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• 1. [Article] Anaerobic Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons at a Creosote-Contaminated Superfund Site and the Significance of Increased Methane Production in an Organophilic Clay Sediment Cap

  The overall goal of this work was to investigate microbial activity leading to the anaerobic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and an organophilic clay sediment cap used at a creosote-contaminated ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Anaerobic Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons at a Creosote-Contaminated Superfund Site and the Significance of Increased Methane Production in an Organophilic Clay Sediment Cap Author: Smith, Kiara L. Year: 2010 The overall goal of this work was to investigate microbial activity leading to the anaerobic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and an organophilic clay sediment cap used at a creosote-contaminated Superfund site. To determine whether or not PAHs were being degraded under anaerobic conditions in situ, groundwater and sediment porewater samples were analyzed for metabolic biomarkers, or metabolites, formed in the anaerobic degradation of naphthalene (a low-molecular weight PAH). In addition, a groundwater push-pull method was developed to evaluate whether the transformation of deuterated naphthalene to a deuterated metabolite could be monitored in situ and if conservative rates of transformation can be defined using this method. Metabolites of anaerobic naphthalene degradation were detected in all samples that also contained significant levels of naphthalene. Anaerobic degradation of naphthalene appears to be widespread in the upland contaminated aquifer, as well as within the adjacent river sediments. A zero-order rate of transformation of naphthalene-D₈ to naphthoic acid-D₇was calculated as 31 nM·d-¹. This study is the first reported use of deuterated naphthalene to provide both conclusive evidence of the in situ production of breakdown metabolites and an in situ rate of transformation. Methane ebullition was observed in areas of the sediment cap footprint associated with organophilic clay that was used a reactive capping material to sequester mobile non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) at the site. Anaerobic slurry incubations were constructed using sediment core samples to quantify the contribution of the native sediment and the different layers of capping material (sand and organophilic clay) to the overall methane production. Substrate addition experiments using fresh, unused organophilic clay, as well as measured changes in total carbon in organophilic clay over time supported the hypothesis that microbes can use organophilic clay as a carbon source. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) directed at the mcrA gene enumerated methanogens in field samples and incubations of native sediment and capping materials. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was also performed on DNA extracted from these samples to identify some of the predominant microorganisms within the sediment cap footprint. The organophilic clay incubations produced up to 1500 times more methane than the native sediment and sand cap incubations. The organophilic clay field sample contained the greatest number of methanogens and the native sediment contained the least. However, the native sediment incubations had greater numbers of methanogens compared to their respective field sample and comparable numbers to the organophilic clay incubation. An increase in methane production was observed with the addition of fresh, unused organophilic clay to the already active organophilic clay incubations indicating that organophilic clay stimulates methanogenesis. In addition, organophilic clay retrieved from the field lost about 10% of its total carbon over a 300-day incubation period suggesting that some component of organophilic clay may be converted to methane. DGGE results revealed that some of the predominant groups within the native sediment and sediment cap were Bacteriodetes, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, and Deltaproteobacteria. An organism 98% similar to Syntrophus sp. was identified in the organophilic clay suggesting this organism may be working in concert with methanogens to convert the organic component of organophilic clay ultimately to methane. The capacity of organophilic clay to sequester organic contaminants will likely change over time as the organic component is removed from the clay. This, in turn, affects the use of this material as a long-term remedial strategy in reduced, contaminated environments. Title: Anaerobic Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons at a Creosote-Contaminated Superfund Site and the Significance of Increased Methane Production in an Organophilic Clay Sediment Cap Author: Smith, Kiara L. Year: 2010 The overall goal of this work was to investigate microbial activity leading to the anaerobic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and an organophilic clay sediment cap used at a creosote-contaminated Superfund site. To determine whether or not PAHs were being degraded under anaerobic conditions in situ, groundwater and sediment porewater samples were analyzed for metabolic biomarkers, or metabolites, formed in the anaerobic degradation of naphthalene (a low-molecular weight PAH). In addition, a groundwater push-pull method was developed to evaluate whether the transformation of deuterated naphthalene to a deuterated metabolite could be monitored in situ and if conservative rates of transformation can be defined using this method. Metabolites of anaerobic naphthalene degradation were detected in all samples that also contained significant levels of naphthalene. Anaerobic degradation of naphthalene appears to be widespread in the upland contaminated aquifer, as well as within the adjacent river sediments. A zero-order rate of transformation of naphthalene-D₈ to naphthoic acid-D₇was calculated as 31 nM·d-¹. This study is the first reported use of deuterated naphthalene to provide both conclusive evidence of the in situ production of breakdown metabolites and an in situ rate of transformation. Methane ebullition was observed in areas of the sediment cap footprint associated with organophilic clay that was used a reactive capping material to sequester mobile non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) at the site. Anaerobic slurry incubations were constructed using sediment core samples to quantify the contribution of the native sediment and the different layers of capping material (sand and organophilic clay) to the overall methane production. Substrate addition experiments using fresh, unused organophilic clay, as well as measured changes in total carbon in organophilic clay over time supported the hypothesis that microbes can use organophilic clay as a carbon source. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) directed at the mcrA gene enumerated methanogens in field samples and incubations of native sediment and capping materials. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was also performed on DNA extracted from these samples to identify some of the predominant microorganisms within the sediment cap footprint. The organophilic clay incubations produced up to 1500 times more methane than the native sediment and sand cap incubations. The organophilic clay field sample contained the greatest number of methanogens and the native sediment contained the least. However, the native sediment incubations had greater numbers of methanogens compared to their respective field sample and comparable numbers to the organophilic clay incubation. An increase in methane production was observed with the addition of fresh, unused organophilic clay to the already active organophilic clay incubations indicating that organophilic clay stimulates methanogenesis. In addition, organophilic clay retrieved from the field lost about 10% of its total carbon over a 300-day incubation period suggesting that some component of organophilic clay may be converted to methane. DGGE results revealed that some of the predominant groups within the native sediment and sediment cap were Bacteriodetes, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, and Deltaproteobacteria. An organism 98% similar to Syntrophus sp. was identified in the organophilic clay suggesting this organism may be working in concert with methanogens to convert the organic component of organophilic clay ultimately to methane. The capacity of organophilic clay to sequester organic contaminants will likely change over time as the organic component is removed from the clay. This, in turn, affects the use of this material as a long-term remedial strategy in reduced, contaminated environments. Close

