Biodiversity Commons^™

Vascular Flora Of The Possum Walk Trail At The Infinity Science Center, Hancock County, Mississippi, Hanna M. Miller

Honors Theses

The North American Coastal Plain contains some of the highest plant diversity in the temperate world. However, most of the region has remained unstudied, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the unique plant communities present there. This flora catalogues the vascular plant species along the Possum Walk Trail on the southeast corner of the Infinity Science Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. Additionally, interpretive signs have been developed to display information about engaging species and phenomena to increase public interest in native plant life and involve them conservation efforts. The site was surveyed from spring of 2015 to spring of …

The Frugal Innovator: Creating Change On A Shoestring Budget, Charles Leadbeater

Asian Management Insights

The world needs innovation that is lean, simple, clean and social.

A Preliminary Study On The Role Of Enhancer Of Flavonoid Production (Efp) In Flavonoid Biosynthesis, Jia Guo

Honors Scholar Theses

Flavonoids are involved in a variety of biological roles ranging from pathogen protection, pigment intensity, antioxidant effects, and even prevention from cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Because of the diverse and beneficial functions that flavonoids have, the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway has been well studied. Recently, a gene called the Enhancer of Flavonoid Production (EFP) was discovered when mutations in this gene caused the Japanese morning glory flowers to exhibit a pale-colored phenotype. Although EFP is known to increase flavonoid production, the direct mechanism to how EFP enhances enzymes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway has yet to be discovered. It …

Tick-, Mosquito-, And Rodent-Borne Parasite Sampling Designs For The National Ecological Observatory Network [Special Feature: Neon Design], Yuri P. Springer, David Hoekman, Pieter T.J. Johnson, Paul A. Duffy, Rebecca A. Hufft, David T. Barnett, Brian F. Allan, Brian R. Amman, Christopher M. Barker, Roberto Barrera, Charles B. Beard, Lorenza Beati, Mike Begon, Mark S. Blackmore, William E. Bradshaw, Dustin Brisson, Charles H. Calisher, James E. Childs, Maria A. Diuk-Wasser, Richard J. Douglass, Rebecca J. Eisen, Desmond H. Foley, Janet E. Foley, Holly D. Gaff, Scott Lyell Gardner, Howard S. Ginsberg, Gregory E. Glass, Sarah A. Hamer, Mary H. Hayden, Brian Hjelle, Christina M. Holzapfel, Steven A. Juliano, Laura D. Kramer, Amy J. Kuenzi, Shannon L. Ladeau, Todd P. Livdahl, James N. Mills, Chester G. Moore, Serge Morand, Roger S. Nasci, Nicholas H. Ogden, Richard S. Ostfeld, Robert R. Parmenter, Joseph Piesman, William K. Reisen, Harry M. Savage, Daniel E. Sonenshine, Andrea Swet, Michael J. Yabsley

Scott L. Gardner Publications

Parasites and pathogens are increasingly recognized as significant drivers of ecological and evolutionary change in natural ecosystems. Concurrently, transmission of infectious agents among human, livestock, and wildlife populations represents a growing threat to veterinary and human health. In light of these trends and the scarcity of long-term time series data on infection rates among vectors and reservoirs, the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) will collect measurements and samples of a suite of tick-, mosquito-, and rodent-borne parasites through a continental-scale surveillance program. Here, we describe the sampling designs for these efforts, highlighting sampling priorities, field and analytical methods, and the …

Influence Of Row Spacing And Frequency Of Cuttings On Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea) Production, Daud Ahmad Awan, Faheem Ahmad, Madeeha Imdad

Journal of Bioresource Management

To study the effect of row spacing and frequency of cuttings on spinach (Spinacia oleracea), an experiment was carried out at the Kitchen Gardening Training Center for Women at 61 JB Dharorh Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2014. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangements having three replications with a plot size of 3 m × 6 m. This experiment was comprised of two factors, i.e. row spacing (Broadcast, 30 cm apart rows and 45 cm apart rows) and cutting frequency (45 days after sowing and 30 after the first cutting). The result …

