Digital Commons Network^™

Historical Distribution And Current Population Status Of Tufted Puffins Fratercula Cirrhata In Canada's California Current System, Louise K. Blight, Gregory Mcclelland

Marine Ornithology

Unpublished accounts indicate that the number of Tufted Puffin Fratercula cirrhata colonies in western Canada has declined in recent decades. However, a lack of recent colony count data makes it impossible to determine current trends. Here we compile published and unpublished information for Tufted Puffins in the Canadian portion of the California Current System (i.e., from the vicinity of the Scott Islands south to the Canada-US border) to update understanding of the species’ status in the region, and to assemble available information in a single source. We found historical records of three additional colonies over those in pre-existing compilations, bringing …

Spatial Effects In Relation To Reproductive Performance Of Common Murres Uria Aalge At A Re-Established Colony, Gerard J. Mcchesney, Julie L. Yee, Michael W. Parker, William M. Perry, Harry R. Carter, Richard T. Golightly, Stephen W. Kress

Marine Ornithology

A main goal of seabird colony restoration is for the colony to become self-sustaining. To do so, elevated rates must be attained in (1) reproductive success and (2) recruitment by immigrants and birds produced at the colony. Thus, an understanding of the factors affecting reproductive success and recruitment at restoration sites is vital. We examined how spatial features at the colony level affected reproductive success of Common Murres Uria aalge (hereafter, murres) over a six-year period at Devil’s Slide Rock, California, a colony re-established using social attraction techniques. Clusters of sites with similar egg-laying dates, as well as high hatching …

The Rarest Alcid: Status And History Of The Guadalupe Murrelet Synthliboramphus Hypoleucus At Isla Guadalupe, Mexico (1892-2007), Darrell L. Whitworth, Harry R. Carter, Eduardo Palacios, Josh S. Koepke, William R. Mciver, Christine D. Hamilton, Gerard J. Mcchesney, Franklin Gress

Marine Ornithology

The Guadalupe Murrelet (GUMU) Synthliboramphus hypoleucus is the rarest alcid in the world (< 5000 pairs), with regular breeding documented only at Islas Guadalupe (hereafter, “Guadalupe”) and San Benito off the west-central coast of Baja California, Mexico. GUMU were discovered at Guadalupe in 1892, but by then feral cats Felis catus had already devastated the population and limited most nesting to predator-free islets just offshore. Despite its status as the only major GUMU breeding island, the population at Guadalupe was never adequately surveyed during the 20th century. In March–April 2007, we used survey techniques developed specifically for Synthliboramphus murrelets to assess the status and distribution of GUMU at Guadalupe. We counted 1511 GUMU during spotlight surveys in waters around the island. GUMU were abundant near the islets, but they were also relatively numerous near suitable breeding habitats off the north and south coasts of Guadalupe proper. Searches on four islets yielded 93 nests, most at Islotes Zapato (66; 71%) and Morro Prieto (21; 23%), where scores of abandoned eggs indicated intense competition for nests. We found seven nests on Guadalupe proper, the first proof of breeding there since 1950, but we also found 68 carcasses that confirmed significant predation by cats and raptors. A spotlight survey correction factor yielded 2418 breeding pairs (95% confidence interval = 1662–4367) at Guadalupe and its islets, which accounted for ~90% of the world breeding population (1822–4789 pairs). About 1150–1750 pairs were estimated on Islotes Zapato and Morro Prieto in 1968, but comparable data were lacking to assess historical or recent changes in population size. Basic studies of GUMU biology have only recently been initiated and should be a continuing priority. Recent conservation actions have benefited the native biota of Guadalupe, but further measures, such as localized rodent control and robust biosecurity on the islets, should be considered to mitigate serious threats to the vulnerable GUMU population and other seabirds.

