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• 2161. [Article] A study of the expressed concerns, feelings, and needs of expectant fathers

  The purpose of this descriptive research was twofold: 1) to determine the expressed concerns, feelings, and needs of a selected group of expectant fathers; and 2) to categorize those expressed concerns, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A study of the expressed concerns, feelings, and needs of expectant fathers Author: Sampson, Paula Ellen The purpose of this descriptive research was twofold: 1) to determine the expressed concerns, feelings, and needs of a selected group of expectant fathers; and 2) to categorize those expressed concerns, feelings, and needs into broad areas and to develop a priority listing of those items as a basis for developing, implementing, and evaluating methods designed for meeting them. Existing literature and taped discussions with expectant fathers were used as the basis for the development of a 54 item questionnaire. Following a pretest and revision of the questionnaire it was administered to 15 expectant fathers attending expectant parent classes in Benton County, Oregon. As a basis for analysis, the 54 items of the questionnaire were categorized into six broad areas a follows: expectant fatherhood; wife during pregnancy; husband-wife relationship during pregnancy; fatherhood; unborn child; and the husband-physician relationship during pregnancy. Each of these areas contained a variety of items relating to the concerns, feelings, and needs of prospective fathers. Results were tabulated, a weighted percentage was calculated for each item, and a priority listing was made of the concerns, feelings, and needs within each of the six broad areas. Expectant fathers did express and were able to identify their feelings, concerns, and needs. From the priorities established it appeared that some areas were of more concern to fathers than others. The most important areas included, expectant fatherhood, the wife in the pregnancy state, and the husband-wife relationship during the pregnancy period. Fathers expressed a wide variation in the degree to which those feelings, concerns, and needs were felt. The greatest concern of expectant fathers involved the health of the unborn baby, the concern that this baby would change their lives, and the concern that they were not doing the right things for their wives. The feelings of most importance included: the feelings of excitement and happiness about the coming child; their feelings of importance, involvement, and enjoyment; and their feelings that it was their job to support and reassure their wives. Needs identified as important included: the need of the fathers to be with their wives throughout labor and during delivery; the need to understand what was happening to their wives both physically and emotionally; the need to be involved in this pregnancy from the beginning; and the need to know and understand more about becoming a father. This study was designed to establish a baseline of data regarding the concerns, feelings and needs of expectant fathers. It is hoped that further, in depth research will be an outgrowth of this study. Title: A study of the expressed concerns, feelings, and needs of expectant fathers Author: Sampson, Paula Ellen The purpose of this descriptive research was twofold: 1) to determine the expressed concerns, feelings, and needs of a selected group of expectant fathers; and 2) to categorize those expressed concerns, feelings, and needs into broad areas and to develop a priority listing of those items as a basis for developing, implementing, and evaluating methods designed for meeting them. Existing literature and taped discussions with expectant fathers were used as the basis for the development of a 54 item questionnaire. Following a pretest and revision of the questionnaire it was administered to 15 expectant fathers attending expectant parent classes in Benton County, Oregon. As a basis for analysis, the 54 items of the questionnaire were categorized into six broad areas a follows: expectant fatherhood; wife during pregnancy; husband-wife relationship during pregnancy; fatherhood; unborn child; and the husband-physician relationship during pregnancy. Each of these areas contained a variety of items relating to the concerns, feelings, and needs of prospective fathers. Results were tabulated, a weighted percentage was calculated for each item, and a priority listing was made of the concerns, feelings, and needs within each of the six broad areas. Expectant fathers did express and were able to identify their feelings, concerns, and needs. From the priorities established it appeared that some areas were of more concern to fathers than others. The most important areas included, expectant fatherhood, the wife in the pregnancy state, and the husband-wife relationship during the pregnancy period. Fathers expressed a wide variation in the degree to which those feelings, concerns, and needs were felt. The greatest concern of expectant fathers involved the health of the unborn baby, the concern that this baby would change their lives, and the concern that they were not doing the right things for their wives. The feelings of most importance included: the feelings of excitement and happiness about the coming child; their feelings of importance, involvement, and enjoyment; and their feelings that it was their job to support and reassure their wives. Needs identified as important included: the need of the fathers to be with their wives throughout labor and during delivery; the need to understand what was happening to their wives both physically and emotionally; the need to be involved in this pregnancy from the beginning; and the need to know and understand more about becoming a father. This study was designed to establish a baseline of data regarding the concerns, feelings and needs of expectant fathers. It is hoped that further, in depth research will be an outgrowth of this study. Close

• 2162. [Article] Managing our urban forest : what do officials and managers think and need? A case study from the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area