Anti-Enzymatic Potential Of Two Different Varieties Of Malus Domestica, (Malus Communis Desf, Ripe And Unripe Fruits) And Their Constituent’S Analysis By Gas Chromatography And Mass Spectrometry (Gc-Ms), Anum Siddique, Muhammad Suleman, Iftikhar Hussain Bukhari, Muhammad Haleem Khan, Muhammad Ikram Aujla, Abu Ul Hassan Faiz

Journal of Bioresource Management

The paper presentscomparative study of urease and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities in two varieties of Malus species, i.e. unripened apple and gold coloured ripe apple. It is very important to know the anti enzymatic potential of these two varieties because the enzyme inhibition can be therapeutic and cure illness caused by malfunctioning of some enzymes. Objectives of this study was to determine the presence of chemical constituents, their role and inhibition activities of urease and alpha-amylase in selected apple varieties. Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) was used to identify their chemical constituents. Both varieties exhibited profound activities of urease and alpha-amylase that …

In Vitro Propagation Of Morchella Esculenta And Study Of Its Life Cycle, Nazish Kanwal, Kainaat William, Kishwar Sultana

Journal of Bioresource Management

Among the edible mushrooms, Morchella esculenta (Pers.) is a highly prized mushroom which consists of a short stalk and a conical, pitted, hollow pileus. It is commonly known as a morel or sponge mushroom, or gucchi, etc. It belongs to the class Ascomycetes, order Pezizales and family Morchellaceae. It is found throughout the world. In Pakistan, it is found in northern areas from Murree, Patriata, and Gilgit under pine vegetation. It is therapeutic in nature; therefore its medicinal and biochemical properties are under investigation throughout the world, especially in regard to treating the hazardous diseases such as cancer, tumors, …

Phylogenetic Analysis Of Capra Hircus Commonly Found Goat Breeds Of Pakistan Using Dna Barcode, Asif Ali, Attika Rehman, Kainaat William

Journal of Bioresource Management

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I or COI in the mitochondrial genome (DNA Barcode) of goats was used to identify and differentiate two common breeds (beetal and berberi) and crossbreeds sampled in Punjab, Pakistan. This is the first study on the molecular taxonomy of the goat breeds of Pakistan. Sequencing of DNA barcode of the beetal goat showed a 99% similarity to Capra hircus isolate LS16 cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene. Beriberi goats showed a 99% similarity to Capra hircus breed Jining Qing goat mitochondrion. Identification of goat breeds via DNA barcoding may help in local genetic improvement and …

Ochratoxicosis In Monograstric Animals - A Review, Nafeesa Qudsia Hanif

Journal of Bioresource Management

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, principally P. verrucosum in temperate climate and A. ochraceous in warm regions. In poultry feed materials, mycotoxins are found most commonly in cereals and to a lesser degree, in meals. The presence of OTA in animal feed contributes significantly to health disorders and decreased production. In addition to aflatoxins, which is an ubiquitously distributed toxin, OTA is one of the reasons for economic losses in the poultry industry due to poor performance and immunosuppression. Moreover, OTA has also been noted for the carryover …

Production And Characterization Of Xylanase From Aspergillus Niger Using Wheat Bran, Corn Cobs, And Sugar Cane Bagasse As Carbon Sources With Different Concentrations, Muhammad Suleman, Iftikhar Hussain Bukhari, Muhammad Ikram Aujla, Abu Ul Hassan Faiz

Journal of Bioresource Management

Xylanases are enzymes that degrade Xylan, a hemicellulose found in plant cell walls, into Xylose. They are a very important class of enzymes to be used in paper and pulp industry. Removal of lignin from paper and pulp by Chlorine and its compounds have caused a serious problem in the environment. Delignification of lignin by Xylanase is an alternative approach that is environmentally friendly. The present research was conducted to produce and characterize Xylanase from the fungus Aspergillus niger using agricultural wastes/byproducts like corn cobs, wheat bran and sugar cane bagasse with different concentrations. Submerged fermentation was carried out in …