• 2. [Article] Identifying Clusters of Non-Farm Activity within Exclusive Farm Use Zones in the Northern Willamette Valley

  This thesis provides an extensive look at where permitted non-farm uses and dwellings have clustered within Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zones in the Northern Willamette Valley in Oregon. There is a looming ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Identifying Clusters of Non-Farm Activity within Exclusive Farm Use Zones in the Northern Willamette Valley Author: Chun, Nicholas Year: 2017 This thesis provides an extensive look at where permitted non-farm uses and dwellings have clustered within Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zones in the Northern Willamette Valley in Oregon. There is a looming concern that non-farm related uses and dwellings, or non-farm development, are conflicting with agricultural preservation strategies. Specifically, non-farm developments can potentially undermine the critical mass of farmland needed to keep the agricultural economy sustainable, but until now, studies have lacked spatially precise data to systematically track these phenomena. This thesis offers methodological contributions towards analyzing these operations and presents a broad account of what has been occurring in the region. Using permit approval data from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and 2015 county tax lot shapefiles, I geocoded the locations of these uses and dwellings. I used location quotient and spatial autocorrelation coefficients to identify non-farm hotspots in the region and summarized different typologies that have developed. The findings reveal that viticulture operations have amassed near Dundee and Newberg in Yamhill County, while commercial activities and home occupations have clustered near the Salem-Keizer UGB. Concurrently, dwellings have clustered near the Yamhill-Polk County border. Finally, I offer suggestions to improve Oregon's agricultural land use policy and data management process, as well as advocate for more intensive research in the future to generate narratives for our results. Title: Identifying Clusters of Non-Farm Activity within Exclusive Farm Use Zones in the Northern Willamette Valley Author: Chun, Nicholas Year: 2017 This thesis provides an extensive look at where permitted non-farm uses and dwellings have clustered within Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zones in the Northern Willamette Valley in Oregon. There is a looming concern that non-farm related uses and dwellings, or non-farm development, are conflicting with agricultural preservation strategies. Specifically, non-farm developments can potentially undermine the critical mass of farmland needed to keep the agricultural economy sustainable, but until now, studies have lacked spatially precise data to systematically track these phenomena. This thesis offers methodological contributions towards analyzing these operations and presents a broad account of what has been occurring in the region. Using permit approval data from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and 2015 county tax lot shapefiles, I geocoded the locations of these uses and dwellings. I used location quotient and spatial autocorrelation coefficients to identify non-farm hotspots in the region and summarized different typologies that have developed. The findings reveal that viticulture operations have amassed near Dundee and Newberg in Yamhill County, while commercial activities and home occupations have clustered near the Salem-Keizer UGB. Concurrently, dwellings have clustered near the Yamhill-Polk County border. Finally, I offer suggestions to improve Oregon's agricultural land use policy and data management process, as well as advocate for more intensive research in the future to generate narratives for our results. Close

• 3. [Article] Mechanism and Catalytic Strategy of the Prokaryotic Specific GTP Cyclohydrolase IB

  GTP cyclohydrolase I catalyzes the first step in folic acid biosynthesis in bacteria and plants, biopterin biosynthesis in mammals, and the biosynthesis of 7-deazaguanosine modified tRNA nucleosides in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mechanism and Catalytic Strategy of the Prokaryotic Specific GTP Cyclohydrolase IB Author: Paranagama, Naduni, Bonnett, Shilah A., Alvarez, Jonathan, Luthra, Amit, Stec, Boguslaw, Gustafson, Andrew, Iwata-Reuyl, Dirk, Swairjo, Manal A. Year: 2017 GTP cyclohydrolase I catalyzes the first step in folic acid biosynthesis in bacteria and plants, biopterin biosynthesis in mammals, and the biosynthesis of 7-deazaguanosine modified tRNA nucleosides in bacteria and archaea. The type IB GTP cyclohydrolase (GCYH-IB) is a prokaryotic-specific enzyme found in a number of pathogens. GCYH-IB is structurally distinct from the canonical type IA GTP cyclohydrolase involved in biopterin biosynthesis in humans and animals, and thus is of interest as a potential antibacterial drug target. We report kinetic and inhibition data of Neisseria gonorrhoeae GCYH-IB, and two high-resolution crystal structures of the enzyme; one in complex with the reaction intermediate analog and competitive inhibitor 8-oxo-GTP, and one with a TRIS molecule bound in the active site and mimicking another reaction intermediate. Comparison with the type IA enzyme bound to 8-oxo-GTP reveals an inverted mode of binding of the inhibitor ribosyl moiety and, together with site-directed mutagenesis data, shows that the two enzymes utilize different strategies for catalysis. Notably, the inhibitor interacts with a conserved active site Cys149, and this residue is S-nitrosylated in the structures. This is the first structural characterization of a biologically S-nitrosylated bacterial protein. Mutagenesis and biochemical analyses demonstrate that Cys149 is essential for the cyclohydrolase reaction, and S-nitrosylation maintains enzyme activity, suggesting a potential role of the S-nitrosothiol in catalysis. Title: Mechanism and Catalytic Strategy of the Prokaryotic Specific GTP Cyclohydrolase IB Author: Paranagama, Naduni, Bonnett, Shilah A., Alvarez, Jonathan, Luthra, Amit, Stec, Boguslaw, Gustafson, Andrew, Iwata-Reuyl, Dirk, Swairjo, Manal A. Year: 2017 GTP cyclohydrolase I catalyzes the first step in folic acid biosynthesis in bacteria and plants, biopterin biosynthesis in mammals, and the biosynthesis of 7-deazaguanosine modified tRNA nucleosides in bacteria and archaea. The type IB GTP cyclohydrolase (GCYH-IB) is a prokaryotic-specific enzyme found in a number of pathogens. GCYH-IB is structurally distinct from the canonical type IA GTP cyclohydrolase involved in biopterin biosynthesis in humans and animals, and thus is of interest as a potential antibacterial drug target. We report kinetic and inhibition data of Neisseria gonorrhoeae GCYH-IB, and two high-resolution crystal structures of the enzyme; one in complex with the reaction intermediate analog and competitive inhibitor 8-oxo-GTP, and one with a TRIS molecule bound in the active site and mimicking another reaction intermediate. Comparison with the type IA enzyme bound to 8-oxo-GTP reveals an inverted mode of binding of the inhibitor ribosyl moiety and, together with site-directed mutagenesis data, shows that the two enzymes utilize different strategies for catalysis. Notably, the inhibitor interacts with a conserved active site Cys149, and this residue is S-nitrosylated in the structures. This is the first structural characterization of a biologically S-nitrosylated bacterial protein. Mutagenesis and biochemical analyses demonstrate that Cys149 is essential for the cyclohydrolase reaction, and S-nitrosylation maintains enzyme activity, suggesting a potential role of the S-nitrosothiol in catalysis. Close

• 4. [Article] LiDAR Business Analysis

  LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a laser pulses to create 3D images. LiDAR technology’s use on UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) is a relatively ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: LiDAR Business Analysis Author: Xiao, Liyan, Yacoub, Mufeed, Lerdphayakkarat, Rassaniya, Groth, Tyler, Akhter, Tanzila, Lally, Wendy Year: 2017 LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a laser pulses to create 3D images. LiDAR technology’s use on UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) is a relatively new concept in the rapidly advancing remote sensing & 3D imaging industry. As such, profitability data is either not released by similar business organizations, or there is simply not enough historical data to accurately predict revenue streams with either business model. To assess the feasibility of business models, market research and literature review were performed by our research team. Economic analysis methods were used to determine the most advantageous business plan strategy for the LiDAR business opportunities. Since the success of either business model will rely heavily on the company’s sales ability. Since the focus of this report is on economic analysis to make the best business decision, we have made our valuation calculations based conservative sales forecasts. The startup business plan identifies and critiques two business models identified by the founder entrepreneurs: 1. A service oriented model in which data is collected, processed, and delivered by an operations team to the customer. 2. A product oriented model in which LiDAR UAS is constructed, tested, and sold as a unit that includes training as an entire product for the customer’s own use. Based on these two models, three decision options were evaluated and compared with each other: 1. Invest in the Service only model 2. Invest in the Product only model 3. Do not invest, utilize the stock market for investment gains A 5-year cash flow analysis was conducted to give the founders a recommended strategy to optimize their investment. Through conducting a benefit cost analysis and calculating the internal rate of return of each opportunity, it was determined that both business models may be profitable and worthy investments. The expected IRR of service model and product model are 56% and 136% respectively. They are both much higher than the stock market option, which has an estimated MARR of 8% on average. Much of the risk in this analysis was the uncertainty in the sales revenue projections. The team endeavored to determine the sensitivity of the data by performing sensitivity analysis on these sales projections. Expected values were calculated taking into consideration of the most likely, optimistic and pessimistic cases. The sensitivity analysis result shows both business models are profitable under all conditions. The economic analysis has shown that while both business models are likely to be profitable, the Product Business Model has the potential for a higher return on investment. Therefore the research team recommends that the investors proceed with the Product Business Model outlined in the report. Title: LiDAR Business Analysis Author: Xiao, Liyan, Yacoub, Mufeed, Lerdphayakkarat, Rassaniya, Groth, Tyler, Akhter, Tanzila, Lally, Wendy Year: 2017 LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a laser pulses to create 3D images. LiDAR technology’s use on UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) is a relatively new concept in the rapidly advancing remote sensing & 3D imaging industry. As such, profitability data is either not released by similar business organizations, or there is simply not enough historical data to accurately predict revenue streams with either business model. To assess the feasibility of business models, market research and literature review were performed by our research team. Economic analysis methods were used to determine the most advantageous business plan strategy for the LiDAR business opportunities. Since the success of either business model will rely heavily on the company’s sales ability. Since the focus of this report is on economic analysis to make the best business decision, we have made our valuation calculations based conservative sales forecasts. The startup business plan identifies and critiques two business models identified by the founder entrepreneurs: 1. A service oriented model in which data is collected, processed, and delivered by an operations team to the customer. 2. A product oriented model in which LiDAR UAS is constructed, tested, and sold as a unit that includes training as an entire product for the customer’s own use. Based on these two models, three decision options were evaluated and compared with each other: 1. Invest in the Service only model 2. Invest in the Product only model 3. Do not invest, utilize the stock market for investment gains A 5-year cash flow analysis was conducted to give the founders a recommended strategy to optimize their investment. Through conducting a benefit cost analysis and calculating the internal rate of return of each opportunity, it was determined that both business models may be profitable and worthy investments. The expected IRR of service model and product model are 56% and 136% respectively. They are both much higher than the stock market option, which has an estimated MARR of 8% on average. Much of the risk in this analysis was the uncertainty in the sales revenue projections. The team endeavored to determine the sensitivity of the data by performing sensitivity analysis on these sales projections. Expected values were calculated taking into consideration of the most likely, optimistic and pessimistic cases. The sensitivity analysis result shows both business models are profitable under all conditions. The economic analysis has shown that while both business models are likely to be profitable, the Product Business Model has the potential for a higher return on investment. Therefore the research team recommends that the investors proceed with the Product Business Model outlined in the report. Close