  Urban forests are fundamental to the health and sustainability of urban communities. In 2012, the U.S. Forest Service launched the Vibrant Cities, Urban Forests: A National Call to Action initiative which ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Managing our urban forest : what do officials and managers think and need? A case study from the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area Author: Driscoll, Abbey N. Urban forests are fundamental to the health and sustainability of urban communities. In 2012, the U.S. Forest Service launched the Vibrant Cities, Urban Forests: A National Call to Action initiative which posed a variety of recommendations to advance urban forest management and programs throughout the country. In response to that initiative, the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan Regional Urban Forestry Strategy was created. Under the Strategy, project partners are focused on fostering regional collaboration around trees and expanding the management capacity of the urban forest by completing a variety of objectives such as needs assessment survey, stakeholder workshops, and local projects focused on the health of the urban forest as a whole. As part of the Strategy, a needs assessment survey was sent to 350 community officials and program managers in the 30 cities and four counties in the Portland-Vancouver region to identify current trends in urban forestry attitudes and practices. Results indicated that, in general, urban forestry programs were important to community officials and program managers alike with both expressing an avid interest in implementing and expanding tree programs. Program components relating to tree health were regarded as the most important items to an urban forestry program by respondents; however, management components such as a certified arborist, a tree board, and an urban forest management plan were considered least important, and respondents indicated that their jurisdictions had been least successful in achieving these items. Difficulty exists in implementing or expanding programs in the Portland-Vancouver region due to inadequate funding and lack of political and public support, but respondents indicated that increased community education and the creation or revision of urban forest management plans and tree related ordinances were priorities for their jurisdictions. Survey results will serve to inform the development of the Regional Urban Forestry Strategy and contribute to professional knowledge and urban forestry activities occurring in the region. In addition, this research provides interesting insight into attitudes and practices surrounding urban forest management which are applicable to federal, state, and local programs. These programs can use the results of this study to re-examine current areas of focus to better direct resources and assistance to those areas of need in the Portland-Vancouver Region. Although many challenges to increasing the management capacity of the urban forest in the study area were identified by this research, additional opportunities to improve the livability of this urban ecosystem were recognized. By advancing current and future urban forestry efforts in the region, this research aims to help local jurisdictions achieve successful urban forestry programs that increase the health of our urban forests while reaping the ecosystem benefits trees provide. Title: Managing our urban forest : what do officials and managers think and need? A case study from the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area Author: Driscoll, Abbey N. Urban forests are fundamental to the health and sustainability of urban communities. In 2012, the U.S. Forest Service launched the Vibrant Cities, Urban Forests: A National Call to Action initiative which posed a variety of recommendations to advance urban forest management and programs throughout the country. In response to that initiative, the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan Regional Urban Forestry Strategy was created. Under the Strategy, project partners are focused on fostering regional collaboration around trees and expanding the management capacity of the urban forest by completing a variety of objectives such as needs assessment survey, stakeholder workshops, and local projects focused on the health of the urban forest as a whole. As part of the Strategy, a needs assessment survey was sent to 350 community officials and program managers in the 30 cities and four counties in the Portland-Vancouver region to identify current trends in urban forestry attitudes and practices. Results indicated that, in general, urban forestry programs were important to community officials and program managers alike with both expressing an avid interest in implementing and expanding tree programs. Program components relating to tree health were regarded as the most important items to an urban forestry program by respondents; however, management components such as a certified arborist, a tree board, and an urban forest management plan were considered least important, and respondents indicated that their jurisdictions had been least successful in achieving these items. Difficulty exists in implementing or expanding programs in the Portland-Vancouver region due to inadequate funding and lack of political and public support, but respondents indicated that increased community education and the creation or revision of urban forest management plans and tree related ordinances were priorities for their jurisdictions. Survey results will serve to inform the development of the Regional Urban Forestry Strategy and contribute to professional knowledge and urban forestry activities occurring in the region. In addition, this research provides interesting insight into attitudes and practices surrounding urban forest management which are applicable to federal, state, and local programs. These programs can use the results of this study to re-examine current areas of focus to better direct resources and assistance to those areas of need in the Portland-Vancouver Region. Although many challenges to increasing the management capacity of the urban forest in the study area were identified by this research, additional opportunities to improve the livability of this urban ecosystem were recognized. By advancing current and future urban forestry efforts in the region, this research aims to help local jurisdictions achieve successful urban forestry programs that increase the health of our urban forests while reaping the ecosystem benefits trees provide. Close

• 2163. [Article] Conflict and the challenges of community-based collaboration : a case study of Oregon's Illinois Valley

  In the field of natural resource policy and management, community-based collaboration is a strategy that has been growing in scope and usage over the past three decades, and often offers hope in complex, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conflict and the challenges of community-based collaboration : a case study of Oregon's Illinois Valley Author: Watson, Brett E. In the field of natural resource policy and management, community-based collaboration is a strategy that has been growing in scope and usage over the past three decades, and often offers hope in complex, difficult conflict situations. In Oregon's Illinois Valley, where conflicts over natural resource management have been ongoing for decades, the divided community has been actively exploring strategies for collaborative interventions to rectify longstanding divides between stakeholder interests (e.g. timber, endangered species) and develop a shared future vision for natural resource management in the Valley. Prior research recognizes that outcomes are hard to measure and that looking only at substantive changes is too narrow sighted. Daniels and Walker pose the notion that progress, rather than substantive changes, is a better measure of community collaboration efforts. This study poses the question: "What relational, procedural, and substantive progress has been made in the Illinois Valley related to community based collaboration interventions?" I employ a case study analysis of three data sources: a community assessment report prepared by the Josephine County Stewardship Group, notes taken at the Collaboration Cadre Workshop held in November 2012, and community interviews conducted between January - March, 2013. Content analysis of these sources led to the identification of nine themes within the three progress areas. In relationships, I found that negative attitudes towards federal management agencies and distrust of other stakeholders (particularly across the timber-environmentalist divide) is a major barrier to progress. However, the most recent data--the interviews--suggest a subtle transition to more positive appraisals of agency personnel. Additionally, positive, forward-looking attitudes towards collaboration, combined with a local spirit of neighborly reciprocity, are building a foundation for relational progress. Substantively, insufficient and biased science, including the “dueling expert” problem, have limited the ability of residents to find a shared understanding. Collaborative learning initiatives that honor local knowledge are needed to build a shared understanding and a mutually accepted body of knowledge. Finally, procedural progress has been hindered by the loss of participants who became frustrated with the process. For procedural progress to be made, facilitation efforts need to focus on reintegrating the moderate voice and bringing back diverse representation of the community, and they must also be upfront about the sidebars of the process, including what type of activities are on the table and what paths/barriers to implementation exist. Through looking at progress rather than results, and relationships and procedure along with substance, I was able to learn more about the situation and possible intervention points than one could by looking at substantive results alone. Title: Conflict and the challenges of community-based collaboration : a case study of Oregon's Illinois Valley Author: Watson, Brett E. In the field of natural resource policy and management, community-based collaboration is a strategy that has been growing in scope and usage over the past three decades, and often offers hope in complex, difficult conflict situations. In Oregon's Illinois Valley, where conflicts over natural resource management have been ongoing for decades, the divided community has been actively exploring strategies for collaborative interventions to rectify longstanding divides between stakeholder interests (e.g. timber, endangered species) and develop a shared future vision for natural resource management in the Valley. Prior research recognizes that outcomes are hard to measure and that looking only at substantive changes is too narrow sighted. Daniels and Walker pose the notion that progress, rather than substantive changes, is a better measure of community collaboration efforts. This study poses the question: "What relational, procedural, and substantive progress has been made in the Illinois Valley related to community based collaboration interventions?" I employ a case study analysis of three data sources: a community assessment report prepared by the Josephine County Stewardship Group, notes taken at the Collaboration Cadre Workshop held in November 2012, and community interviews conducted between January - March, 2013. Content analysis of these sources led to the identification of nine themes within the three progress areas. In relationships, I found that negative attitudes towards federal management agencies and distrust of other stakeholders (particularly across the timber-environmentalist divide) is a major barrier to progress. However, the most recent data--the interviews--suggest a subtle transition to more positive appraisals of agency personnel. Additionally, positive, forward-looking attitudes towards collaboration, combined with a local spirit of neighborly reciprocity, are building a foundation for relational progress. Substantively, insufficient and biased science, including the “dueling expert” problem, have limited the ability of residents to find a shared understanding. Collaborative learning initiatives that honor local knowledge are needed to build a shared understanding and a mutually accepted body of knowledge. Finally, procedural progress has been hindered by the loss of participants who became frustrated with the process. For procedural progress to be made, facilitation efforts need to focus on reintegrating the moderate voice and bringing back diverse representation of the community, and they must also be upfront about the sidebars of the process, including what type of activities are on the table and what paths/barriers to implementation exist. Through looking at progress rather than results, and relationships and procedure along with substance, I was able to learn more about the situation and possible intervention points than one could by looking at substantive results alone. Close