Multidecadal Comparison Of Red-Footed Booby Sula Sula Diet At Ulupa'u Crater, O'Ahu, Hawai'i, Sarah E. Donahue, Josh Adams, K. David Hyrenbach

Marine Ornithology

We describe the diet of Red-footed Boobies Sula sula nesting at Ulupa‘u Crater, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i based on 106 regurgitations collected during 2014 and 2015. We also compare our results to a diet study at this colony five decades earlier. Both studies indicate that flying squid (Ommastrephidae) and flyingfish (Exocoetidae) are important prey for this population while provisioning chicks. In particular, Purpleback Flying Squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis occurred in the majority (> 70%) of the recent regurgitation samples, and their size (mantle length < 11 cm) indicates that they were mostly juveniles. Moreover, the size distribution of the squid prey varied by year, indicating inter-annual variability in the phenology of spawning and larval development. This study highlights the reliance of Red-footed Boobies on juveniles of this poorly-studied squid and underscores their value as biological samplers of epipelagic fish and squid within their foraging ranges.

Non-Breeding Movements And Foraging Ecology Of The Black Guillemot Cepphus Grylle In Atlantic Canada, Julia E. Baak, Marty L. Leonard, Carina Gjerdrum, Mark D. Dodds, Robert A. Ronconi

Marine Ornithology

Understanding the movements of seabirds, which are important ecological indicators, can provide new insights into physical and biological aspects of the marine environment. This information can also be used in planning marine conservation and oil spill response strategies. Though Black Guillemots Cepphus grylle are widely distributed in the coastal waters of eastern and arctic Canada, little is known about their movements during the non-breeding season. We used a combination of global location sensors and stable-isotope analyses on Black Guillemots breeding on Country Island, Nova Scotia, Canada and on Kent Island, New Brunswick, Canada to examine their non-breeding movements and trophic …

Reviews: Journal Of A Voyage: Federico Craveri And The Gulf Of California In 1856 (Craveri, F.; T. Bowen [Ed.], B. D'Arpa And B. Cavatorta [Translators]); How To Be An Antiracist (Kendi, I.X.); The Skin We're In: A Year Of Black Resistance And Power (Cole, D.); Hawai'i'S White Tern: Manu-O-Ku, An Urban Seabird (Scott, S.), Daniel W. Anderson, Rachel T. Buxton, David Ainley, Louise Blight, Jenna Cragg, Benjamin Saenz, Lindsay Young

Marine Ornithology

No abstract provided.

Nightly Colony Attendance Patterns Of Provisioning Cassin's Auklet Ptychoramphus Aleuticus Are Consistent And Synchronous, Laura Mcfarlane Tranquilla, John L. Ryder, Louise K. Blight, Patrick D. O’Hara, Douglas F. Bertram

Marine Ornithology

We conducted a multi-year (1999–2001) radio telemetry study to determine patterns of colony attendance among breeding Cassin’s Auklets Ptychoramphus aleuticus during the chick-rearing period on Triangle Island in British Columbia, Canada. A total of 1 625 detections were obtained for 80 individual birds (24–28 birds per year), each detected 20.3 times on average. We found that colony attendance (arrival times, departure times, in-burrow shift duration) and foraging trip duration (i.e., time away from the colony) were remarkably synchronous among individuals and years. On average, birds arrived in a pulse after darkness, with 67% of returns between 23h15 and 00h15 and …

Guinea: A Mining Boom In Defiance Of Standards, Foromo Frédéric Loua

Maryland Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

New College Environmental Studies Program, New College Of Florida

Environmental Studies Collection

No abstract provided.

The People's Rivers: Early Environmental Regulation And The Oregon State Sanitary Authority, Avery Morgan Fischer

Dissertations and Theses

The environmental movement in Oregon can trace its origins to the turn of the twentieth century, where citizen activism and initiative led to the creation of an early environmental regulatory agency, the Oregon State Sanitary Authority. This creation established that the State of Oregon had a duty to preserve, not just the navigability or usability of rivers and waterways, but the quality and purity of its water. The Oregon State Sanitary Authority played an active role in maintaining and protecting the environment as a mandate of the people, and throughout its thirty-year existence battling industrial polluters, reluctant municipalities, and disinterested …

Cruising For Data: Defining The Seabird Community From Vessels Of Opportunity In Canada’S Eastern Arctic, Carina Gjerdrum, Sarah N. P. Wong, Mark L. Mallory

Marine Ornithology

Information on marine bird abundance and distribution at sea is required to identify important habitat for protection, mitigate pressures from human activities, and understand the role of seabirds in marine food webs. Arctic waters support millions of marine birds, including globally significant numbers of some species, but the remote location coupled with the financial costs of research and monitoring in this region limit our ability to quantify marine habitat use. We used standardized survey data collected from vessels of opportunity during 2007-2023 to describe the distribution and abundance of marine birds in eastern Canadian Arctic waters and to examine the …

