Temporal And Spatial Variations Of The Chesapeake Bay Plume

Historical records and data obtained during the Superflux experiments are used to describe the temporal and spatial variations of the effluent waters of Chesapeake Bay. The alongshore extent of the plume resulting from variations of fresh water discharge into the Bay and the effects of wind are illustrated. Variations of the cross-sectional configuration of the plume over portions of a tidal cycle and results of a rapid-underway water sampling system are discussed.https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/1131/thumbnail.jp

Recovery self-efficacy and intention as predictors of running or jogging behavior: a cross-lagged panel analysis over a two-year period

Objectives: The study investigates whether two kinds of self-efficacy and intention predict regular running or jogging behavior over 2 yr. Maintenance self-efficacy refers to beliefs about one's ability to maintain a behavior, whereas recovery self-efficacy pertains to beliefs about one's ability to resume a behavior after a setback. Design and methods: Longitudinal data from runners (N=139, 80% men) were collected twice with a time gap of 2 yr. Results: Cross-lagged panel analysis revealed that recovery self-efficacy and intention jointly predicted running/jogging behavior 2 yr later, whereas running/jogging behavior did not predict recovery self-efficacy and intention. No effects of maintenance self-efficacy were found. The majority of participants (n=120) experienced at least one 2-week period of decline in running or jogging behavior. Among those who experienced lapses, recovery self-efficacy remained the only significant social-cognitive predictor of behavior. Conclusions: Recovery self-efficacy is a crucial predictor of regular running or jogging behavior over 2 yr

Overcoming the level bubble : terrestrial laser scanning reference frame transformations

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is an efficient, effective, and precise measurement tool rapidly growing in popularity in a wide variety of fields. Use of TLS data often requires aligning multiple scans for a more complete model of a scene or object, a procedure known as scan registration. Each scan setup must be transformed (i.e., rotated, scaled, and translated) and adjusted to match the other setups as closely as possible. This research investigates and compares the traditional least squares method against a rapid, noniterative technique recently proposed and develops possible solutions to achieve the strengths of both methods. Additionally, modern TLS instruments are commonly equipped with an inclination sensor to measure deviations from a level setup in order to simplify the registration process. This thesis investigates the reliability, usefulness, and limitations of these sensors. In particular, the concept of a "stability threshold" that ensures reliable inclination measurements in modern, rapid scanners is introduced and sources of inclination sensor error, and procedures to minimize that error, are investigated. While level and unlevel setups appear to produce consistent results, full 360° scan windows measured in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction are recommended. Finally, some field applications of TLS reference frame transformations are presented and discussed, including the development of a coordinate system in a large-scale research laboratory and steps toward the development of real-time change detection

New Renewable and Biodegradable Particleboards from Jatropha Press Cakes

The influence of thermo-pressing conditions on the mechanical properties of particleboards obtained from Jatropha press cakes was evaluated in this study. Conditions such as molding temperature and press cake oil content were included. All particleboards were cohesive, with proteins and fibers acting respectively as binder and reinforcing fillers. Generally, it was the molding temperature that most affected particleboard mechanical properties. The most resistant boards were obtained using 200°C molding temperature. Glass transition of proteins then occurred during molding, resulting in effective wetting of the fibers. At this optimal molding temperature, the best compromise between flexural properties (7.2 MPa flexural strength at break and 2153 MPa elastic modulus), Charpy impact strength (0.85 kJ/m²) and Shore D surface hardness (71.6°), was a board obtained from press cake with low oil content (7.7%). Such a particleboard would be usable as interlayer sheets for pallets, for the manufacture of containers or furniture, or in the building trade

Combining genetic and distributional approaches to sourcing introduced species: a case study on the Nile monitor (<i>Varanus niloticus</i>) in Florida

Three separate breeding populations of the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) have been identified in Florida, USA, located in Cape Coral, West Palm Beach and Homestead Air Reserve Base. This large, predatory lizard could have negative effects on Florida's native wildlife. Here, we infer the source of the introduced populations using genetic and statistical approaches, as well as estimate the potential non-native distribution of V. niloticus in North America. We collected genetic data from 25 Florida individuals as well as utilized genetic datasets from reference individuals spanning the full native distribution throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Using occurrence data from the inferred source population and the full species range, we built ecological niche models (ENMs) and projected them onto North America to determine regions with suitable climate. Our results indicated that the introduced populations resulted from three separate introduction events, and all originated from the southern coastal region of West Africa. The ENM built from the West African source population predicted only the southernmost portions of North America to be suitable. Conversely, the model derived from the full species' range predicted suitable climates across a large portion of the United States. This information can be used to focus management and eradication efforts.University of TampaVoRSUNY DownstateEpidemiology and BiostatisticsN/