• 2164. [Article] Synecological features of a natural headland prairie on the Oregon coast

  The study of the vegetation of one of the natural coastal prairies in Oregon was undertaken for the purpose of describing some of its synecological features. Specific objectives of the study were to describe ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Synecological features of a natural headland prairie on the Oregon coast Author: Davidson, Eric Duncan The study of the vegetation of one of the natural coastal prairies in Oregon was undertaken for the purpose of describing some of its synecological features. Specific objectives of the study were to describe certain plant assemblages in the study area, present phenological relationships on some of the assemblages, and discuss and illustrate some examples of evidence of succession on the study area. The study area is a prairie located on a headland about one mile north of the Tillamook-Lincoln county line (Sec. 3 in T6S, R11W). This prairie is one of the many situated on the headland bluffs and slopes along the northern Pacific coast. During an initial period of reconnaissance, familiarization with the plant species and communities in the study area was gained. Several surveys along most of the Oregon coast were made to compare the study area with other coastal prairies. A total of 38 distinctive stands of vegetation within the prairie were sampled in a series of five repetitive sessions from January to October in 1966. Presence and vegetative cover of species were recorded. In addition, soil depths in these stands were recorded. Seven transects from the prairie through the ecotone to the forest were established and the presence of species along them was recorded. With the aid of an association table five distinctive communities were differentiated in the sampled stands. These were: 1. Equisetum maximum community, restricted to sites with high soil moisture during the entire year. 2. Polystichum munitum-Rubus parviflorus community, usually on soils 18 inches deep or less. Species in this community form the major part of the ecotone vegetation. 3. Carex obnupta community, usually on soils 12 inches deep or less. Carex is the only important species in this community. 4. Artemisia suksdorfii-Solidago canadensis community, found on the exposed, south-facing end of the prairie on deep soils. It is a community found commonly in prairies farther north on the coast. 5. Solidago canadensis community, situated farther up in the prairie than the Artemisia-Solidago community, on deep soils. It was judged to be an earlier successional stage of the Artemisia-Solidago community. Two more groups were apparent in the table, but these were judged not to be distinct communities in the field. These were: 6. Lupinus littoralis group, considered part of the internal pattern of one or more of the large grassy communities not sampled. The peculiar grouping of Lupinus littoralis is attributed to the large, heavy seeds of that species which always drop directly to the ground, rather than being distributed farther by the wind. 7. Angelica lucida-Rubus spectabilis group, judged to be an aberrant form of the Polystichum-Rubus parviflorus community. A discussion of successional aspects of this and other coastal prairies on the Pacific coast was based on the results of field work carried out during this study, a knowledge of activities on this prairie from 1916 to the present time, and on historical accounts and old photographs concerning the coastal vegetation. It was tentatively concluded that the coastal prairies were maintained for long periods in the past mostly by fires set by the coastal Indians who lived on them. When the white settlers arrived with their cattle and sheep, many prairies, including the study area, were maintained by grazing pressure, and the spread of hardy introduced grasses was encouraged. The stands sampled in the study area were thought to have become established during a period of no stock grazing from 1938 to the present time. It was suggested that the Polystichum munitum-Rubus parviflorus community may provide sites for the growth of Picea sitchensis within this prairie. Title: Synecological features of a natural headland prairie on the Oregon coast Author: Davidson, Eric Duncan The study of the vegetation of one of the natural coastal prairies in Oregon was undertaken for the purpose of describing some of its synecological features. Specific objectives of the study were to describe certain plant assemblages in the study area, present phenological relationships on some of the assemblages, and discuss and illustrate some examples of evidence of succession on the study area. The study area is a prairie located on a headland about one mile north of the Tillamook-Lincoln county line (Sec. 3 in T6S, R11W). This prairie is one of the many situated on the headland bluffs and slopes along the northern Pacific coast. During an initial period of reconnaissance, familiarization with the plant species and communities in the study area was gained. Several surveys along most of the Oregon coast were made to compare the study area with other coastal prairies. A total of 38 distinctive stands of vegetation within the prairie were sampled in a series of five repetitive sessions from January to October in 1966. Presence and vegetative cover of species were recorded. In addition, soil depths in these stands were recorded. Seven transects from the prairie through the ecotone to the forest were established and the presence of species along them was recorded. With the aid of an association table five distinctive communities were differentiated in the sampled stands. These were: 1. Equisetum maximum community, restricted to sites with high soil moisture during the entire year. 2. Polystichum munitum-Rubus parviflorus community, usually on soils 18 inches deep or less. Species in this community form the major part of the ecotone vegetation. 3. Carex obnupta community, usually on soils 12 inches deep or less. Carex is the only important species in this community. 4. Artemisia suksdorfii-Solidago canadensis community, found on the exposed, south-facing end of the prairie on deep soils. It is a community found commonly in prairies farther north on the coast. 5. Solidago canadensis community, situated farther up in the prairie than the Artemisia-Solidago community, on deep soils. It was judged to be an earlier successional stage of the Artemisia-Solidago community. Two more groups were apparent in the table, but these were judged not to be distinct communities in the field. These were: 6. Lupinus littoralis group, considered part of the internal pattern of one or more of the large grassy communities not sampled. The peculiar grouping of Lupinus littoralis is attributed to the large, heavy seeds of that species which always drop directly to the ground, rather than being distributed farther by the wind. 7. Angelica lucida-Rubus spectabilis group, judged to be an aberrant form of the Polystichum-Rubus parviflorus community. A discussion of successional aspects of this and other coastal prairies on the Pacific coast was based on the results of field work carried out during this study, a knowledge of activities on this prairie from 1916 to the present time, and on historical accounts and old photographs concerning the coastal vegetation. It was tentatively concluded that the coastal prairies were maintained for long periods in the past mostly by fires set by the coastal Indians who lived on them. When the white settlers arrived with their cattle and sheep, many prairies, including the study area, were maintained by grazing pressure, and the spread of hardy introduced grasses was encouraged. The stands sampled in the study area were thought to have become established during a period of no stock grazing from 1938 to the present time. It was suggested that the Polystichum munitum-Rubus parviflorus community may provide sites for the growth of Picea sitchensis within this prairie. Close

