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Review of Toxomerus Macquart, 1855 in Texas (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Get PDFToxomerus (Diptera: Syrphidae) belongs to the family Syrphidae that is commonly
known as flower flies or hover flies. These flies are ecologically beneficial in two forms
of potential agricultural protection: biocontrol and pollination. As larvae, the majority of
species are known to predate on an agricultural pest, aphids (Hemiptera), which in large
populations are detrimental to plants and crops. As adults, most syrphids can be
considered potential pollinators since they continuously need nectar and pollen to sustain
energy to fly, search for a mate, reproduce, and lay eggs. Even though dipterans are
found in all continents and in almost all habitats, the Syrphidae of North America, south
of Canada, and north of Mexico, are understudied. This study evaluated the species
richness, distribution, and morphology of Toxomerus species found in the state of Texas,
United States. Specimens and distributional data were collected from museums, personal
collections, and the field, then geographically databased and morphologically evaluated.
There are nine species of Toxomerus known from Texas. No new species were
discovered, but descriptions were updated and a key for Toxomerus in Texas was
produced. This key provides a baseline for the taxonomy of Toxomerus in Texas allowing
more specimens to be identified in museums and future collections. This has the potential
to lead to discoveries in ecological and evolutionary history of this understudied genus
INVESTIGATION OF OLIGO(BENZOXAZABOROLE)S DERIVED FROM ALKYLLINKED BIS(AMINOPHENOL)S
Get PDFBoronate ester-based materials have gained significant research interest and utility because of their ability to be formed through dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs). This reversible nature has been shown to organize molecular building blocks into the most thermodynamically stable structures such as linear polymers, nanotubes, macrocycles, and covalent organic frameworks (COFs).
Previously, we reported the synthesis of simple boronate ester derivatives, benzoxazaboroles, using 2-(alkylamino)phenols and diboronic acids. However, the synthesis of benzoxazaboroles derived from bis(aminophenol)s is less explored. There is a possibility to yield macrocycles along with the linear polymers due to the ditopic functionality of the starting materials and an equilibrium between ring and chain structures may exist.
In this research, we have synthesized investigated oligo(benzoxazaborole)s derived from alkyl-linked bis(aminophenol)s by both experimental and computational methods. Characterization of these materials was carried out using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR
spectroscopy techniques. 1H NMR results indicate that the polymers exhibit dynamic covalent nature under mild conditions. Furthermore, IR spectroscopic analysis reveals that
the degree of polymerization is quite high for the polymers due to the absence of signals related to the starting materials.
The thermodynamic calculations predicted that the formation of benzoxazaboroles depends on the difference in the connectivity of the benzoxazaborole rings within the structure. Additionally, those calculations predicted that the linear benzoxazaboroles are more favorable than the ring structures. However, the energy difference is less than 53 kJ/mol
Trauma Informed Interviews of Individuals Involved in Critical Incidents
No full textVictims and witnesses of trauma are often contacted by law enforcement shortly after the incident to obtain information, attempt to apprehend the offender, and complete their reports. However, during the hours, and, sometimes, days after a critical incident, these individuals are experiencing neurobiological effects caused by stress hormones that could cause recall to be distorted or even inaccurate. Victims are often traumatized multiple times by having to relive and retell their experience. Being trauma informed means being aware of how the brain recalls traumatic events and knowing how stress hormones effect short-term memory. This understanding will assist law enforcement and administrators to understand why a 24-to-48-hour interview delay is important for accuracy. Conversely, accuracy leads to a more reliable case, with a higher probability of conviction and helps ensure victim cooperation through to the end. Therefore, law enforcement should consider delaying interviews of individuals involved in critical incidents at least 24 hours to allow the brain time to recover and store memories.LEMI
Law Enforcement and Mental Health
No full textIt is important to recognize that jailers and peace officers are ordinary people, who respond to abnormal situations, and the desired results are extraordinary, with no room for error. They are expected to make split-second decisions, day in and day out, without fail, and are expected to return the next day and do it again flawlessly. They will experience critical incidents at a higher level than other professions. The mental health of law enforcement has been ignored and neglected for long enough. It is often said that there is a mental health crisis in America; law enforcement is no different. However, normalizing the conversation on mental health and providing education and training, can be a catalyst for law enforcement officers to ask for help, breaking the culture of silence and the stigma for asking for help. Law enforcement agencies should implement mandatory mental training in every TCOLE training cycle. Mandatory training for jailers and peace officers will bring a needed change to the profession. The culture or code of silence will change amongst officers, and the perception or stigma will change socially, within the organization, and personally. However, with any idea or change, there are always challenges. Budget restraints and availability or access to training are always a concern. Ensuring we are being good stewards of our financial restraints and being innovative with disseminating training and resources should be explored.LEMI
Trinity River Authority Project: Ed Mach
No full textOral history interview of Ed Mach about his work at the Trinity River AuthorityWe are offered a glimpse into the TRA through Ed Mach’s growth, longevity, and career path as an operator. During his time at the TRA, he has been a part of administrative and technological advancements. He has also become well educated on water treatment systems and the impact his work has on the organization and externally on their customer cities and the Trinity River. He recalls his time, bonds, and opportunities at the TRA with great fondness and pride as he has been able to serve communities, assist in-system plants, and act as a steward of the environment.
