Life Sciences Commons^™

Factors Associated With Acoustic Bat Presence During Spring Emergence In The Appalachian Mountains Of Western Virginia, Emily Kirk Pody

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Studies of threats that bats face during hibernation have increased in response to white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease that has ravaged North American bat populations. However, impacts of WNS on bat ecology during spring emergence, when bats are potentially recovering from infection and allocating resources for reproduction, is relatively understudied. As more bat species become listed at the federal and state level, the need to understand the factors associated with spring emergence is critical for improving conservation guidelines and habitat management practices. Acoustic monitoring is an efficient method for monitoring bat presence for prolonged periods of time, giving biologists …

199965, David Kerstetter

PERC Albacore sPAT Data

Datasets (and supporting material) from 4sPAT electronic tags deployed on albacore caught by pelagic longline gear in the western North Atlantic.

199953, David Kerstetter

PERC Albacore sPAT Data

Datasets (and supporting material) from 4sPAT electronic tags deployed on albacore caught by pelagic longline gear in the western North Atlantic.

199949, David Kerstetter

PERC Albacore sPAT Data

Datasets (and supporting material) from 4sPAT electronic tags deployed on albacore caught by pelagic longline gear in the western North Atlantic.

199946, David W. Kerstetter

PERC Albacore sPAT Data

Datasets (and supporting material) from 4sPAT electronic tags deployed on albacore caught by pelagic longline gear in the western North Atlantic.

Factors That Influence Small Mammal Long Bone Morphology: An Analysis Of The Femora, Tibiae, And Humeri Of The Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis), Tyler Everette Blake

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The goal of this study is to examine the effect of urbanization and latitude on bone morphology, specifically limb length and bone density among gray squirrels endemic to the eastern United States. This study’s hypotheses are as follows: gray squirrels occupying lower latitudes will have larger body sizes and longer limbs relative to body size than those at higher latitudes following Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules. Further, squirrels in urban habitats will have greater bone density than those in rural habitats. Results show moderate correlation between body mass and respective proxies and latitude following Bergmann’s rule. Weak correlations were found between …

The Comparison Of Different Wetland Fish Assemblages Over Time, Robert Edward Adelstein

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services. Historically, we have drained and filled 73% of wetlands for agricultural use throughout the United States from the 1780s to the 1980s (Dahl, 1990). A nationwide focus on restoring wetlands has since occurred. Literature on restored/mitigated wetlands is rife with examples that do and do not support the same ecosystem services as natural wetlands (Langston, 1997; Meil, 2014). Restoration of wetlands occurred at the Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area (GBWMA) over several decades. Various sections of the wetland were classified by age, water depth, and vegetation. One hypothesis was that differences in fish assemblage would …

Evaluating Corporate Marine Plastic Pollution Reduction Pledges: Achieving Plastic Reductions Or Contributing To Greenwashing, Ansar Z. Mohammed

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management Projects

This paper examines major corporations' commitments and performance in reducing virgin plastic production, aligning corporate initiatives with tangible outcomes. It draws on sustainability governance literature and analyzes plastic reduction strategies by industry leaders such as SC Johnson, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Borealis, Nestlé, and Unilever. By synthesizing corporate reports and scholarly literature, the research provides an understanding of corporate plastic reduction within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on marine conservation. The study evaluates the alignment of corporate commitments with SDG 14, identifying genuine environmental stewardship and potential greenwashing. It employs three methodologies: transparency, accountability, and science-based …

Efficacy Of Cloves As A Repellent For Pest Ants (Formicidae), Aadee Malavade

2024 REYES Proceedings

I examined the efficacy of cloves for repellent activity against foraging ants. Control baits consisting of a cracker/paper substrate topped with granulated sugar or chapati (Indian bread) were presented next to treatment baits (cracker/paper, granulated sugar and spice spread over the sugar) to ants in natural habitats. After an hour, the numbers of ants recruiting to the control and treatment baits were recorded. A timed study of ants with 30-minute duration was done to understand behavior of ants over time. Data were analyzed with the sign test. Cloves showed promise as ant repellents.

Ants And Their Response To Chili Powder, Antu Biswas

2024 REYES Proceedings

Spices can be used as an eco-friendly ant repellent. In this study, I tried to observe the ants’ response to chili powder and whether or not the spice can be an effective ant repellent.

The Efficacy Of Dry Peppermint Leaves As An Ant Repellent, Amal Chacko

2024 REYES Proceedings

Ant (Formicidae) infestation is a typical residential disturbance, often necessitating the use of chemical repellents that pose environmental and health dangers. This study looks into the possibilities of a natural alternative, dry peppermint (Mentha piperita L) leaves as a chemical repellent. Given the diversity of ant species and their variable responses to stimuli, this study seeks to determine the efficiency of dried peppermint leaves as a general ant repellent. A pilot study will be carried out to determine the repellent qualities of this spice against a specific ant species. The precise aims include evaluating if dry peppermint leaves …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Klaudia Sowizral