• 2165. [Article] Behavioral characteristics reported by teachers in referring problem children to the Multnomah County Juvenile Court

  This study is an attempt to discover (1) the types of behavior problems school people report, (2) whether these reports contain information which reliably indicates serious psychological disorders, and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Behavioral characteristics reported by teachers in referring problem children to the Multnomah County Juvenile Court Author: Schmurr, Leonard William This study is an attempt to discover (1) the types of behavior problems school people report, (2) whether these reports contain information which reliably indicates serious psychological disorders, and what might be expected as a result of proper definition and recognition of these problems. In addition, the findings of experts in the field of mental hygiene and child behavior are sampled to discover symptoms of maladjustment which they feel should be observed and reported from the school situation. Included in this study is a survey of some court referrals which were initiated by school attendance department counselors and contained information to be used by juvenile court authorities in handling the cases. In an effort to discover the types of things which seem to mostly concern school people and which are most often reported in court cases, a tally is shown of the actual descriptive terms which teachers used and which were found in the court referrals. The analyses of these court referrals were used as a means of discovering whether or not symptomatic behavior reported in the referrals included that which might have been indicative of serious emotional disturbances and whether or not causes of disorder were suggested in the behavior descriptions and other information given. Significant behavior symptoms which should be observed in the school situation were sought from two sources: a survey of the literature, and a review of some typical case histories selected from visiting teacher files. The case histories examined were ones in which disturbances of long enough duration were reported so that some understanding could be reached of the development of early behavior traits which were symptomatic of serious emotional disturbances. After the descriptive material in the court referral was sifted in an effort to discover what the teachers considered to be significant behavior, these findings were compared against those of Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck who are recognized authorities in the study of the complex, causal forces in the origin and development of anti-social behavior. The conclusions dram were favorable to classroom teachers and other school personnel from whose reports the behavior descriptions were extracted. The Wickman study, to which reference was made in this thesis, found teachers that tended to disregard subtle indications of disorder and were pre-occupied almost entirely with aggressive, bothersome behavior which caused inconvenience to the teachers or violated some of their moral or ethical codes. The following study concludes that in the school referrals examined there was reflected a general concern of today's teachers and other school personnel for students' personal problems. While it is true that many things which were found in the teachers' reports seemed to involve teachers' reactions to inconveniences and difficulties caused by students' behavior, the author concludes that qualified persons examining these reports would receive information valuable in the discovery of the basic causes of behavior disorders. The central responsibility of the school in the discovery and referral, if necessary, of serious behavior problems is repeatedly indicated by this study of 90 juvenile court referrals, three case histories, and the opinions of experts in the field of human behavior as they relate particularly to school children. Title: Behavioral characteristics reported by teachers in referring problem children to the Multnomah County Juvenile Court Author: Schmurr, Leonard William This study is an attempt to discover (1) the types of behavior problems school people report, (2) whether these reports contain information which reliably indicates serious psychological disorders, and what might be expected as a result of proper definition and recognition of these problems. In addition, the findings of experts in the field of mental hygiene and child behavior are sampled to discover symptoms of maladjustment which they feel should be observed and reported from the school situation. Included in this study is a survey of some court referrals which were initiated by school attendance department counselors and contained information to be used by juvenile court authorities in handling the cases. In an effort to discover the types of things which seem to mostly concern school people and which are most often reported in court cases, a tally is shown of the actual descriptive terms which teachers used and which were found in the court referrals. The analyses of these court referrals were used as a means of discovering whether or not symptomatic behavior reported in the referrals included that which might have been indicative of serious emotional disturbances and whether or not causes of disorder were suggested in the behavior descriptions and other information given. Significant behavior symptoms which should be observed in the school situation were sought from two sources: a survey of the literature, and a review of some typical case histories selected from visiting teacher files. The case histories examined were ones in which disturbances of long enough duration were reported so that some understanding could be reached of the development of early behavior traits which were symptomatic of serious emotional disturbances. After the descriptive material in the court referral was sifted in an effort to discover what the teachers considered to be significant behavior, these findings were compared against those of Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck who are recognized authorities in the study of the complex, causal forces in the origin and development of anti-social behavior. The conclusions dram were favorable to classroom teachers and other school personnel from whose reports the behavior descriptions were extracted. The Wickman study, to which reference was made in this thesis, found teachers that tended to disregard subtle indications of disorder and were pre-occupied almost entirely with aggressive, bothersome behavior which caused inconvenience to the teachers or violated some of their moral or ethical codes. The following study concludes that in the school referrals examined there was reflected a general concern of today's teachers and other school personnel for students' personal problems. While it is true that many things which were found in the teachers' reports seemed to involve teachers' reactions to inconveniences and difficulties caused by students' behavior, the author concludes that qualified persons examining these reports would receive information valuable in the discovery of the basic causes of behavior disorders. The central responsibility of the school in the discovery and referral, if necessary, of serious behavior problems is repeatedly indicated by this study of 90 juvenile court referrals, three case histories, and the opinions of experts in the field of human behavior as they relate particularly to school children. Close

• 2166. [Article] Development and application of an analytical technique for the determination of methylmercury compounds in environmental samples based on isolation by distillation, followed by purge-and-trap sample concentration and GC/MS separation and detection, after aqueous phase ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate

  An analytical technique has been developed for the determination of methylmercury compounds in environmental samples. The technique is based on a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, methylmercury ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development and application of an analytical technique for the determination of methylmercury compounds in environmental samples based on isolation by distillation, followed by purge-and-trap sample concentration and GC/MS separation and detection, after aqueous phase ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate Author: Rice, William R. An analytical technique has been developed for the determination of methylmercury compounds in environmental samples. The technique is based on a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, methylmercury compounds are isolated from the sample matrix as methylmercury chloride (MeRgCl) by distillation. The distillation procedure is based on a series of published methods for the determination of methylmercury compounds in sediment and natural waters. In the second stage, MeRgCl is converted to the more volatile methylethylmercury (MeRgEt) by derivatization with an aqueous solution of sodium tetraethylborate. The volatile species is then determined by purge-and-trap sample concentration and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) separation and detection. Initial work focused on the development of the method with optimization of the experimental parameters and operating conditions associated with the distillation and final measurement steps. The concentration of MeHgCl in standard solutions (concentration range from 0-30 ng/L as Hg), with and without nitric acid preservation, was monitored as a function of storage time to evaluate storage losses. Aqueous solutions of MeHgCl at the ng/L level are very stable for at least three months if stored (1) in the dark at 4 DC, (2) in acid-cleaned polypropylene flasks, (3) and without nitric acid preservation. Rapid loss of MeHgCl was observed for solutions acidified with nitric acid and stored under identical conditions (25% and 40% decrease in signal response after 3 and 96 days, respectively). The analytical technique was applied to the determination of methylmercury compounds in lake-bottom sediment and surface-water samples collected from Cottage Grove Reservoir, located in Lane County, Oregon. The concentration of methylmercury in a surface-water sample was 2.1 ± 0.11 ng/L as Hg(II). Recoveries of approximately 100 percent were observed for surface-water samples spiked with MeHgCl to a level of 4 ng as Hg(II). Concentrations of methylmercury in lake-bottom sediment ranged from 0.143 ± 0.008 to 35 ± 3.1 ng/g sediment as Hg(II) (wet weight). Recoveries of approximately 90 percent were observed for sediment samples spiked with MeHgCl to a level of 15 ng as Hg(II). The reproducibility of the entire analytical technique and the measurement step alone were evaluated through the analysis of replicate sediment samples. The percent relative standard deviation (RSD) of the entire analytical procedure was 2.6 percent, while the percent RSD of the measurement step alone was determined to be 1.5 percent. The absolute detection limit for MeHgCl was determined to be 4 pg as Hg(II) for the analysis of a 40-mL sample volume. Title: Development and application of an analytical technique for the determination of methylmercury compounds in environmental samples based on isolation by distillation, followed by purge-and-trap sample concentration and GC/MS separation and detection, after aqueous phase ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate Author: Rice, William R. An analytical technique has been developed for the determination of methylmercury compounds in environmental samples. The technique is based on a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, methylmercury compounds are isolated from the sample matrix as methylmercury chloride (MeRgCl) by distillation. The distillation procedure is based on a series of published methods for the determination of methylmercury compounds in sediment and natural waters. In the second stage, MeRgCl is converted to the more volatile methylethylmercury (MeRgEt) by derivatization with an aqueous solution of sodium tetraethylborate. The volatile species is then determined by purge-and-trap sample concentration and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) separation and detection. Initial work focused on the development of the method with optimization of the experimental parameters and operating conditions associated with the distillation and final measurement steps. The concentration of MeHgCl in standard solutions (concentration range from 0-30 ng/L as Hg), with and without nitric acid preservation, was monitored as a function of storage time to evaluate storage losses. Aqueous solutions of MeHgCl at the ng/L level are very stable for at least three months if stored (1) in the dark at 4 DC, (2) in acid-cleaned polypropylene flasks, (3) and without nitric acid preservation. Rapid loss of MeHgCl was observed for solutions acidified with nitric acid and stored under identical conditions (25% and 40% decrease in signal response after 3 and 96 days, respectively). The analytical technique was applied to the determination of methylmercury compounds in lake-bottom sediment and surface-water samples collected from Cottage Grove Reservoir, located in Lane County, Oregon. The concentration of methylmercury in a surface-water sample was 2.1 ± 0.11 ng/L as Hg(II). Recoveries of approximately 100 percent were observed for surface-water samples spiked with MeHgCl to a level of 4 ng as Hg(II). Concentrations of methylmercury in lake-bottom sediment ranged from 0.143 ± 0.008 to 35 ± 3.1 ng/g sediment as Hg(II) (wet weight). Recoveries of approximately 90 percent were observed for sediment samples spiked with MeHgCl to a level of 15 ng as Hg(II). The reproducibility of the entire analytical technique and the measurement step alone were evaluated through the analysis of replicate sediment samples. The percent relative standard deviation (RSD) of the entire analytical procedure was 2.6 percent, while the percent RSD of the measurement step alone was determined to be 1.5 percent. The absolute detection limit for MeHgCl was determined to be 4 pg as Hg(II) for the analysis of a 40-mL sample volume. Close

• 2167. [Article] The ecology of Lepidurus apus in northern Utah and some limnological requirements for hatching

  A survey of the major bodies of water, temporary and perennial, in the region of Northern Utah revealed a limited distribution of the Notostraca. Lepidurus (Linn.), the only representative found, was restricted ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The ecology of Lepidurus apus in northern Utah and some limnological requirements for hatching Author: Braswell, Audrey Lee Jr A survey of the major bodies of water, temporary and perennial, in the region of Northern Utah revealed a limited distribution of the Notostraca. Lepidurus (Linn.), the only representative found, was restricted to a single temporary shallow lake. Dry Lake, in the southern end of Cache County. Dry Lake occupies a solution basin at 5,638 feet elevation, surrounded by mountains ranging from 6,500 to 7,900 feet in elevation. The limnological succession of this lake during the tenure of L. apus showed a high rate of variation and wide ranges in temperature (-2°C to 31°C), dissolved oxygen (46% to 155% saturation), conductivity (1100-3400 mho), turbidity, and pH. Laboratory incubation of the eggs of L. apus under a total of 120 different combinations of temperature and moisture pre-incubation treatments, disclosed the necessity of a pre-incubation freezing treatment to induce hatching. A pre-incubation drying treatment was not necessary for eggs incubated for 124 days but consistently produced significantly higher percentages of hatching in those hatches dried at 18°C and 26°C. Eggs remained viable with but slight reduction in rate and percentage of hatching, even though they had undergone -20°C (rapid cooling) and 26°C (drying) pre-incubation treatments. Pre-incubation freezing to -80°C, whether rapid or slow, reduced the percent hatch to a maximum of 12%. The 45°C drying for 48 hours permitted a maximum of 40% hatching and retarded significantly the hatching rate. Sun-dried and wet eggs were subjected to -2°C for periods varying from 2 days to 37 days. One portion of these dried eggs was frozen in a dry state and another portion in a wet condition. Incubation of these eggs in pond water at 5°C, 10°C, 25°C, and 40°C produced hatching solely in the 10°C temperature among those sun-dried and frozen wet only. A 14 day duration of continuous cold was found to be a minimal requirement. Eggs receiving the threshold duration of pre-incubation cold treatment required 14 days subsequent incubation at 10°C for hatching. Extension of the pre-incubation cold treatment up to 31 days resulted in a consequent reduction (not linear, however) of incubation time at 10°C from 14 to 7 days. Thirty-four and 37 days detention in the cold (-2°C) showed an increase to 10 days incubation time. The eggs of L. apus develop and hatch at -2°C, although at a greatly reduced rate. Title: The ecology of Lepidurus apus in northern Utah and some limnological requirements for hatching Author: Braswell, Audrey Lee Jr A survey of the major bodies of water, temporary and perennial, in the region of Northern Utah revealed a limited distribution of the Notostraca. Lepidurus (Linn.), the only representative found, was restricted to a single temporary shallow lake. Dry Lake, in the southern end of Cache County. Dry Lake occupies a solution basin at 5,638 feet elevation, surrounded by mountains ranging from 6,500 to 7,900 feet in elevation. The limnological succession of this lake during the tenure of L. apus showed a high rate of variation and wide ranges in temperature (-2°C to 31°C), dissolved oxygen (46% to 155% saturation), conductivity (1100-3400 mho), turbidity, and pH. Laboratory incubation of the eggs of L. apus under a total of 120 different combinations of temperature and moisture pre-incubation treatments, disclosed the necessity of a pre-incubation freezing treatment to induce hatching. A pre-incubation drying treatment was not necessary for eggs incubated for 124 days but consistently produced significantly higher percentages of hatching in those hatches dried at 18°C and 26°C. Eggs remained viable with but slight reduction in rate and percentage of hatching, even though they had undergone -20°C (rapid cooling) and 26°C (drying) pre-incubation treatments. Pre-incubation freezing to -80°C, whether rapid or slow, reduced the percent hatch to a maximum of 12%. The 45°C drying for 48 hours permitted a maximum of 40% hatching and retarded significantly the hatching rate. Sun-dried and wet eggs were subjected to -2°C for periods varying from 2 days to 37 days. One portion of these dried eggs was frozen in a dry state and another portion in a wet condition. Incubation of these eggs in pond water at 5°C, 10°C, 25°C, and 40°C produced hatching solely in the 10°C temperature among those sun-dried and frozen wet only. A 14 day duration of continuous cold was found to be a minimal requirement. Eggs receiving the threshold duration of pre-incubation cold treatment required 14 days subsequent incubation at 10°C for hatching. Extension of the pre-incubation cold treatment up to 31 days resulted in a consequent reduction (not linear, however) of incubation time at 10°C from 14 to 7 days. Thirty-four and 37 days detention in the cold (-2°C) showed an increase to 10 days incubation time. The eggs of L. apus develop and hatch at -2°C, although at a greatly reduced rate. Close

• 2168. [Article] A study of demand and supply relationships in the agricultural labor market

  The objective of the study is to analyze empirically the demand for hired farm labor and the elasticities of substitution of capital for labor in the U.S., the Middle Atlantic region, the Pacific region, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A study of demand and supply relationships in the agricultural labor market Author: Vathana, Chamnong The objective of the study is to analyze empirically the demand for hired farm labor and the elasticities of substitution of capital for labor in the U.S., the Middle Atlantic region, the Pacific region, and in the states of California and Oregon. The data period 1941-1969 was analyzed for the U.S., the data period 1949-1969 was analyzed for the Middle Atlantic region and the Pacific region, and the data period 1951-1970 was analyzed for Oregon. This latter period, represents the full available data history for Oregon. This study shows that the demand for hired farm labor with respect to the real wage is elastic in the short run in the Middle Atlantic region and in the state of Oregon. The short run demand elasticity with respect to real wage for the U.S. ranges from -0.529 to -0.663. This range is significant at the 1 percent level. For Middle Atlantic and Pacific regions, the wage elasticities are -2.140 and -1.371, respectively. Both are significant at the 1 percent level. The short run wage elasticity for Oregon ranges from -1.64 to -2.58 which is significant at the 10 percent level. A study of one sector of farming, the demand of seasonal hired farm labor in harvesting pears, Jackson County, Oregon, finds that the short run elasticity with respect to wage rate for this sector is -1.769 which is significant at the 10 percent level. This study also shows that the elasticity of substitution of capital for hired farm labor in Oregon is greater than the rate for the Nation, for the Middle Atlantic region, and for California. The elasticities of substitution of capital for hired farm labor for the Nation, the Middle Atlantic region, the Pacific region, California and Oregon are 1.449, 1.692, 0.595, 0.429, and 1.938, respectively. They are all significant at the 5 percent level except for California which is significant at the 10 percent level. The result of this study will be useful for agricultural policy formulation. The demand for hired farm labor with respect to the real wage is elastic for the Middle Atlantic region, the Pacific region, and Oregon in both the short and long runs. In the long run it will be elastic at the National level. This means that the number of hired farm workers declines proportionally more than the wage rate increases. With the knowledge of the readiness of capital for substituting for hired farm laborers, any increase in real wage would increase the rate of substitution of capital for hired farm labor. This in turn would result in a reduction of total income and number for hired farm workers. Only those with special skills and high job security would benefit from such a policy. Title: A study of demand and supply relationships in the agricultural labor market Author: Vathana, Chamnong The objective of the study is to analyze empirically the demand for hired farm labor and the elasticities of substitution of capital for labor in the U.S., the Middle Atlantic region, the Pacific region, and in the states of California and Oregon. The data period 1941-1969 was analyzed for the U.S., the data period 1949-1969 was analyzed for the Middle Atlantic region and the Pacific region, and the data period 1951-1970 was analyzed for Oregon. This latter period, represents the full available data history for Oregon. This study shows that the demand for hired farm labor with respect to the real wage is elastic in the short run in the Middle Atlantic region and in the state of Oregon. The short run demand elasticity with respect to real wage for the U.S. ranges from -0.529 to -0.663. This range is significant at the 1 percent level. For Middle Atlantic and Pacific regions, the wage elasticities are -2.140 and -1.371, respectively. Both are significant at the 1 percent level. The short run wage elasticity for Oregon ranges from -1.64 to -2.58 which is significant at the 10 percent level. A study of one sector of farming, the demand of seasonal hired farm labor in harvesting pears, Jackson County, Oregon, finds that the short run elasticity with respect to wage rate for this sector is -1.769 which is significant at the 10 percent level. This study also shows that the elasticity of substitution of capital for hired farm labor in Oregon is greater than the rate for the Nation, for the Middle Atlantic region, and for California. The elasticities of substitution of capital for hired farm labor for the Nation, the Middle Atlantic region, the Pacific region, California and Oregon are 1.449, 1.692, 0.595, 0.429, and 1.938, respectively. They are all significant at the 5 percent level except for California which is significant at the 10 percent level. The result of this study will be useful for agricultural policy formulation. The demand for hired farm labor with respect to the real wage is elastic for the Middle Atlantic region, the Pacific region, and Oregon in both the short and long runs. In the long run it will be elastic at the National level. This means that the number of hired farm workers declines proportionally more than the wage rate increases. With the knowledge of the readiness of capital for substituting for hired farm laborers, any increase in real wage would increase the rate of substitution of capital for hired farm labor. This in turn would result in a reduction of total income and number for hired farm workers. Only those with special skills and high job security would benefit from such a policy. Close

• 2169. [Article] The impact of special use assessment on land use and income distribution

  The impact of Oregon's Special Use Assessment (SUA) program was analyzed in relation to farmland values in six regions. Data for the study were obtained from the Oregon Landownership Survey. Data were ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The impact of special use assessment on land use and income distribution Author: Shirack, Rosalyn Proffitt The impact of Oregon's Special Use Assessment (SUA) program was analyzed in relation to farmland values in six regions. Data for the study were obtained from the Oregon Landownership Survey. Data were based on 1975 assessment and ownership characteristics. Farmland value per acre, including improvements, was believed to be influenced by the following factors: special use assessment, gross farm income, population growth rate, income of owner, occupation of owner, distance to the nearest urban area, size of tract, and improvements value. Ordinary least squares was used to test the impact of these factors on farmland value per acre. Tax savings, if any, resulting from SUA were expected to be capitalized into higher farmland values. Study results indicate that SUA did increase farmland values in four of the six regions. In the Coastal region, SUA on unzoned farmland increased values by $932 per acre. In the Valley region, SUA on exclusive farm use (EFU) zoned and unzoned farmland increased values by $977 and $1721 per acre, respectively. SUA increased unzoned farmland values by $1226 per acre in the Southwestern region but had no significant impact on zoned farmland. The value of zoned and unzoned farmland in the Northcentral region was increased by $453 and $865 per acre, respectively. SUA did not have a significant impact on zoned or unzoned farmland values in the Southcentral or Eastern regions. Therefore, it is assumed SUA does not provide tax relief in these regions. This result may be due to the large agricultural tax base in these regions. A large portion of the tax base is reduced by SUA, which necessitates an increase in the tax rate to maintain the same level of county revenues. Therefore, little if any tax relief is realized by the participating farmland owners. The restrictive effect of EFU zoning was expected to offset tax benefits resulting from SUA. As indicated above, there was a difference in the impact of SUA on EFU zoned as compared to unzoned land in the Valley, Southwestern,and Northcentral regions. The impact on zoned land was consistently smaller than on unzoned land in all regions (except the Southcentral where both were not significant). Most of the other variables in the model had the expected signs. Those that did not were not significantly different from zero (except for the distance variable in the Valley region which was explained after closer analysis). Tax savings and the resulting increases in farmland values represent a redistribution of income from nonparticipants to participants in the SUA program. In order to determine who was benefiting from SUA, participants were compared to nonparticipants on a number of ownership characteristics. Participants and nonparticipants did not differ on all characteristics in all regions. However, where there were differences, participants were more likely to be residents, farmers, own land further from urban areas, not have plans to sell their land, own larger acreages, and be in higher income and net worth classes compared to nonparticipants. The tax saving resulting from SUA may be sufficient to prevent a farmer from being forced out of farming. However, the program is not designed to prevent farmland conversion if the owner desires to change use. A circuit-breaker tax program for farmers and EFU zoning merit closer attention as possible alternatives of providing tax relief and farmland preservation. Title: The impact of special use assessment on land use and income distribution Author: Shirack, Rosalyn Proffitt The impact of Oregon's Special Use Assessment (SUA) program was analyzed in relation to farmland values in six regions. Data for the study were obtained from the Oregon Landownership Survey. Data were based on 1975 assessment and ownership characteristics. Farmland value per acre, including improvements, was believed to be influenced by the following factors: special use assessment, gross farm income, population growth rate, income of owner, occupation of owner, distance to the nearest urban area, size of tract, and improvements value. Ordinary least squares was used to test the impact of these factors on farmland value per acre. Tax savings, if any, resulting from SUA were expected to be capitalized into higher farmland values. Study results indicate that SUA did increase farmland values in four of the six regions. In the Coastal region, SUA on unzoned farmland increased values by $932 per acre. In the Valley region, SUA on exclusive farm use (EFU) zoned and unzoned farmland increased values by $977 and $1721 per acre, respectively. SUA increased unzoned farmland values by $1226 per acre in the Southwestern region but had no significant impact on zoned farmland. The value of zoned and unzoned farmland in the Northcentral region was increased by $453 and $865 per acre, respectively. SUA did not have a significant impact on zoned or unzoned farmland values in the Southcentral or Eastern regions. Therefore, it is assumed SUA does not provide tax relief in these regions. This result may be due to the large agricultural tax base in these regions. A large portion of the tax base is reduced by SUA, which necessitates an increase in the tax rate to maintain the same level of county revenues. Therefore, little if any tax relief is realized by the participating farmland owners. The restrictive effect of EFU zoning was expected to offset tax benefits resulting from SUA. As indicated above, there was a difference in the impact of SUA on EFU zoned as compared to unzoned land in the Valley, Southwestern,and Northcentral regions. The impact on zoned land was consistently smaller than on unzoned land in all regions (except the Southcentral where both were not significant). Most of the other variables in the model had the expected signs. Those that did not were not significantly different from zero (except for the distance variable in the Valley region which was explained after closer analysis). Tax savings and the resulting increases in farmland values represent a redistribution of income from nonparticipants to participants in the SUA program. In order to determine who was benefiting from SUA, participants were compared to nonparticipants on a number of ownership characteristics. Participants and nonparticipants did not differ on all characteristics in all regions. However, where there were differences, participants were more likely to be residents, farmers, own land further from urban areas, not have plans to sell their land, own larger acreages, and be in higher income and net worth classes compared to nonparticipants. The tax saving resulting from SUA may be sufficient to prevent a farmer from being forced out of farming. However, the program is not designed to prevent farmland conversion if the owner desires to change use. A circuit-breaker tax program for farmers and EFU zoning merit closer attention as possible alternatives of providing tax relief and farmland preservation. Close

• 2170. [Article] Analysis of the administration of the health examination in the public schools of Oregon

  The school-age period is one in which the health status of the pupil must be constantly observed and appraised if optimal growth and development are to be realized. Therefore, Oregon laws provide that ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Analysis of the administration of the health examination in the public schools of Oregon Author: Bech, Jack Karl The school-age period is one in which the health status of the pupil must be constantly observed and appraised if optimal growth and development are to be realized. Therefore, Oregon laws provide that the State Board of Health shall have direct supervision of all matters pretaining to the preservation of the life and health of the people of the state. To achieve this purpose, the Superintendant of Public Instruction is given the duty to prescribe for, with the advice of the State Board of Health, the program of health examinations for pupils. The county and city school superintendants are made responsible for carrying out this program. These health examinations render a type of health service to children that develop understanding and action by parents and result in an improved health status of the child. In this study the questionnaire method was used and brought a fifty per cent return which was considered sufficient to make the study factual. Information for this study was collected from all areas of the state and included completed questionnaires from elementary, junior high and high schools. The total enrollment of the 125 schools returning the questionnaire came to a figure of 40,101 students. Of this total number only 36,455 were reported by the administrators as being in one of the nine categories available for health examination on the questionnaire. Of the 36,455 students recorded, only 23,378 were provided with health examinations, or 64 plus per cent. This figure is rather disappointing as it was hoped the percentage would be at least in the nineties. As was expected, the students participating in athletics are receiving a higher per cent of examinations than any other group of school-age children. Of the 8,894 athletes listed, 8,610 were given health examinations, or 97 per cent. The principals indicated that of the 4,765 pupils entering school for the first time, 4,101 received health examinations, or 87 per cent of the total. This group ranked second in the percentages, a full ten per cent behind the athletic participant group. There were 2,011 pupils referred for examination by the teacher or by the teacher-nurse screening. Of this number, 1,679 pupils were examined which indicates that 83 per cent of those referred were examined. This particular group ranked third in the over-all picture. Of the pupils entering the ninth grade and new to the school, 73 per cent are being examined according to the questionnaire. There were 6,647 pupils in this group and 4,848 received examinations. Of the 2,260 seventh grade pupils, 1,181 were given a health examination which gives a percentage figure of 52 plus per cent. Very little examining is done in the tenth or other grades according to the information gathered. Of the 961 students listed in this group, only 328 received examinations, or 34 per cent. Of the 10,917 students participating in the intramural and recreation program, only 1,631 were given a health examination, or 15 per cent. Title: Analysis of the administration of the health examination in the public schools of Oregon Author: Bech, Jack Karl The school-age period is one in which the health status of the pupil must be constantly observed and appraised if optimal growth and development are to be realized. Therefore, Oregon laws provide that the State Board of Health shall have direct supervision of all matters pretaining to the preservation of the life and health of the people of the state. To achieve this purpose, the Superintendant of Public Instruction is given the duty to prescribe for, with the advice of the State Board of Health, the program of health examinations for pupils. The county and city school superintendants are made responsible for carrying out this program. These health examinations render a type of health service to children that develop understanding and action by parents and result in an improved health status of the child. In this study the questionnaire method was used and brought a fifty per cent return which was considered sufficient to make the study factual. Information for this study was collected from all areas of the state and included completed questionnaires from elementary, junior high and high schools. The total enrollment of the 125 schools returning the questionnaire came to a figure of 40,101 students. Of this total number only 36,455 were reported by the administrators as being in one of the nine categories available for health examination on the questionnaire. Of the 36,455 students recorded, only 23,378 were provided with health examinations, or 64 plus per cent. This figure is rather disappointing as it was hoped the percentage would be at least in the nineties. As was expected, the students participating in athletics are receiving a higher per cent of examinations than any other group of school-age children. Of the 8,894 athletes listed, 8,610 were given health examinations, or 97 per cent. The principals indicated that of the 4,765 pupils entering school for the first time, 4,101 received health examinations, or 87 per cent of the total. This group ranked second in the percentages, a full ten per cent behind the athletic participant group. There were 2,011 pupils referred for examination by the teacher or by the teacher-nurse screening. Of this number, 1,679 pupils were examined which indicates that 83 per cent of those referred were examined. This particular group ranked third in the over-all picture. Of the pupils entering the ninth grade and new to the school, 73 per cent are being examined according to the questionnaire. There were 6,647 pupils in this group and 4,848 received examinations. Of the 2,260 seventh grade pupils, 1,181 were given a health examination which gives a percentage figure of 52 plus per cent. Very little examining is done in the tenth or other grades according to the information gathered. Of the 961 students listed in this group, only 328 received examinations, or 34 per cent. Of the 10,917 students participating in the intramural and recreation program, only 1,631 were given a health examination, or 15 per cent. Close