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Do Clark’S Nutcrackers Demonstrate What-Where-When Memory On A Cache-Recovery Task?, Kristy L. Gould, Amy J. Ort, Alan C. Kamil 2012 Luther College

Do Clark’S Nutcrackers Demonstrate What-Where-When Memory On A Cache-Recovery Task?, Kristy L. Gould, Amy J. Ort, Alan C. Kamil

Avian Cognition Papers

What-where-when (WWW) memory during cache recovery was investigated in six Clark’s nutcrackers. During caching, both red- and blue-colored pine seeds were cached by the birds in holes filled with sand. Either a short (3 day) retention interval (RI) or a long (9 day) RI was followed by a recovery session during which caches were replaced with either a single seed or wooden bead depending upon the color of the cache and length of the retention interval. Knowledge of what was in the cache (seed or bead), where it was located, and when the cache had been made (3 or 9 …


Bacterial Community Structure Of Contrasting Soils Underlying Bornean Rain Forests: Inferences From Microarray And Next-Generation Sequencing Methods, Sabrina E. Russo, Ryan Legge, Karrie A. Weber, Eoin L. Brodie, Katherine C. Goldfarb, Andrew K. Benson, Sylvester Tan 2012 University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Bacterial Community Structure Of Contrasting Soils Underlying Bornean Rain Forests: Inferences From Microarray And Next-Generation Sequencing Methods, Sabrina E. Russo, Ryan Legge, Karrie A. Weber, Eoin L. Brodie, Katherine C. Goldfarb, Andrew K. Benson, Sylvester Tan

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Soil microbial diversity is vast, and we lack even basic understanding of how this diversity is distributed ecologically. Using pyrosequencing and microarray methods, we quantified the structure of bacterial communities in two contrasting soils underlying Bornean rain forest (clay and sandy loam) that differ markedly in soil properties, aboveground tree flora, and leaf litter decomposition rates. We found significant soil-related taxonomic and phylogenetic differences between communities that, due to their proximity, are independent of climate. Bacterial communities showed distinct compositional and taxon-abundance distributions that were significantly correlated with the structure of the overlying tree community. Richness of bacteria was greater …


Invasion Patterns Of Emerald Ash Borer And European Earthworms In Forested Ecosystems, Lindsey M. Shartell 2012 Michigan Technological University

Invasion Patterns Of Emerald Ash Borer And European Earthworms In Forested Ecosystems, Lindsey M. Shartell

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Invasive and exotic species present a serious threat to the health and sustainability of natural ecosystems. These species often benefit from anthropogenic activities that aid their introduction and dispersal. This dissertation focuses on invasion dynamics of the emerald ash borer, native to Asia, and European earthworms. These species have shown detrimental impacts in invaded forest ecosystems across the Great Lakes region, and continue to spread via human-assisted long distance dispersal and by natural modes of dispersal into interior forests from areas of introduction. Successful forest management requires that the impact and effect of invasive species be considered and incorporated into …


The Impact Of Balsamo (Myroxylon Balsamum L. Harms) On Coffee Yield And Household Income In El Balsamar, El Salvador, Evan A. Anderson 2012 Michigan Technological University

The Impact Of Balsamo (Myroxylon Balsamum L. Harms) On Coffee Yield And Household Income In El Balsamar, El Salvador, Evan A. Anderson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

El Balsamar is a community that relies upon coffee trees intercropped with the balsamo tree (Myroxylon balsamum L. Harms) for a substantial portion of household income. The balsamo tree is valued for its resin which is used as medicine in the community and sold commercially. Farmers believe that the shade from the balsamo tree decreases coffee yield compared to the shade from non balsamo species. Thirty coffee farms were studied, each set up as a paired plot. When cover type was balsamo, coffee yield was more likely to decrease. Plots with higher basal area were more likely to be …


Assessing Success Of Forest Restoration Efforts In Degraded Montane Cloud Forests In Southern Mexico, Rocio Elizabeth Jimenez Vazquez 2012 Michigan Technological University

Assessing Success Of Forest Restoration Efforts In Degraded Montane Cloud Forests In Southern Mexico, Rocio Elizabeth Jimenez Vazquez

