Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

“Mieux Vaut Prévenir Que Guérir”: The Effect Of Natural Disasters On Water- And Sanitation-Related Infectious Diseases And The Increasing Need For Disaster Preparedness, Naomi Malam

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The world is suffering from an extreme global water crisis. 1.1 billion people in the world lack access to adequate clean water, and 2.6 billion people lack access to water and sanitation. Approximately 10 million deaths per year can be attributed to this water crisis; water-borne infectious diseases play a significant role in this death toll. Diarrhoeal disease accounts for 2.6 million deaths per year and is one of the leading causes of death in many developing countries.

We are entering a period of undeniable climate change which is bringing about more natural disasters and extreme weather events than ever …

La Cara De La Explotación: Un Estudio De La Industria Minería En El Sur De La República De Ecuador, Jillian Howell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Mi viaje continúo al sur oriente a la ciudad de Macas en la provincia de Morona Santiago, a dónde había una reunión del Programa de Pequeños Donaciones (PPD) de las Naciones Unidas - Proyecto de Desarrollo (UNDP) sobre los pequeños proyectos sostenibles en el sur de Ecuador. Unos de estos proyectos era sobre mitigando de los impactos ambientales de los mineros artesanales de La Pangui y Congüime en el Cordillera del Cóndor. Yo visité este proyecto una semana después, cuando fui a La Pangui y viví una noche con la familia del presidente de una asociación de los mineros artesanales. …

Assessing The Potential Ecological Impacts Of The Proposed Kazungula Border Development At Cassandra Farms, Gabe Cordry

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The governments of Botswana and Zambia desire a bridge to replace the current ferry boat that operates between the two countries. An environmental impact assessment was recently completed to assess the potential impacts this development might have on surrounding areas. This EIA was inadequate in its study of the wetland area called Cassandra Farms.

Analysis of the trees and vegetation in the area showed that the area was a mixed woodland dominated by sickle bush, an encroaching species that flourishes in degraded environments. There were also protected tree species that were present in the location of the proposed new border …

Ecology Of The Seboba Community Trust Nature Trail, Amie Fleming, Erica Hann

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Two students with the School for International Training, Amie Fleming and Erica Hann, conducted three weeks of field work in Kasane, Botswana gathering data about the wildlife species and grass species present along the Chobe River. An upcoming Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) development project is planned for this area of land. The goal of this month-long study was to better establish baseline data on the types of plants and animals found within the area with the intention of developing recommendations for the project. We focused on creating a proposal for the route of a nature trail, along with bird …

Cultural Heritage Preservation Meets Modern Port Development: Securing The Integrity And Authenticity Of The Lamu Town World Heritage Site In The Face Of Current And Future Challenges, Sarah M. Wiggins

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study identifies the current major threats to the Lamu Town World Heritage Site, which lies on the coast of Kenya. Lamu gained status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well preserved Swahili living culture as well as the physical representations of that culture in architecture etc. Lamu is a tourist hotspot within the region and hosts over 50,000 for the Maulidi Festival alone. However, the town is in desperate need of infrastructure development if it is to be maintained for the future. The greatest barrier to development and cultural heritage preservation is the lack of a …

Paradise Lost? Impact Of Tourism And Public Use On The Mnemba House Reef, Allison Nangle, Vicki Sheng

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

With the increasing popularity and promotion of marine park tourism, coral reef ecosystems may be subject to stresses beyond their sustainable thresholds. Mnemba Island’s house reef was surveyed to assess impacts of public use and efficacy of current protection measures. The study was conducted with objectives of characterizing physical damage and providing a holistic overview of reef conditions. To obtain relative impact profiles in the area, line transects were carried out in two different zones - one more frequented by private island guests and one more frequented by boat tour operators. Benthic coral cover and damage, biological indicators (fish populations …

Energy From The Sun: A Solar Feasibility Study For Macquarie University, Jj Augenbraun

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Macquarie University uses over 30,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. As one of the largest energy consumers in its area, the University is looking for ways to reduce the cost and environmental impact associated with its operations. One possible option is the use of solar energy to generate electricity on campus. However, solar energy is a complicated issue, especially for a large scale project. By taking the time to evaluate options prior to beginning a project of this scale, money and effort can be saved in the future. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility …

Rural Tree Decline In Tasmania’S Midlands: Stand Structure, Substrate Geology, And Carbon Content Analysis, Claire Superak

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The once densely forested dry sclerophyll landscapes of the Midlands of Tasmania are now characterized by vast spans of agricultural pasture with intermittent dead and ailing eucalypt trees. This landscape changing phenomenon, rural tree dieback, has come into the focus of a collaborative research team at the University of Tasmania sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Greening Australia. Through the efforts of this team of scientists of diverse backgrounds, Greening Australia aims to create an ecologically viable reforestation plan for the Midlands.

I conducted a pilot study focusing on a 400 ha plot within the Dennistoun Farm property in Bothwell, Tasmania …