In Silico Mechanistic Study Of Abscisic Acid (Aba) Mediated Drought Tolerance In Crops, Bushra Shaheen, Tayyaba Shaheen, Shahid Ur Rehman, Mahmood Ur Rahman, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Tahir Ul Qamar

Journal of Bioresource Management

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses that produces adverse effects on plants. Vast areas of agricultural land is susceptible to drought. Drought induced yield loss of crops has negative effects on the economy of a country. Among phytohormones, Abscisic Acid (ABA) induces abiotic stress tolerance in plants, and directs a complex regulatory network involving multiple transporters, up-regulation of ABA biosynthesis genes and various signalling pathways that enable plants to withstand low water availability. The current study was designed to understand ABA synthesis, its transport across the plant during stress and its mechanism to induce stomatal closure by using …

Allelopathic Effect Of Methanol And Water Extracts Of Camellia Sinensis L. On Seed Germination And Growth Of Triticum Aestivum L. And Zea Mays L., Ambreen Waris, Laila Waris, Muhammad Azim Khan, Anwar Ali Shad

Journal of Bioresource Management

This study describes the possible effects of tea residues on crop production. To investigate the negative effects of tea on two cereal crops, i.e. wheat and maize, laboratory experiments were conducted during May 2014 and repeated in June 2014 to study the effect of black tea extract on wheat and maize seeds’ germination and growth. The experiment was conducted in petri dishes and laid out in completely randomized designs, replicated thrice. The petri dishes were kept in a growth chamber, with the temperature set at 25°C. 50 g of each dried fresh and used black tea was separately soaked in …

Association Of Rs2476601 And Rs1544410 With Onset Of T1d In Youngsters Of Lahore, Pakistan, Andleeb Batool, Maryam Mukhtar, Iram Qayyum, Romessa Shakeel

Journal of Bioresource Management

The PTPN22 gene plays vital role in T1D onset by encoding Lymphoid-specific phosphatase (LYP) that lead to T-cell receptor-associated CsK kinase inactivation and preventing T-cell spontaneous activation by dephosphorylation. VDR gene encoded for VDR receptor is involved indirectly in prevention of T1D onset by promoting insulin production. The present study was conducted to determine the mutations on rs2476601 and rs1544410 polymorphic sites on the PTPN22 and VDR genes respectively. We genotyped 50 patients and 50 control subjects from Lahore by using sequencing and Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. It was observed that the allelic frequency of r …

Since Time Immemorial: The Decline Of Columbia River Basin Salmon, Samuel J. Levin

Young Historians Conference

Since Time Immemorial: The Decline of Columbia River Basin Salmon studies the near extinction of what has been historically the world’s largest salmon population. By examining the issue systemically, my paper reveals that the environmental misjudgments that have brought the salmon so near extinction are not isolated, but rather are the product of cultural trends. A study of these misjudgments reveals a culture within the Columbia Basin that has, since the mid-19^th century, sought expansion for expansion’s sake and valued short-term wealth over long-term sustainability. My paper illustrates how his philosophy has guided and continues to guide Columbia Basin …

A New Species Of Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 From Mount Honaz In Southwestern Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), Gioele Tropea, Ersen Aydın Yağmur, Lydia Karampatsou, Aristeidis Parmakelis, Fatih Yeşilyurt

Euscorpius

A new species of scorpion, Euscorpius honazicus sp. n., is described from Mount Honaz, in the province of Denizli, in southwestern Turkey, based on morphological and molecular evidence, increasing to 14 the Euscorpius species currently recognized in Turkey.

The First Record Of Malformed Pectines In Genus Euscorpius (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), Miroslav Šarić, Jovana Tomić

Euscorpius

A teratological change in a pectinal organ of Euscorpius cf. carpathicus (C. L. Koch, 1837) from Serbia had been examined using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and compared to specimens with normally developed pectines. Possible reasons for this anomaly are discussed.