• 5. [Article] The Value and Propriety of Reintroduction as a Conservation Tool for Rare Plants

  Three recent reviews of reintroduction for conservation purposes, which draw on substantial and largely non-overlapping data sets, have come to strikingly different conclusions about its value. One concludes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Value and Propriety of Reintroduction as a Conservation Tool for Rare Plants Author: Guerrant, Edward O., Jr. Year: 2013 Three recent reviews of reintroduction for conservation purposes, which draw on substantial and largely non-overlapping data sets, have come to strikingly different conclusions about its value. One concludes that “reintroduction is generally unlikely to be a successful conservation strategy as currently conducted.” Another that “…this review cannot conclusively comment on the effectiveness of re-introductions…” The third concludes there is “strong evidence in support of the notion that reintroduction, especially in combination with ex situ conservation, is a tool that can go a long way toward meeting the needs it was intended to address.” The argument over the conservation value of reintroduction is of more than academic interest. It illustrates a challenge facing land managers and decision makers who may be tempted to act on stated conclusions without thoroughly understanding their underlying assumptions, methodology and terminology. The differing conclusions can be partially explained by different criteria of what constitutes success, how to measure it, and differing time scales considered. The propriety of reintroduction is briefly discussed and focuses on two issues: translocation of naturally occurring individuals to new locations, and introduction outside a species’ naturally occurring range. Both have appropriate uses, but can be used in ways that detract from the survival prospects of taxa. Title: The Value and Propriety of Reintroduction as a Conservation Tool for Rare Plants Author: Guerrant, Edward O., Jr. Year: 2013 Three recent reviews of reintroduction for conservation purposes, which draw on substantial and largely non-overlapping data sets, have come to strikingly different conclusions about its value. One concludes that “reintroduction is generally unlikely to be a successful conservation strategy as currently conducted.” Another that “…this review cannot conclusively comment on the effectiveness of re-introductions…” The third concludes there is “strong evidence in support of the notion that reintroduction, especially in combination with ex situ conservation, is a tool that can go a long way toward meeting the needs it was intended to address.” The argument over the conservation value of reintroduction is of more than academic interest. It illustrates a challenge facing land managers and decision makers who may be tempted to act on stated conclusions without thoroughly understanding their underlying assumptions, methodology and terminology. The differing conclusions can be partially explained by different criteria of what constitutes success, how to measure it, and differing time scales considered. The propriety of reintroduction is briefly discussed and focuses on two issues: translocation of naturally occurring individuals to new locations, and introduction outside a species’ naturally occurring range. Both have appropriate uses, but can be used in ways that detract from the survival prospects of taxa. Close