Artificial Brood Parasite Technique For Rearing Abandoned Eggs Of The Endangered Little Tern Sternula Albifrons, Masaharu Hayakawa

Marine Ornithology

The Little Tern Sternula albifrons is a ground-nesting species classified as Endangered on the Japan Ministry of the Environment's Red Data List. It may abandon its eggs owing to disturbances, a factor having a negative impact on its population trends. Successful artificial nurturing of these eggs could aid in the recovery of the species. To address this issue, I developed a ‘brood parasite' technique. The process involves taking abandoned eggs from a nest, incubating them in a facility until one day before hatching, and then covertly placing the protected eggs into other nests within the colony. By these means, foster …

Analyzing Environmental Health: Air Pollution And Human Health Using Geospatial Data Science, Yanhong Huang

Geography ETDs

Air pollution from industrial emissions and wildfire smoke poses growing threats to public health. This dissertation employs geospatial data science to examine these challenges through three interrelated studies. The first study investigates the relationship between maternal residential exposure to industrial pollutants and low birth weight, identifying five chemicals as significant risk factors. The second study assesses the impact of industrial air pollution on lung and bronchus cancer survival, finding that exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane and cobalt is associated with reduced survival. The third study explores disparities in wildfire smoke PM_2.5 exposure and its association with asthma exacerbations. Results show disparities …

Enduring Partnership With Technos College In Tokyo Broadens Horizons For Titans, Julia Perez

Press Releases 2020-2029

No abstract provided.

Integrating Belowground Recovery Into Tropical Forest Restoration Design And Monitoring, Lauren Toro, Leland K. Werden, Shalom D. Addo-Danso, Kelly M. Andersen, Sarah Batterman, Matilde M. Bragadini, Pooja Choksi, Rebecca J. Cole, Liza S. Comita, Daniela Cusack, Daisy H. Dent, Lee H. Dietterich, Joshua B. Fisher, Katrin Fleischer, Lucia Fuchslueger, Nohemi Huanca-Nunez, Janey R. Lienau, Lindsay A. Mcculloch, Ember M. Morrissey, Jennifer S. Powers, Mareli Sánchez-Juliá, Oscar Valverde-Barrantes, Anita Weissflog, Michelle Y. Wong

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

There is growing recognition that tropical forest restoration is key for sequestering carbon and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Soils, roots, and soil biota are central to ecosystem function and services, but belowground recovery is largely overlooked in restoration monitoring frameworks. Here, we outline current understanding of the links between above- and belowground recovery in tropical forests by examining how belowground properties before and after intervention influence recovery; by evaluating whether aboveground recovery can serve as a proxy for belowground dynamics; and by proposing a blueprint for monitoring dynamic soil physical (bulk density, aggregate stability), chemical (organic matter or carbon, pH), and …

Earthjustice: The Role Of The African Regional Human Rights System In Containing Climate Change, Bright Nkrumah, Ebenezer Durojaye, Maria Usang Assim

Journal of African Policy Studies

At the turn of the millennium, the landscape of Africa has been punctuated by intense weather conditions. With a disproportionate percentage of the continent’s population bearing the brunt of climate-induced heatwaves, deluges, and drought, it is expected that this phenomenon will spur regional climate litigation. The essay argues that although there is an evolution of climate cases submitted at the national level, this development has not evolved to the African regional human rights system. The lack of cases at the regional level beckons one to explore why (potential)victims are unable or unwilling to explore these mechanisms given their role in …

The Kentucky Microbiome Dataset, Rachel L. Washburn, Douglas C. Curl

Research Data--KGS

The Kentucky Microbiome Dataset is a continuously updated geolocated dataset which describes the distribution and diversity of microorganisms across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Each geolocated point represents a location reported in the peer-reviewed literature where microorganisms were sampled from soil, water, geologic substrates, or clinical settings. Environmental studies include only non-host-associated, non-clinical microorganisms sampled from natural environments. Clinical studies are mapped separately to highlight locations where investigations into host-associated or human health-related microbes have occurred.