Design Science 5 | Steam Intelligence, Schedule, Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab

Design Science Symposia

Schedule of events.

Invasive Species: A Look At Their Disastrous Effects On Ecosystems, Health, And Stability Of Native Species, Vanessa Nikolovska

The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research

Invasive predators, competitors, and disease-causing pathogens are the cause of immense and often irreversible harm to the environment, presenting a serious threat to biodiversity. The problem of invasive species dates back to ancient times, when people started using different methods of transport such as horses, canoes, and camels to travel quickly, bringing with them lice, rats, microbes, cows, cats, dogs, goats, pigs, and other creatures. The actions of other species, most notably humans, play an increasing role in species invasions, as Homo sapiens have colonized almost all of the ecosystems on Earth and tend to transform natural environments into agricultural …

Reef Fish Spatial Distribution And Benthic Habitat Associations On The Southeast Florida Reef Tract, Dana Fisco

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

The Florida Reef Tract (FRT) extends from the tropical Caribbean up the southeast coast of Florida into a temperate environment where tropical reef assemblages diminish with increasing latitude. This study used data from a three-year comprehensive fishery-independent survey to quantify reef fish spatial distribution along the Southeast FRT and define where the assemblage shifts from tropical to temperate. A total of 1,676 reef fish visual census samples were conducted to assess the populations on a stratified-random selection of sites of marine hardbottom habitats between the Miami River and St. Lucie inlet. Multivariate analyses were used to investigate differences in assemblages …

Consensus On Consensus: A Synthesis Of Consensus Estimates On Human-Caused Global Warming, John Cook, Naomi Oreskes, Peter T. Doran, William R L Anderegg, Bart Verheggen, Ed W. Maibach, J Stuart Carlton, Stephan Lewandowsky, Andrew G. Skuce, Sarah A. Green, Dana Nuccitelli, Peter Jacobs, Mark Richardson, Bärbel Winkler, Rob Painting, Ken Rice

Department of Chemistry Publications

The consensus that humans are causing recent global warming is shared by 90%–100% of publishing climate scientists according to six independent studies by co-authors of this paper. Those results are consistent with the 97% consensus reported by Cook et al(Environ. Res. Lett. 8 024024) based on 11 944 abstracts of research papers, of which 4014 took a position on the cause of recent global warming. A survey of authors of those papers (N = 2412 papers) also supported a 97% consensus. Tol (2016 Environ. Res. Lett.11 048001) comes to a different conclusion using …

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words: Using Anecdotal Data And Photographic Evidence To Obtain Baseline Data For Southeast Florida Reefs, Catherine Brady

HCNSO Student Capstones

By using first-hand accounts, interviews, and photographs from fishermen throughout the region (Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties), this paper will provide evidence of changes in recreational fish catches. It will also identify a shift in commonly caught fish species, factors that affect the head boat business, environmental changes and suggestions for management. Head boat fishing is a favorable activity for tourists and regular anglers in the state as well as the region. Upon returning from their day trip, companies often provide photo opportunities to display the day’s catch, as part of the fishing experience. Companies that have been around …

Ecological Studies Of Wolves On Isle Royale, 2015-2016, Rolf O. Peterson, John A. Vucetich

Ecological Studies of Wolves on Isle Royale

Annual Report 2015-2016

A New Long-Tailed Weasel County Record In Shenandoah National Park, Jason V. Lombardi, Michael T. Mengak, Steven B. Castleberry, V. K. Terrell, Mike Fies

Virginia Journal of Science

Though abundant throughout much of its range, the ecology and local geographic distribution of Mustela frenata (Long-tailed Weasel) is not well-known, especially in the central Appalachian Mountains. In 2015, we conducted a camera study in rock outcrop habitats within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Our objective was to determine the presence of mammals considered uncommon in these habitats. After 2,016 trap nights, we report eleven photographic captures of Long-tailed Weasels at eight sites. Two of these sites represent the first record of this species in Rappahannock County, Virginia. These detections represent the first record of Long-tailed Weasels in Shenandoah National Park …

Section Abstracts: Natural History And Biodiversity

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Natural History and Biodiversity Section for the 94th Annual Virginia Academy of Science Meeting, May 18-20, 2016, at University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA.