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Montane cloud forests are home to great biodiversity. However, non-sustainable anthropogenic activities have led to the loss of forest cover in southern Mexico. Increasing conservation, restoration and sustainable use of forest resources prevents the loss of cloud forests. In this study, success of forest restoration was evaluated in a degraded forest of Highlands Chiapas. The goal of this study was to assess the structure and composition of native tree species. We evaluated vegetation composition at three sites that had undergone enrichment plantings. Floristic composition and structure of the herbaceous, seedling, sapling, and overstory layers were measured. A total of sixty-six …


Fuelwood Collection And Consumption: A Case Study In Lupeta Tanzania, Katie M. Preston 2012 Michigan Technological University

Fuelwood Collection And Consumption: A Case Study In Lupeta Tanzania, Katie M. Preston

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Fuelwood is a major resource in rural areas. Fuelwood collection and consumption habits were monitored in Lupeta, Tanzania through household interviews and fuelwood collection walks. Social dimensions, economic aspects of fuelwood, and alternative fuel sources were also examined. The study found that for all wealth classes, fuelwood is the primary source of fuel used within the village, with the middle and upper classes occasionally supplementing fuelwood with charcoal. Women collect and consume fuelwood for cooking. The majority of women (69%) prefer to use charcoal because fuelwood collection is labor intensive and time consuming. While the use of charcoal would provide …


The Long-Term Effects Of Whole-Tree Harvest At Final Felling On Soil Properties In A Norway Spruce (Picea Abies (L) Karst.) Stand, Lilli M. Kaarakka 2012 Michigan Technological University

The Long-Term Effects Of Whole-Tree Harvest At Final Felling On Soil Properties In A Norway Spruce (Picea Abies (L) Karst.) Stand, Lilli M. Kaarakka

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Increased demand for forest-derived biomass has resulted in changes in harvest intensities in Finland. Conventional stem-only harvest (CH) has to some extent been replaced with whole-tree harvest (WTH). The latter involves a greater removal of nutrients from the forest ecosystem, as all the above ground biomass is exported from the site. This has raised concerns that WTH could result in large changes in the nutrient dynamics of a forest stand and could eventually lower its site productivity. Little empirical data exists to support this assumption as only a limited number of studies have been conducted on the topic. A majority …


Restoration Of Forest Wetlands: Case Studies In Michigan And Finland, Laura C. Kangas 2012 Michigan Technological University

Restoration Of Forest Wetlands: Case Studies In Michigan And Finland, Laura C. Kangas

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Forested wetlands throughout the world are valuable habitats; especially in relatively species-poor northern regions, they can be considered biological hotspots. Unfortunately, these areas have been degraded and destroyed. In recent years, however, the biological importance of wetlands has been increasingly recognized, resulting in the desire to restore disturbed habitats or create in place of destroyed ones. Restoration work is taking place across the globe in a diversity of wetland types, and research must be conducted to determine successful techniques. As a result, two studies of the effects of wetland restoration and creation were conducted in forested wetlands in northern Michigan …


Small-Scale Timber Stand Management Techniques : A Case Study Of Woodlots In Isangati, Tanzania, Paul D. Francis 2012 Michigan Technological University

Small-Scale Timber Stand Management Techniques : A Case Study Of Woodlots In Isangati, Tanzania, Paul D. Francis

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Small-scale village woodlots of less than 0.5ha are the preferred use of land for local farmers with extra land in the village of Isangati, a small community located in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Farmers view woodlots as lucrative investments that do not involve intensive labor or time. The climate is ideal for the types of trees grown and the risks are minimal with no serious threats from insects, fires, thieves, or grazing livestock. It was hypothesized that small-scale village woodlot owners were not maximizing timber outputs with their current timber stand management and harvesting techniques. Personal interviews were conducted …


Nitrogen Deposition Effects On Production And Decomposition Of Coarse Woody Debris, Bethany Jeanne Lyons 2012 Michigan Technological University

Nitrogen Deposition Effects On Production And Decomposition Of Coarse Woody Debris, Bethany Jeanne Lyons

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition has the potential to impact forest productivity, microbial associations, nutrient cycling, decomposition and stand dynamics. However, among the least studied aspects of these processes are the production and decomposition of dead woody biomass, or coarse woody debris (CWD). Coarse woody debris is made up of dead woody material on the ground called down dead wood (DDW) and dead standing trees which are often referred to as snags. Observed reductions in decomposition of CWD have been linked to substrate quality and microbial communities. If the decomposition effect is ubiquitous among litter types, CWD density, C:N, and biomass are …