• 6. [Article] Ecology of White-Cheeked Crested Gibbons in Laos

  The endangered white-cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys), native to Laos, Vietnam, and perhaps China, remains little known and highly threatened. I studied seasonal variation in the diet, activity ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecology of White-Cheeked Crested Gibbons in Laos Author: Ruppell, Julia Cleverly Year: 2013 The endangered white-cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys), native to Laos, Vietnam, and perhaps China, remains little known and highly threatened. I studied seasonal variation in the diet, activity budget, and ranging behavior of three groups of white-cheeked crested gibbons in Nam Kading National Protected Area, Bolikhamxay Province, Laos, over 12 months in wet seasonal evergreen forest. Crested gibbons (Nomascus spp.) are speculated to be more folivorous than other gibbons, but this has never been confirmed because of the paucity of fieldwork on the genus. I studied diet in relation to forest seasonality to determine the contribution of leaves to the diet over an annual cycle. Although leaves were the main dietary item throughout the year (53-85% of monthly diet), gibbons substantially increased their consumption of fruit during periods when it was most abundant in the forest. Because fruit is a calorically rich source of food, gibbons seek fruit when it is abundant and obtained easily. Young leaf consumption increased when they did not have access to fruit, indicating that their diet is flexible but strongly dependent on seasonal availability of resources. In addition, rainfall had a negative association with fruit abundance and fruit in diet. Activity budgets are an important aspect of a species' ecology because they are directly related to home range use, energy allocation, and diet, but they have never before been studied in gibbons (Nomascus spp.) of the rainy, mountainous, forests of Laos. Annually, the three groups that I studied spent nearly equal amounts of time resting (30%), feeding (33%), and traveling (35%), but only a small amount of time singing (2%). However, the proportion of time allocated to different activities showed significant seasonal variation associated with rainfall and diet, and correlated with home range use. Gibbons increased traveling time and decreased feeding time when they ate more fruit, and they decreased traveling time and increased feeding time when they ate more leaves. When the gibbons spent more of their time traveling, they also had longer day range lengths, and used a higher percentage of their total home range. Moreover, when rainfall was high, the gibbons decreased traveling time and increased time resting and feeding. Average home range size was 37.9 hectares and daily average distance over which the gibbons ranged over the 12 month study was 1.48 km per day. Differences existed among the three groups. Overall, white-cheeked crested gibbons have a home range similar in size or larger than frugivorous gibbons, and larger than the folivorous siamang. Ranging was highly seasonal with shorter day ranges during times of low fruit availability and consumption. During times of high fruit availability and low rainfall, the gibbons took on an energy maximizing strategy where they maintained large home ranges, traveled longer distances and consumed larger quantities of fruit. Gibbons and their habitat in Laos have faced continuous threats over the past 10 years because of large scale development projects and subsistence hunting. Given the highly threatened status of the species in Vietnam and China, the Lao population is certainly the world's largest and the best hope for conservation of behavioral, ecological, and genetic diversity. Resources for conserving species in the country are very limited, and wildlife populations are already greatly fragmented. I describe the current conservation issues and based on the dietary and ranging information that I collected, recommend important conservation measures to safeguard the remaining populations of endangered gibbons from extinction. Title: Ecology of White-Cheeked Crested Gibbons in Laos Author: Ruppell, Julia Cleverly Year: 2013 The endangered white-cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys), native to Laos, Vietnam, and perhaps China, remains little known and highly threatened. I studied seasonal variation in the diet, activity budget, and ranging behavior of three groups of white-cheeked crested gibbons in Nam Kading National Protected Area, Bolikhamxay Province, Laos, over 12 months in wet seasonal evergreen forest. Crested gibbons (Nomascus spp.) are speculated to be more folivorous than other gibbons, but this has never been confirmed because of the paucity of fieldwork on the genus. I studied diet in relation to forest seasonality to determine the contribution of leaves to the diet over an annual cycle. Although leaves were the main dietary item throughout the year (53-85% of monthly diet), gibbons substantially increased their consumption of fruit during periods when it was most abundant in the forest. Because fruit is a calorically rich source of food, gibbons seek fruit when it is abundant and obtained easily. Young leaf consumption increased when they did not have access to fruit, indicating that their diet is flexible but strongly dependent on seasonal availability of resources. In addition, rainfall had a negative association with fruit abundance and fruit in diet. Activity budgets are an important aspect of a species' ecology because they are directly related to home range use, energy allocation, and diet, but they have never before been studied in gibbons (Nomascus spp.) of the rainy, mountainous, forests of Laos. Annually, the three groups that I studied spent nearly equal amounts of time resting (30%), feeding (33%), and traveling (35%), but only a small amount of time singing (2%). However, the proportion of time allocated to different activities showed significant seasonal variation associated with rainfall and diet, and correlated with home range use. Gibbons increased traveling time and decreased feeding time when they ate more fruit, and they decreased traveling time and increased feeding time when they ate more leaves. When the gibbons spent more of their time traveling, they also had longer day range lengths, and used a higher percentage of their total home range. Moreover, when rainfall was high, the gibbons decreased traveling time and increased time resting and feeding. Average home range size was 37.9 hectares and daily average distance over which the gibbons ranged over the 12 month study was 1.48 km per day. Differences existed among the three groups. Overall, white-cheeked crested gibbons have a home range similar in size or larger than frugivorous gibbons, and larger than the folivorous siamang. Ranging was highly seasonal with shorter day ranges during times of low fruit availability and consumption. During times of high fruit availability and low rainfall, the gibbons took on an energy maximizing strategy where they maintained large home ranges, traveled longer distances and consumed larger quantities of fruit. Gibbons and their habitat in Laos have faced continuous threats over the past 10 years because of large scale development projects and subsistence hunting. Given the highly threatened status of the species in Vietnam and China, the Lao population is certainly the world's largest and the best hope for conservation of behavioral, ecological, and genetic diversity. Resources for conserving species in the country are very limited, and wildlife populations are already greatly fragmented. I describe the current conservation issues and based on the dietary and ranging information that I collected, recommend important conservation measures to safeguard the remaining populations of endangered gibbons from extinction. Close

• 7. [Article] Social-Ecological Dynamics of Coral Reef Resource Use and Management