The Annapurna Road: Development And Tourism On The Annapurna Circuit, Benjamin Skach

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Annapurna Circuit has oft been called one of the best treks in the world. Its popularity has brought countless trekkers to the region, resulting in a strong local dependence on tourism. In recent years, plan to develop rural regions of Nepal have resulted in extensive road networks being built along the route of the circuit. These roads have helped some locals and hurt others. This study investigates the implementation of the roads in Annapurna Conservation Area and the effects on both trekkers and locals. Further, it examines the New Alternative Trekking Trails that have been implemented along sections of …

Acoustic Detection Reveals Fine-Scale Distributions Of Myotis Lucifugus, Myotis Septentrionalis, And Perimyotis Subflavus In Eastern Nebraska, Jeremy A. White, Cliff Lemen, Patricia Freeman

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

ABSTRACT.—Before white-nose syndrome arrives in Nebraska, it is important to document the preexposure distributions of cave bats in the state. We examined the distributions of Myotis lucifugus (little brown myotis), Myotis septentrionalis (northern long-eared myotis), and Perimyotis subflavus (tri-colored bat) in eastern Nebraska by setting acoustic detectors for a single night at 105 sites in wooded habitats during summers of 2012 and 2014. We compared 2 methods of determining presence at each site. Results of our analyses are fine-scale distributional maps for these bats and some range extensions from published records. Results for M. septentrionalis and P. subflavus are largely …

Wpa News 99 (2016), World Pheasant Association

Galliformes Specialist Group and Affiliated Societies: Newsletters

WPA News (Spring 2016), number 99

Published by the World Pheasant Association

Seagrass Community Change At Three High Risk Ports In The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area From 2005 To 2014, Celeste Venolia

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Seagrass meadows are extremely valuable and dynamic ecosystems currently facing pressure from anthropogenic disturbances. Seagrass ecosystems are declining globally because of direct and indirect threats that shift environmental conditions controlling seagrass distribution. Seagrass species responses to disturbances vary based on a number of factors including life history strategy. The goal of this study was to map and analyze patterns of dominant seagrass species change at Cairns and Gladstone from 2005-2014 and Townsville from 2007-2014. This compilation data set was symbolized according to the life history strategy of the species. The major disturbances during this time period were physical damage from …

Biodiversity, Ecosystem Function And The Pollination Ecology Of Urban Gardens In Dayton, Ohio, Angela Nicole Giaquinto

Honors Theses

Urban agriculture is an ancient concept that is gaining momentum in the United States in connection with urban renewal projects and efforts to mediate urban food deserts. These agriculture efforts represent a potential habitat for pollinator communities within the urban hardscape. Pollinator communities are threatened by urban landscape transformation, and bee species, in particular, are in a state of global decline due to various stressors. Urban agriculture has the potential to sustain both human and ecological communities, and the pollinators that visit gardens may provide pollination to plant species in the surrounding area. We investigated the influence of urban land …

Diversity-Dependent Cladogenesis Throughout Western Mexico: Evolutionary Biogeography Of Rattlesnakes (Viperidae: Crotalinae: Crotalus And Sistrurus), Christopher Blair, Santiago Sánchez-Ramírez

Publications and Research

Rattlesnakes (Crotalus and Sistrurus) represent a radiation of approximately 42 species distributed throughout the New World from southern Canada to Argentina. Interest in this enigmatic group of snakes continues to accrue due, in part, to their ecomorphological diversity, contributions to global envenomations, and potential medicinal importance. Although the group has garnered substantial attention from systematists and evolutionary biologists for decades, little is still known regarding patterns of lineage diversification. In addition, few studies have statistically quantified broad-scale biogeographic patterns in rattlesnakes to ascertain how dispersal occurred throughout the New World, particularly among the different major biomes of the …