Perspectives On The Use Of Grounded Theory In Social Development Studies, Ernesto L. Bumatay 2012 University of the Philippines Los Baños

Perspectives On The Use Of Grounded Theory In Social Development Studies, Ernesto L. Bumatay

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

This methodology paper introduces insights and perspectives on Grounded Theory (GT) as a social science research methodology. While GT emanates from the field of education, this paper shows that it can also be potentially used in development studies. The concept of the GT is first explained including the alternative views on its implementation. It has limited application in the Philippine context, and the current application that is cited is based on an education study called “Becoming Gift: A Classic Grounded Theory of Charism in Sectarian Institutions”. The end goal of the paper is to argue for the application of GT …


Theoretical Concepts And Practice Of Community Organizing, Josefina T. Dizon 2012 University of the Philippines Los Baños

Theoretical Concepts And Practice Of Community Organizing, Josefina T. Dizon

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

Community organizing, one of the methods in community development, is a Western concept adopted in the Philippines. The different definitions of foreign and local authors highlight the nature of community organizing as a process by which a community identifies its problems and finds solutions through collective mobilization of the people and resources. This paper discusses the theoretical concepts of community organizing, which include its ideological background and value orientations, assumptions and propositions, goals, approaches, and principles. Towards the end, the paper discusses the steps involved in community organizing and forwards a conceptual framework of community organizing focused on people empowerment …


Transdisciplinary Approach In Development Studies, Agnes C. Rola 2012 University of the Philippines Los Baños

Transdisciplinary Approach In Development Studies, Agnes C. Rola

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

This paper traces the origin, evolution, and the propositions made by the framers of the transdisciplinary (TD) concept. It reviews the body of work of the various applications of the TD approach in the human sciences as in the twinning of medical sciences and the social sciences; biodiversity; agriculture sciences and development; and agriculture, food, and nutrition. Another application of the TD approach is discussed in the context of innovation systems for development studies with focus on sustainable community development and food security. The experiences of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf), University of the Philippines Los Baños …


Charting The Science Of Public Affairs, Rogelio N. Tagarino 2012 University of the Philippines Los Baños

Charting The Science Of Public Affairs, Rogelio N. Tagarino

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

The necessary body of knowledge and methodology for the comprehensive appreciation and understanding of public affairs for policy decision-making have remained elusive. This paper clarifies the concept of public affairs as an area for building a body of knowledge into a distinct academic science and a valuable discipline for governance. It includes brief reviews of relevant literature on public affairs; a theoretical model of public affairs as a community system; an analytical framework for the science of public affairs; and some concluding insights for building a body of knowledge of a public affairs system.


Development Of High-Yielding Sweetgum Plantation Systems For Bioenergy Production In The Southeastern United States, Donald J. Kaczmarek, Brian C. Wachelka, Jeff Wright, Victor C. Steel, Doug P. Aubrey, David R. Coyle, Mark D. Coleman 2012 USDA Forest Service

Development Of High-Yielding Sweetgum Plantation Systems For Bioenergy Production In The Southeastern United States, Donald J. Kaczmarek, Brian C. Wachelka, Jeff Wright, Victor C. Steel, Doug P. Aubrey, David R. Coyle, Mark D. Coleman

Biology: Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.


Modeling Broad-Scale Patterns Of Avian Species Richness Across The Midwestern United States With Measures Of Satellite Image Texture, Patrick D. Culbert, Volker C. Radeloff, Véronique St-Louis, Curtis H. Flather, Chadwick D. Rittenhouse, Thomas P. Albright, Anna M. Pidgeon 2012 University of Wisconsin

Modeling Broad-Scale Patterns Of Avian Species Richness Across The Midwestern United States With Measures Of Satellite Image Texture, Patrick D. Culbert, Volker C. Radeloff, Véronique St-Louis, Curtis H. Flather, Chadwick D. Rittenhouse, Thomas P. Albright, Anna M. Pidgeon