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Thelephorales fungi are considered important ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) in forest ecosystems, yet the patterns of diversity and distribution and the processes that shape them remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this research gap by conducting an exploratory analysis of Thelephorales fungi in soil and litter across various habitat types and environmental characteristics. To do so, we used data collected and synthesized by the Climush project, a multi-year, systematic sampling of macrofungal diversity across North America, that aims to assess sexual (sporocarp and spore trap data) and asexual (soil and endophyte metabarcode data) diversity and distribution in relation to …

Ants And Spices: Investigating The Repellent Effects Of Household Spices On Ants: A Study Of Chili, Coriander, And Cumin Powders, Abhishikta Pradhan

2024 REYES Proceedings

The aim of this study was to test the ant-repellent potential of household spices, namely chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder, against ants (Formicidae). The experiments were conducted using sticky note paper as a substrate, on which granulated sugar was placed as bait. In the control baits, only granulated sugar was used, while in the treatment baits, granulated sugar mixed with each spice was used. The baits were placed near ant nests. One hour after placing the baits, the number of ants on the control and treatment baits was counted for each control-treatment pair (five pairs in total, with …

Cardamom Spice: A Potential Ant Repellent, Deepanshi Gupta

2024 REYES Proceedings

This novel research has been conducted to identify the efficacy of cardamom powder to repel ants (Formicidae) in the households and analyze the ant behavior towards the spice. The study was done using a bait and a substrate along with a spice. Granulated sugar was used as a bait material with butter crackers as a substrate. The granulated sugar was topped over the substrate in the control sample while the cardamom powder was added on top of the sugar in the treatment sample. The control sample (no cardamom powder) and treatment sample (with cardamom powder) were kept at a distance …

Evaluating The Repellent Properties Of Paprika On Ants, Jonathan J. Toj Castellanos

2024 REYES Proceedings

Ants are a problem no matter where you are, which is why we should always have a way to repel them on hand. Spices can be an eco-friendly and cheaper alternative to common insecticides sold in supermarkets. These insecticides are generally made from toxic products, which can affect both humans and animals. This research aimed to find the perfect spice to replace insecticides. Paprika was chosen because it is very common, especially in Guatemalan territory. Several experiments were conducted to verify the effects of paprika on ants. It was tested on one of the most common ant species in Central …

Investigating Turmeric’S Sustainable Properties For Pest Control As An Ant Repellent, Sabyasachi Parija

2024 REYES Proceedings

Spices have long been known to possess various properties, including their ability to deter pests. This study investigates the potential of turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a natural ant-repellent. By testing the spice in various controlled environments, this research aimed to identify its efficacy compared to untreated baits. The results reveal that turmeric is a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, with significant effects in repelling ants without harm to the ecosystem.

The Ant-Repellant Activity Of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) And Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum), Nevil S

2024 REYES Proceedings

Ants, while beneficial in natural ecosystems, can become pests when they invade human habitats. This study explored the potential of common household spices as a non-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides for ant repellency. Experiments were conducted using powdered ginger and crushed cardamom, which were applied to sugar biscuits (bait) in two ways: sprinkled on top and arranged in a circle around the bait. Ant activity was monitored over time, and data was analyzed using the Sign Test. The results indicated that both ginger and cardamom significantly repelled ants, demonstrating their effectiveness as natural ant deterrents. These findings suggest that spices …

White Pepper Powder Repels Ants, Mobashar Ahmad

2024 REYES Proceedings

In this study, I investigated ant responses to white pepper to see whether the spice can repel foraging ants. I performed several bioassays by placing control and treatment baits. The results demonstrated that white pepper powder significantly reduces ant activity.

Investigations Into The Ant Deterrent Properties Of Asafoetida Ferula Asafoetida And Star Anise Illicium Verum, Chinmayaram K

2024 REYES Proceedings

This study assesses asafoetida and star anise as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical ant deterrents. It involved placing replicates of two bait types, a control (granulated sugar) and a treatment (granulated sugar and spice), on yellow paper substrates at five different ant-infested sites. The efficacy of the spice was evaluated by comparing the ant count on each bait every 10, 40, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. Percentage repellency (PR) was calculated for both the spices, and the data was analysed with the sign test. Further tests used only the treatment bait to evaluate the efficacy of the two varieties of asafoetida …

Bone Traces And Modifications From Feeding By Dermestes Maculatus, B. V. Adams, Leon G. Higley

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

That Dermestes maculatus feeding can leave marks on bones is established in the literature - that D. maculatus routinely mark bones is not. Our results here, exposing fleshed bones to D. maculatus adults and immatures for almost two months after complete tissue removal, indicate that under natural conditions D. maculatus do not feed on bones. The key issue seems to be the ability of D. maculatus to seek new food sources versus being confined (and eventually starving) on bones. In a natural setting, once a food supply is exhausted, D. maculatus would seek new food …

Tallgrass Prairie Center 2023-2024 Highlights, University Of Northern Iowa. Tallgrass Prairie Center.