  This dissertation investigates social and ecological factors that facilitate effective management of coral reefs as social-ecological systems. Meta-analytical and field-based methods were employed to examine ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Social-Ecological Dynamics of Coral Reef Resource Use and Management Author: Freed, Sarah J. Year: 2013 This dissertation investigates social and ecological factors that facilitate effective management of coral reefs as social-ecological systems. Meta-analytical and field-based methods were employed to examine current management challenges and identify strategies that improve management effectiveness and coral reef health. A meta-analysis was used to evaluate biological indicators of reef health in relation to the types of fishing regulations in place (no-take areas, gear restriction areas, and periodic closures) and the actor groups (community-based, co-management, state, private) involved in management efforts for coral reef fisheries throughout the world. Other than enhancement of fish biomass within no-take areas that was significantly greater than in gear restriction areas, most biological indicators benefitted similarly from management techniques of no-take areas and gear restriction areas. Community-based and co-management were the best performing management arrangements for some biological outcomes but require further case studies to verify findings. Investigation of management effects by region indicated that previously degraded reefs received fewer benefits from management implementation than did relatively healthier reefs. For field investigations, the Comoros islands in the Western Indian Ocean served as a model for tropical coral reefs with challenging socioeconomic contexts, high biodiversity, and high vulnerability to coral reef degradation. Empirical study at 21 sites was used to identify the relative effects of natural and anthropogenic threats to coral reefs of the Comoros. Most previous studies of reef health focus on primarily natural factors or a single anthropogenic threat. This study examined suites of natural factors and human activities to identify the relative importance of each on reef health. Human activities including fishing, sand extraction, and beachfront housing and development were the best predictors of reef health status. Most notably, human population and fishing predicted fish richness, abundance, and biomass with seasonal variation in the effects, while site orientation strongly predicted benthic cover. Field studies in the Comoros were also used to investigate the roles of community and state actors in co-management and compare effectiveness of comanagement across sites with varying levels of actor participation. Effective management was found to occur with community or `meta-community' (in this case, a Marine Protected Area in which the efforts of several communities were organized) participation in governance and support of state or external agents, while resilient management that overcame considerable challenges was found to occur only with strong community participation and leadership in governance. External agents were found to contribute to development of meta-community governance structure and initiation of community participation through education and capacity building. The findings from these studies reveal that coral reef management can be improved through context appropriate regulations that address detrimental human activities and through wide acceptance and participation in governance with cooperation among states, communities, and external agents. Title: Social-Ecological Dynamics of Coral Reef Resource Use and Management Author: Freed, Sarah J. Year: 2013 This dissertation investigates social and ecological factors that facilitate effective management of coral reefs as social-ecological systems. Meta-analytical and field-based methods were employed to examine current management challenges and identify strategies that improve management effectiveness and coral reef health. A meta-analysis was used to evaluate biological indicators of reef health in relation to the types of fishing regulations in place (no-take areas, gear restriction areas, and periodic closures) and the actor groups (community-based, co-management, state, private) involved in management efforts for coral reef fisheries throughout the world. Other than enhancement of fish biomass within no-take areas that was significantly greater than in gear restriction areas, most biological indicators benefitted similarly from management techniques of no-take areas and gear restriction areas. Community-based and co-management were the best performing management arrangements for some biological outcomes but require further case studies to verify findings. Investigation of management effects by region indicated that previously degraded reefs received fewer benefits from management implementation than did relatively healthier reefs. For field investigations, the Comoros islands in the Western Indian Ocean served as a model for tropical coral reefs with challenging socioeconomic contexts, high biodiversity, and high vulnerability to coral reef degradation. Empirical study at 21 sites was used to identify the relative effects of natural and anthropogenic threats to coral reefs of the Comoros. Most previous studies of reef health focus on primarily natural factors or a single anthropogenic threat. This study examined suites of natural factors and human activities to identify the relative importance of each on reef health. Human activities including fishing, sand extraction, and beachfront housing and development were the best predictors of reef health status. Most notably, human population and fishing predicted fish richness, abundance, and biomass with seasonal variation in the effects, while site orientation strongly predicted benthic cover. Field studies in the Comoros were also used to investigate the roles of community and state actors in co-management and compare effectiveness of comanagement across sites with varying levels of actor participation. Effective management was found to occur with community or `meta-community' (in this case, a Marine Protected Area in which the efforts of several communities were organized) participation in governance and support of state or external agents, while resilient management that overcame considerable challenges was found to occur only with strong community participation and leadership in governance. External agents were found to contribute to development of meta-community governance structure and initiation of community participation through education and capacity building. The findings from these studies reveal that coral reef management can be improved through context appropriate regulations that address detrimental human activities and through wide acceptance and participation in governance with cooperation among states, communities, and external agents. Close

• 8. [Article] Social Action as Social Change Through a Process of Insulation

  This study has attempted to investigate the radical change in the Greater Portland Council of Churches’ (GPCC’s) organizational goals and actions--from its relative uninvolvement over to its preoccupation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Social Action as Social Change Through a Process of Insulation Author: Nelson, Leonard Siegfred Year: 1974 This study has attempted to investigate the radical change in the Greater Portland Council of Churches’ (GPCC’s) organizational goals and actions--from its relative uninvolvement over to its preoccupation with local social, political and economic issues. In the past, classical sociological theory of religion has placed great emphasis on religion’s integrative, or conservative functions in society. Empirical studies have documented the conservative socio-political views of the majority of Protestant parishioners. Knowing this, I expected to find a significant conservative reaction swelling up from the lay parishioners of the GPCC's member congregations. A preliminary investigation revealed this assumption to be invalid. The study's sociological problem then became: (1) What was the true character of the GPCC’s member reaction to the organization's abrupt change to liberal action goals? (2) If there was a minimum of conservative reaction, as indicated, what are the sociological reasons 'for this unexpected condition? Further investigation showed that in the later 1960’s, as the GPCC’s social action involvements reached a climax, the GPCC also publicly reinstituted older, congregational-centered programs that have been neglected for several years. This dual action suggested the study's hypothesis: An investigation of the relationship between the GPCC's change to liberal action involvements and its attempts to neutralize lay members' conservative reactions would shed light upon the GPCC’s self-insulation from conservative opposition. Three basic strategies were used to gather data: (1) organizational records, (2) observation, and (3) personal, in-depth interviews. Files and records were used largely to confirm and amplify interview data. I observed the GPCC and three of the church Community Action Programs by regularly attending their meetings for approximately two years, 1969-1971. The largest amount of data was secured from interviewing, conducted on a representative sample of 20 active participants in the GPCC. Since the sample was not to be a random one, it was carefully pre-constructed to be representative of the organization's informal structure, i.e., active participants and leadership. When the data revealed the interviewees' unexpectedly mild negative reaction to the GPCC's deep involvement in very controversial socio-political issues, the sample was doubled to a total of 41 actual-interviews for the purpose of checking the original results. A content analysis was used to analyze the data. Title: Social Action as Social Change Through a Process of Insulation Author: Nelson, Leonard Siegfred Year: 1974 This study has attempted to investigate the radical change in the Greater Portland Council of Churches’ (GPCC’s) organizational goals and actions--from its relative uninvolvement over to its preoccupation with local social, political and economic issues. In the past, classical sociological theory of religion has placed great emphasis on religion’s integrative, or conservative functions in society. Empirical studies have documented the conservative socio-political views of the majority of Protestant parishioners. Knowing this, I expected to find a significant conservative reaction swelling up from the lay parishioners of the GPCC's member congregations. A preliminary investigation revealed this assumption to be invalid. The study's sociological problem then became: (1) What was the true character of the GPCC’s member reaction to the organization's abrupt change to liberal action goals? (2) If there was a minimum of conservative reaction, as indicated, what are the sociological reasons 'for this unexpected condition? Further investigation showed that in the later 1960’s, as the GPCC’s social action involvements reached a climax, the GPCC also publicly reinstituted older, congregational-centered programs that have been neglected for several years. This dual action suggested the study's hypothesis: An investigation of the relationship between the GPCC's change to liberal action involvements and its attempts to neutralize lay members' conservative reactions would shed light upon the GPCC’s self-insulation from conservative opposition. Three basic strategies were used to gather data: (1) organizational records, (2) observation, and (3) personal, in-depth interviews. Files and records were used largely to confirm and amplify interview data. I observed the GPCC and three of the church Community Action Programs by regularly attending their meetings for approximately two years, 1969-1971. The largest amount of data was secured from interviewing, conducted on a representative sample of 20 active participants in the GPCC. Since the sample was not to be a random one, it was carefully pre-constructed to be representative of the organization's informal structure, i.e., active participants and leadership. When the data revealed the interviewees' unexpectedly mild negative reaction to the GPCC's deep involvement in very controversial socio-political issues, the sample was doubled to a total of 41 actual-interviews for the purpose of checking the original results. A content analysis was used to analyze the data. Close

• 9. [Article] Investigating Technological Organization at the Buck Lake Site (45PI438) in Mount Rainier National Park Using a Lithic Debitage Analysis

  Few lithic analyses have been conducted or published on collections from Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). This study's lithic debitage analysis, and investigation of hunter-gatherer technological organization ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigating Technological Organization at the Buck Lake Site (45PI438) in Mount Rainier National Park Using a Lithic Debitage Analysis Author: Schurke, Michael Charles Year: 2011 Few lithic analyses have been conducted or published on collections from Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). This study's lithic debitage analysis, and investigation of hunter-gatherer technological organization through time, contributes to the knowledge base and understanding of how hunter-gatherers used subalpine environments in MORA. The debitage sample is from archaeological excavations between 2005 and 2007 at a Buck Lake Site (45PI438) activity area in the subalpine environmental zone. Two cultural components were examined: the pre-Mount St. Helens Yn tephra component (before 3500 RCYBP) is thought to represent a forager-like mobility strategy and the post-Mount St. Helens Yn tephra component (after 3500 RCYBP) is thought to represent a collector-like strategy. Expectations theoretically grounded in hunter-gatherer mobility, tool design, raw material procurement, site function, and tool function were developed and tested. Results suggest that hunter-gatherers at Buck Lake relied on and maintained small, lightweight, transported bifaces made of nonlocal raw material regardless of expected changes in mobility strategy through time. For both foragers and collectors at Buck Lake, similar lithic raw material availability, terrain, and seasonality constraints and a common resource acquisition goal and overlapping site function resulted in similar hunter-gatherer technological organization strategies. Slight differences between the cultural components include: the use of more local igneous raw material in the forager-like component, the use of a more expedient technology in the collector-like cultural component, and smaller size debitage in the forager-like component. The use of expedient bipolar technology in both cultural components is possible, but only partially supported. Evidence of bipolar technology would suggest that hunter-gatherers were conserving nonlocal CCS by using the bipolar technique on exhausted transported tools or cached cores to produce expedient flakes used for small-game hunting and processing. Further research for the Buck Lake site should include: the sourcing of raw material; conducting experimental lithic reduction on toolstone found at Buck Lake to produce comparative debitage specimens; and increasing the lithic analysis sample size to include debitage recovered from 2008-2009 excavations and other artifact types. Title: Investigating Technological Organization at the Buck Lake Site (45PI438) in Mount Rainier National Park Using a Lithic Debitage Analysis Author: Schurke, Michael Charles Year: 2011 Few lithic analyses have been conducted or published on collections from Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). This study's lithic debitage analysis, and investigation of hunter-gatherer technological organization through time, contributes to the knowledge base and understanding of how hunter-gatherers used subalpine environments in MORA. The debitage sample is from archaeological excavations between 2005 and 2007 at a Buck Lake Site (45PI438) activity area in the subalpine environmental zone. Two cultural components were examined: the pre-Mount St. Helens Yn tephra component (before 3500 RCYBP) is thought to represent a forager-like mobility strategy and the post-Mount St. Helens Yn tephra component (after 3500 RCYBP) is thought to represent a collector-like strategy. Expectations theoretically grounded in hunter-gatherer mobility, tool design, raw material procurement, site function, and tool function were developed and tested. Results suggest that hunter-gatherers at Buck Lake relied on and maintained small, lightweight, transported bifaces made of nonlocal raw material regardless of expected changes in mobility strategy through time. For both foragers and collectors at Buck Lake, similar lithic raw material availability, terrain, and seasonality constraints and a common resource acquisition goal and overlapping site function resulted in similar hunter-gatherer technological organization strategies. Slight differences between the cultural components include: the use of more local igneous raw material in the forager-like component, the use of a more expedient technology in the collector-like cultural component, and smaller size debitage in the forager-like component. The use of expedient bipolar technology in both cultural components is possible, but only partially supported. Evidence of bipolar technology would suggest that hunter-gatherers were conserving nonlocal CCS by using the bipolar technique on exhausted transported tools or cached cores to produce expedient flakes used for small-game hunting and processing. Further research for the Buck Lake site should include: the sourcing of raw material; conducting experimental lithic reduction on toolstone found at Buck Lake to produce comparative debitage specimens; and increasing the lithic analysis sample size to include debitage recovered from 2008-2009 excavations and other artifact types. Close

• 10. [Article] Electricity Demand Forecasting in a Changing Regional Context: The Application of the Multiple Perspective Concept to the Prediction Process

  In 1982, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a marketer of hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest, found itself in a new role which required it to acquire power resources needed to meet the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Electricity Demand Forecasting in a Changing Regional Context: The Application of the Multiple Perspective Concept to the Prediction Process Author: Sapp, James Christopher Year: 1987 In 1982, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a marketer of hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest, found itself in a new role which required it to acquire power resources needed to meet the demands of the region's utilities. In particular, it had to deal with the Washington Public Power Supply System's nuclear plant cost escalations. In response, BPA prepared its first independent regional power forecast. The forecast development process was intricate and multidimensional and involved a variety of interested parties. Application of the Multiple Perspective Concept uncovers strengths and weaknesses in this process by illuminating its technical, organizational and personal dimensions. Examination of the forecast from the technical perspective revealed an elaborate set of interlinked models used to develop baseline, high, and low forecasts. The organizational perspective revealed BPA to be in a transitional stage. Internally, ratemaking, forecasting, conservation, resource acquisition, and financial management swelled as new organizational functions. Interorganizationally, environmentalists, ratepayer groups, and the region's utilities all had strong interests in the decision regarding WPPSS plants. The personal perspective revealed that each of the Administrators heading BPA since the early 1980s defined the agency's approach to the resource planning problem differently, first as an engineering problem, then as a political problem, and, finally, as a business problem. Taken together, the Multiple Perspectives yielded the following conclusions about BPA's 1982 forecast. (1) BPA's range forecast constituted a major improvement over the point forecasts preceding it, but left important classes of uncertainty unexplored. (2) BPA's models were better suited to address rate and conservation issues important at the time of the 1982 forecast than their predecessors. The model of the national economy, however, remained a black box, potentially significant feedbacks were not represented, and the sheer size of the modeling system placed practical limits on its use. (3) A stronger method of dealing with forecast uncertainty is needed which utilizes a disaster-avoidance strategy and plans for high impact/low probability events. This method need not involve the use of large models, but should incorporate qualitative insights from persons normally outside the technical sphere. Title: Electricity Demand Forecasting in a Changing Regional Context: The Application of the Multiple Perspective Concept to the Prediction Process Author: Sapp, James Christopher Year: 1987 In 1982, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a marketer of hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest, found itself in a new role which required it to acquire power resources needed to meet the demands of the region's utilities. In particular, it had to deal with the Washington Public Power Supply System's nuclear plant cost escalations. In response, BPA prepared its first independent regional power forecast. The forecast development process was intricate and multidimensional and involved a variety of interested parties. Application of the Multiple Perspective Concept uncovers strengths and weaknesses in this process by illuminating its technical, organizational and personal dimensions. Examination of the forecast from the technical perspective revealed an elaborate set of interlinked models used to develop baseline, high, and low forecasts. The organizational perspective revealed BPA to be in a transitional stage. Internally, ratemaking, forecasting, conservation, resource acquisition, and financial management swelled as new organizational functions. Interorganizationally, environmentalists, ratepayer groups, and the region's utilities all had strong interests in the decision regarding WPPSS plants. The personal perspective revealed that each of the Administrators heading BPA since the early 1980s defined the agency's approach to the resource planning problem differently, first as an engineering problem, then as a political problem, and, finally, as a business problem. Taken together, the Multiple Perspectives yielded the following conclusions about BPA's 1982 forecast. (1) BPA's range forecast constituted a major improvement over the point forecasts preceding it, but left important classes of uncertainty unexplored. (2) BPA's models were better suited to address rate and conservation issues important at the time of the 1982 forecast than their predecessors. The model of the national economy, however, remained a black box, potentially significant feedbacks were not represented, and the sheer size of the modeling system placed practical limits on its use. (3) A stronger method of dealing with forecast uncertainty is needed which utilizes a disaster-avoidance strategy and plans for high impact/low probability events. This method need not involve the use of large models, but should incorporate qualitative insights from persons normally outside the technical sphere. Close