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Avian biodiversity is threatened, and in order to prioritize limited conservation resources and conduct effective conservation planning a better understanding of avian species richness patterns is needed. The use of image texture measures, as a proxy for the spatial structure of land cover and vegetation, has proven useful in explaining patterns of avian abundance and species richness. However, prior studies that modeled habitat with texture measures were conducted over small geographical extents and typically focused on a single habitat type. Our goal was to evaluate the performance of texture measures over broad spatial extents and across multiple habitat types with …


Mountain Pine Beetle Attack Alters The Chemistry And Flammability Of Lodgepole Pine Foliage, Wesley G. Page, Michael J. Jenkins, Justin B. Runyon 2012 Utah State University

Mountain Pine Beetle Attack Alters The Chemistry And Flammability Of Lodgepole Pine Foliage, Wesley G. Page, Michael J. Jenkins, Justin B. Runyon

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

During periods with epidemic mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) populations in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) forests, large amounts of tree foliage are thought to undergo changes in moisture content and chemistry brought about by tree decline and death. However, many of the presumed changes have yet to be quantified. In this study, we quantified and compared fuel moisture, chemistry, and resulting flammability of bark beetle affected foliage in terms of ignitability, combustibility, consumability, and sustainability at a site in far eastern Idaho, USA. Results revealed substantial decreases in moisture content, the …


Marine Vertebrates From The Hartland Shale (Upper Cretaceous: Upper Cenomanian) In Southeastern Colorado, Usa, Matthew Nagrodski, Kenshu Shimada, Bruce A. Schumacher 2012 DePaul University

Marine Vertebrates From The Hartland Shale (Upper Cretaceous: Upper Cenomanian) In Southeastern Colorado, Usa, Matthew Nagrodski, Kenshu Shimada, Bruce A. Schumacher

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The Hartland Shale Member of the Greenhorn Limestone was deposited in the middle of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America. Rock samples rich in micro-vertebrate fossils were collected from the lower part of the Hartland Shale (ca. 94.6 Ma: early Late Cenomanian) in southeastern Colorado, USA. Through acid treatment of the rock samples, 25 marine vertebrate taxa are identified including chondrichthyans, osteichthyans, and a reptile. Chondrichthyans are represented by seven species: Ptychodus anonymus, Squalicorax curvatus, Carcharias saskatchewanensis, Archaeolamna kopingensis, Cretoxyrhina mantelli, Cretomanta canadensis, and Rhinobatos incertus. Osteichthyan fishes consist of 17 taxa: Micropycnodon kansasensis, cf. Palaeobalistum …


A Detrimental Soil Disturbance Prediction Model For Ground-Based Timber Harvesting, Derrick A. Reeves, Matthew C. Reeves, Ann M. Abbott, Deborah S. Page-Dumroese, Mark D. Coleman 2012 University of Idaho

A Detrimental Soil Disturbance Prediction Model For Ground-Based Timber Harvesting, Derrick A. Reeves, Matthew C. Reeves, Ann M. Abbott, Deborah S. Page-Dumroese, Mark D. Coleman

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Soil properties and forest productivity can be affected during ground-based harvest operations and site preparation. The degree of impact varies widely depending on topographic features and soil properties. Forest managers who understand site-specific limits to ground-based harvesting can alter harvest method or season to limit soil disturbance. To determine the potential areal extent of detrimental (potentially plant growth limiting) soil disturbance based on site characteristics and season of harvest, we developed a predictive model based on soil monitoring data collected from 167 groundbased harvest units. Data collected included dominant site parameters (e.g., slope, aspect, soil texture, and landtype), harvest season, …


Fish And Other Aquatic Resource Trends In The United States A Technical Document Supporting The Forest Service 2010 Rpa Assessment, Andrew J. Loftus, Curtis H. Flather 2012 USDA Forest Service

Fish And Other Aquatic Resource Trends In The United States A Technical Document Supporting The Forest Service 2010 Rpa Assessment, Andrew J. Loftus, Curtis H. Flather

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) of 1974 requires periodic assessments of the status and trends in the Nation’s renewable natural resources including fish and other aquatic species and their habitats. Data from a number of sources are used to document trends in habitat quality, populations, resource use, and patterns of imperilment among aquatic fauna. Freshwater habitat quality varied widely across the United States. Nationwide, more than half of monitored lakes were ranked in good condition, but the percentage ranged from a high of 91 percent in the upper Midwest to a low of 1 percent in …


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