For each location, associated metadata include study information, taxonomic classifications, sample type, sampling method, latitude and longitude, sampling date, publication reference, and a direct link …

The Role Of Ecosystem Services In Holistic Conservation Within Protected Areas: A Case Study Of The Song Thanh National Park, Vietnam, Tuyen Nghiem, Sumeet Saksena, Hue T. Ha, Truong Dao, Toan Le, Huong D. Vu, Dien Nguyen, Truong Q. Hoc

Forest and Society

Vietnam has made a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation, as evidenced by its extensive network of protected areas. However, environmental issues persist in protected areas. Often, the resulting violence complicates the situation, making it more challenging to analyze and manage. We studied the perceptions of people in the buffer zone of the Song Thanh National Park, Quang Nam province, regarding the current status of ecosystem services (ES), the importance of ecosystem services, their changes over time, and people's participation in protecting ecosystem services. We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data. We conducted semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, …

Mitigation Of Micro-Nano Plastics Facilitated Using Microbial And Nanophotonic Degradation, And Smart Material Designs, Ashok Vaseashta, Surik Khudaverdyan, Gor Gevorgyan, Ioan Stamatin, Shushanik Kazaryan, Ashkhen Hovhannisyan, Susanna Tiratsuyan, Ludmila Sidorenko, Tatiana Gutul, Inna Rastimesina, Anatolie Sidorenko

Micro-Nano Plastics in Water: Characterization, Cure and Prevention

Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Callison And Raymond College Course Offerings, Callison College

Callison College and School of International Studies

No abstract provided.

Planetary Thinking: Hellbenders As Emissaries Of Appalachia, Tierra R. Curry

Critical Humanities

Hellbenders are prehistoric salamanders that have thrived in cold rivers since before the continents divided. Once found throughout Appalachian watersheds, due to exploitation and habitat degradation only a few dozen healthy populations survive. Monstrous yet fascinating, hellbenders were often reviled historically, but in recent decades they have gained iconic status and are now celebrated as charismatic indicators for clean rivers. Hellbenders are symbols of the wild because of their ancient history, elusive nature, and contribution to ecosystem resilience. The same forces that drove the decline of these amphibian sentinels have sacrificed public health in Appalachia. Their demise echoes the struggle …

Internet Of Things In Sustainable Agriculture Systems, Ataguba E. Hillary, Ayodeji A. Okubanjo, Nurudeen. S. Lawal, Abisola A. Olayiwola

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

The agriculture industry has evolved toward intelligent, data-driven processes due to the growing need for food worldwide, environmental sustainability, and effective resource use. A thorough analysis of smart agriculture as a game-changing element of the industry 4.0 revolution is provided in this study, with a focus on the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies for sustainable farming. To optimize agricultural processes including irrigation, crop health monitoring, climate and weather tracking, animal management, and disease detection, it investigates the functions and uses of smart sensors and IoT devices. The study demonstrates how smart agriculture may meet important issues like food …

Internet Of Things For Sustainable Transportation Systems, Ayodeji Akinsoji Okubanjo, Ignatius Kema Okakwu, Oluyinka Esther Olaifa, Matthew Babatunde Olajide, Olufemi Peter Alao, Olayiwola Abisola

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

This paper highlights the opportunities for the Internet of Things in the transportation industry. The need for the Internet of Things and its architecture to address various complex challenges in the transportation sector are discussed. Various smart applications of the Internet of Things and its noticeable benefits over the existing technology are well articulated. In addition, the role of new and emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, cloud, data storage, and analysis for future sustainable transportation are highlighted with specific cases. Furthermore, smart areas of the Internet of Things in transportation are pictorially discussed. In addition, …

The Human Catalyst And Extractivist Fiction: A Close Reading Of Siddhartha Sarma’S Year Of The Weeds And Pundalik N Naik’S The Upheaval, Elwin Susan John Dr

Critical Humanities

Literary narratives have been abetting the various global faces of climate crisis, ever since the disciplines of humanities and social sciences have become vocal about the Anthropocene. The discussions have been mostly centered around the discourses of capitalism, imperialism, rights and subalterity. By reading some of these foundational grips on ecological crisis, the present essay analyses literary narratives on mining and extraction in India from the standpoint of a human catalyst; which is defined as an entity that can cause a chain reaction, that may or may not result in the annihilation of the initial catalyst. The essay will begin …