Annual Reports

Contents:

--- Staff
--- From Our Director
--- Iowa Roadside Management: Enhancing our public roadsides
--- Research and Restoration: Native seeds and methods for prairie reconstruction
--- Plant Materials: A prairie pedigree for Iowa’s roadsides and beyond
--- Prairie on Farms: Making prairie practical
--- Irvine Prairie: Restoring a piece of the original Iowa landscape
--- Prairie Roots Project: A deeper appreciation of the prairie ecosystem
--- A Hidden Gem - UNI's Biological Preserves: A legacy of service and partnership
--- Green Iowa AmeriCorps: Service members expand TPC capacity
--- Friends of the TPC: Critical support for the TPC mission …

Retention Of P-Chip Microtransponders And Post-Tagging Survival Of Small-Bodied Stream Fishes, J. Spooner, Jonathan J. Spurgeon

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Reduced Representation Sequencing Reveals Weak Genetic Differentiation Between Canadian And European Larus Hyperboreus (Glaucous Gull), E. Lachance Linklater, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, G. J. Robertson, L. Colston-Nepali, F. Vigfusdottir, V. L. Friesen

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Wics Conference 2024: Announcement, Wics Conference

Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Conferences

Announcement for the 2024 Water and Integrated Cropping Systems (WICS) Conference to be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discussing the theme: Creating Connections Together with the goals of addressing Team Science.

Probable Extirpation Of The Jackrabbit (Lepus Californicus) From Arkansas, D.B. Sasse

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) was first documented in Arkansas during the modern era in Franklin County in 1927. Over the next few decades records were reported from multiple counties in northwest Arkansas and the species was locally common in Benton, Crawford, and Washington counties in the 1950s. The last Arkansas record documented in the scientific literature was from 1968 and since then there have only been three credible reports, with the last being from the late 1980s. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission solicited reports of jackrabbits from the public and failed to find evidence of them from a …

Ultrastructure Of The Biflagellated Spermatozoon In The Western Siren, Siren Nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae), Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, S.E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I investigated the ultrastructure of the biflagellated spermatozoon of the Western Siren, Siren nettingi, using scanning electron microscopy from salamanders collected in northeastern Arkansas. My primary goal in this study was to reveal the general morphology of the distinctive sperm cell components (two axonemes, two undulating membranes, and two axial fibers), which run nearly the entire length of the spermatozoon. These remarkable gamete structures are found in members of the salamander family Sirenidae and do not conform to spermatozoal ultrastructure of any other salamander species. Moreover, the biflagellated sperm are the end product of an extraordinary assemblage of complex maturation …

History And Distribution Of The Wood Stork (Mycteria Americana) In Arkansas, R. Tumlison, L. Serviss

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) were thought to be common visitors to Arkansas in the early 1900s, but observations declined mid-century. Surveys of citizen science data and other online sources indicate that numbers of unique observations and total counts of birds have increased since 2000. Storks do not breed here, but have been reported in 34 of 75 counties, and appear mostly in August and September. Birds apparently originate from Mexico. Number of observations have increased since 2016, but many of those observations include only a few birds rather than larger flocks.

An Annotated Checklist Of The Camel Crickets (Insecta: Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) Of Arkansas, H.W. Robison, C.T. Mcallister

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

A total of 14 native species of camel crickets and one introduced taxon representing three genera (Ceuthophilus, Phrixocnemis, and Diestrammena) of the orthopteran family Rhaphidophoridae, are herein reported from Arkansas. The most diverse genus was Ceuthophilus, with 13 native species, while Phrixocnemis had one native species, and Diestrammena, formerly Tachycines, was represented by one introduced species. This updated checklist is intended to be of use to entomologists, naturalists, professional biologists, and resource managers in evaluating the biodiversity of Arkansas. State distributional maps are provided for each species listed by county, and habitats are discussed in which each species was taken …

Fish Leeches Of Arkansas, D.J. Richardson, W.E. Moser, C.T. Mcallister, S.P. Lawson, H.W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Recent collection within Arkansas greatly enlarges the knowledge concerning hosts and distributions of fish leeches within the state. The natural history of the 6 species of fish leeches known from Arkansas (Placobdella montifera, Placobdella pediculata, Cystobranchus klemmi, Cystobranchus verrilli, Myzobdella lugubris, and Myzobdella reducta) is reviewed and updated and molecular data are provided.

Perennializing Marginal Croplands: Going Back To The Future To Mitigate Climate Change With Resilient Biobased Feedstocks, Salvador Ramirez Ii, Marty R. Schmer, Virginia L. Jin, Robert B. Mitchell, Catherine E. Stewart, Jay Parsons, Daren D. Redfearn, John J. Quinn, Gary E. Varvel, Kenneth P. Vogel, Ronald F. Follett

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

Managing annual row crops on marginally productive croplands can be environmentally unsustainable and result in variable economic returns. Incorporating perennial bioenergy feedstocks into marginally productive cropland can engender ecosystem services and enhance climate resiliency while also diversifying farm incomes. We use one of the oldest bioenergy-specific field experiments in North America to evaluate economically and environmentally sustainable management practices for growing perennial grasses on marginal cropland. This long-term field trial called 9804 was established in 1998 in eastern Nebraska and compared the productivity and sustainability of corn (Zea mays L.)—both corn grain and corn stover—and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum …