims were wildlife species (Litter and Animals | Rubbish and Animals - RSPCA, 2017). A previous study done by Schultz (2000) showed animals in different conditions (animals in nature and animals harmed in nature), with results indicated that those who viewed an image of …

Ecological Perspectives Of The Eastern Saline Wetlands Differ Between Visitors And Non-Visitors, Peter Janda

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The Eastern Saline Wetlands of Nebraska can be found in both Lancaster and Saunders counties in Eastern Nebraska. Due to the wetlands’ important services in the areas of recreation, wildlife habitat, and flood control, it is necessary to know the extent to which these services are valued and used by residents of Lincoln . Past research completed in 2015 by the Lower Platte South NRD observed public opinions toward wetland restoration and preservation, finding that 46% of the public strongly support it, 35% mildly support it and 16% do not support it (Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership, 2006). This past study …

The Changing Habitat And Decline Of Ring-Necked Pheasant Populations In Otoe County, Nebraska, Jacob T. Herman

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Since the early 20th century, wildlife conservation in Untied States has walked a fine line of growth and decline. The implementation of the Ring-Necked Pheasant in Nebraska has brought a wealth of tradition and revenue to the state across multiple generations. This thesis analyzes how habitat changes in Otoe County, Nebraska have affected the Ring-Necked Pheasant population, and what programs are in place to counteract the issue. To answer this question, the study compared five different aerial photos taken from Google Earth Pro and the county archives located in Hardin Hall at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. The results of …

Incorporating Tallgrass Prairie Into Urban Environments, Daniel Hauschild

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

As an agricultural state with a population poised to shift to primarily urban based, Nebraska is in the unique position of being able to decide how people live in modern cities. While the benefits of including green spaces in urban areas are well documented, evidence also suggests that increased biodiversity in these areas compounds those benefits. As such, incorporating elements of functioning natural ecosystems within urban areas can potentially create pockets of sustainable landscapes. Nebraska’s two largest population centers are located on land that was historically tallgrass prairie, an iconic landscape in American history and now almost entirely absent from …

Growth And Feeding Response In Python Regius In Ambient Temperature Vs. Hot-Spot, Mckenzie Martinez

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Python regius, also known as the ball python or the royal python, is one of the most popular reptiles in the pet trade and has been heavily imported, kept, and bred in captivity since 1976 (Toudonou 1). This species has adapted to life in captivity extremely well making it one of the most popular reptiles in the reptile trade. It is one of the first reptiles many reptile enthusiasts own. It is a frequently used species for educating the public in zoos and other facilities. Some of the main reasons that Python regius has maintained its popularity in the reptile …

The Effects Of Street Tree Site Planting Width On Canopy Width And Ability To Provide Ecosystem Services, Ryan Kendall

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

In a time where pests such as emerald ash borer are reducing urban forests, it is important to gain a return on investment for new trees planted. Since trees cost money, the value of the ecosystem services that they provide over the course of their lives should outweigh their costs. Due to the need for a return on investment, it is important to know whether newly planted street trees are being planted in a space that does not inhibit their growth or ability to provide benefits. This study, in Lincoln, NE looks to determine the relationship between a street tree’s …

The Effect Of Pictorial Signs On Recycling Rates, Christopher A. Sukstorf

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Recycling is a core way that college students can act altruistically. Many studies have been conducted to study how to increase the participation of recycling on college campuses, office buildings, and the like. This study focuses on the University Lutheran Chapel, a Christian church adjacent to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. While the University of Nebraska – Lincoln has drastically improved recycling participation in recent years, the University Lutheran Chapel lags behind. Pictorial signs were used in an experiment to determine whether they improved recycling rates at The Chapel. Recycling rates at the University Lutheran Chapel were measured by …

Planning Urban Forests In A Changing Climate, Ethan Dudden

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

As the effects of negative effects of climate change are realized, urban forests a means to reduce the potential damage and adverse conditions in urban areas (Wolf, et al., 2020) (Livesley, McPherson, & Calfapietra, 2016) (Xiao & McPherson, 2002). Preserving these resources is becoming more difficult however, as the trees that make up urban landscapes become less adapted to current conditions with every passing year (Aitken, Yeaman, Holliday, Wang, & Sierra, 2008). Changes in climate and world systems also point to invasive pests becoming greater threats to urban forest resources with time (Tubby & Webber, 2010) (Amberger et al., 2017). …

Future Implications Of Extreme Heat On Public Health For Those Living In Lincoln, Nebraska, Mandy Koehler

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Increasing temperatures are expected as the climate crisis progresses. This crisis is fueled by the increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere, which trap heat in the environment. With rising temperatures, more extreme heat events threaten multiple sectors of society including public health. To gain insight into future climate issues related to warming temperatures and public health for people living in Lincoln, Nebraska, this research will evaluate the predicted extent of extreme heat for this area and consider what other relevant regions do to deal with these problems. This study identifies the scope of future extreme …

To What Extent Has The Relationship Between Humans And Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) Evolved Throughout History?, Abigail Misfeldt

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Red foxes are one of the few creatures able to adapt to living alongside humans as we have evolved. All humans and wildlife have some id of relationship, be it a friendly one or one of mutual hatred, or simply a neutral one. Through a systematic research review of legends, books, and journal articles, I mapped how humans and foxes have evolved together. First, the relationship between humans and foxes in a geographical manner by starting in Asia, moving to Australia and Tasmania, then Europe, Africa, finishing with North and South America. I will be analyzing all the information through …

The Study Of Water Management System In Ancient Towns: A Case Study Of Ayutthaya, Hatthaya Siriphatthanakun

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Due to catastrophic flood in 2011 the Historic City of Ayutthaya was severely damaged while it was never negatively impacted by flood in its 417-year-history. In fact, the lower central plain of Thailand where Ayutthaya is located is vulnerable from water -related hazards, especially flood regarding its natural settings. This research initially aims to understand what the water management system of Ayutthaya was and how the city was emerged and evolved within the flooding prone area so as to apply the knowledge to present-day circumstances. As a result, the landscape integration approach is developed by using multidisciplinary perspectives since water …