The Extraction Unconscious: Solar-Powered Utopias In Catching The Sun (2015) And In The Name Of Lithium (2021), Isidora Cortés-Monroy

Critical Humanities

By comparing the depictions of future energy regimes in the two ecodocumentaries, Catching the Sun (2015) and In the Name of Lithium (2021), this article explores representations of post-carbon futures from the US and Argentina. Read closely alongside Frederic Jameson’s notions of utopias, the article delineates the extent to which a solar powered future challenges and reiterates current neocolonial extractivist structures. Basing myself on Patricia Yaeger’s concept of an “energy unconscious,” I argue that these solar utopias maintain an “extraction unconscious” that continues to produce sacrifice zones where primary commodities needed for the energy transition can be found. By analysing …

Towards An Indigenous Climate Epistemology: Bringing The Newa Literary Tradition Of The Swasthani Vrata Katha In Conversation With The Festival Tradition Of The Macchindra Nath Jatra, Shangrila Joshi Dr.

Critical Humanities

This paper brings into conversation two Newa cultural traditions to articulate notions of climate adaptation, resilience, and mitigation, to illustrate how ways of knowing, ways of being, and ways of governing are inherently linked. These articulations offer a framework for developing what the author calls an Indigenous Climate Epistemology. The two cultural traditions reviewed include: a 17^th century Newa literary tradition that advocates for keeping oil in the ground, and that instructs ordinary people to engage in ritual acts seemingly designed to develop personal and community resilience; and a 1700 year old annual community festival designed to avert catastrophes …

Community Members’ Perspectives On A Community-Engaged Process For Supporting Vibrant Greenspaces In Detroit, Alysha D. Matthews, Guilherme Hebling Costa, Karl Erickson, Karin A. Pfeiffer, Amber L. Pearson, Benjamin V. Dougherty

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Greenspaces provide several well-being (Dinnie et al., 2013) and psychosocial benefits (Addy et al., 2004). Community-engaged research affords community partners a voice in the project (Cushman et al., 2004). This study assessed Detroit community members’ perceived benefits of and suggestions for engaging with the community to support greenspaces. Through qualitative analysis, a three-step process for community-engaged planning was revealed. Findings highlight strategies that involve community members in this process to enhance community engagement and well-being.

“There Is Just A Sense Of Joy In This Work”: Drivers Of Faculty Engagement With Community, David C. Ensminger, Mitchell A. Hendrickson, Jon J. Schmidt

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

American universities have been engaged with their communities as long as there have been universities in America. The nature, purpose, and motivation behind that engagement have evolved. This article explores the motivation behind faculty engagement with their communities. We wanted to better understand what compels faculty to participate in and work in the community despite the many and varied barriers that might stand in their way. We explored the why and how of participation with a significant emphasis on the why. This study builds on the work of Wade and Demb[i] and their Faculty Engagement Framework (FEM) described in …

Renewable Energy As A Mediating Variable In The Relationship Between Strategic Planning And Sustainable Development In Palestinian Local Authorities, Salameh Salem, Ola Quzmar

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study primarily aims to explore the correlations between strategic planning practices and the achievement of sustainable development in Palestinian local authorities. To accomplish the study's objectives, a descriptive-correlational approach was employed to examine the relationship and impact between the study variables from the perspectives of members of strategic planning committees in the major governorates of the northern West Bank (Nablus, Tulkarm, Jenin, Tubas, Salfit, and Qalqilya). The study model was tested using a sample of 262 members, whose responses were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Non-probability (convenience) sampling was used for ease of data collection. The questionnaire served as …

Energy Burden: Exploring The Intersection Of Race, Income, And Community Characteristics Across The United States, George C. Homsy, Ki Eun Kang

Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship

Household energy burden is a simple concept with complicated causes. Energy burden measures the percentage of income spent by a household on energy for heating, lighting, air conditioning, cooking, etc. Households with greater energy burdens may have to make tradeoffs between paying utility bills and medical, housing, or other expenses. Some limited quantitative and case study research indicates that underprivileged groups suffer larger energy burdens, often attributed to lower income levels. Our study is the first to examine the phenomenon nationally as well as investigate the drivers of energy burden on households across the United States. Our examination of energy …