Through the opportunities that the authority offers for operators to continue their educations and acquire certifications, there is an active cultivation of existing employees rather than outsourcing pre-trained individuals. This cultivation of their employees earns the authority of a workforce that is willing and eager to commit to their teams, plants, and resources to accomplish long-term goals and resolve emergencies. Flooding incidents due to construction mishaps, natural phenomena, or incidents within the contract cities affect the treatment plants and facilities, however, the TRA’s system has procedures in place to facilitate emergency repairs and volunteer groups to assist other plants and facilities within the networks.
Transformations of the treatment phases, as well as pilot studies, have been conducted from the time that the authority was first established to where it is now. For instance, from treating water with chlorine to using a UV light for disinfection to the removal of phosphorus. There have been drawbacks and successes with the equipment and processes that the plants use to treat waste water, protect the environment and their employees. The wastewater plants along with the water systems under the TRA were all engineered to flow as naturally as possible from creeks to river basins to lakes under the authority’s care.
Ed has had the opportunity to experience and develop his friendships and position on the team at the 10 Mile Creek Wastewater Plant. He describes the working environment at the TRA as one where workers aim to stay and grow their involvement and knowledge. This can be seen through his growth at the TRA, more specifically at 10 Mile Creek. He started as an operator in 1979 and from there has grown and taken on roles such as chief operator, operation maintenance chief, and now manager since 1997
Lively Learning as a Playful Professor
No full text"Online courses are boring. All we do is post discussion comments and complete quizzes." If this sounds familiar, it may be time to liven things up by becoming a playful professor. This session will define playful pedagogy and offer research on how play engages adult learners. The session will also offer some simple playful activities you can implement immediately as well as complex activities for those who like a challenge. Finally, you will find out how students responded to all these activities. BUT WAIT - THERE’S MORE! The session wouldn’t be complete without an opportunity to play so stick around until the very end. Those who choose to play will takeaway valuable resources
Enhanced Decision-Making Framework for the Southern States to Comply with the New Federal Retroreflectivity Pavement Rule
No full textRetroreflectivity plays a crucial role in pavement markings as it enhances nighttime
visibility for drivers. Yet, due to budget constraints, many state U.S agencies including the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) rarely monitor the retroreflectivity of their
markings, and instead, restripe their markings based on visual inspection or fixed schedule
(every two years). Such a strategy is questionable in terms of safety as markings are
usually restriped after the end of their service life. To address this issue, in August 2022,
the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a new final rule that requires
state agencies to implement a method within four years for maintaining pavement marking
retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels. Hence, the key objective of this study was to
develop a simple tool for TxDOT and other Southern state and local agencies to help them
comply with the new federal rule. To do so, pavement marking data from the National
Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) were retrieved and analyzed. Results
indicated that the service life of standard water-borne paints varies significantly from 0 to
3.9 years according to the project conditions. Hence, a performance prediction model was
developed with superior accuracy to predict the expected service life of standard
waterborne paints based on the initial retroreflectivity value, traffic level, and marking
color. This model can be used by TxDOT and other southern state agencies to determine
the expected restriping time before the retroreflectivity drop below the minimum
threshold, and hence, comply with the new federal rule
Center for Art Research and Education
No full textThe Center for Art Research and Education (CARE) strives to enhance the visual culture of SHSU, Huntsville, Walker County and the surrounding communities. CARE promotes awareness and appreciation of art and design by supporting faculty research, art education, visiting artists, design projects, and opportunities for faculty and student engagement with community
2023 Conference Session Schedule
Get PDF2023 Conference Session Schedule for the Joan Prouty Literacy Conference.Sam Houston State Universit
Chronicling Female Agency with Satellite Images and Photographs from Google Earth
Get PDFPoster presented July 4-7,2023 at the Institute of Australia Geographers 2023, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia. Poster adapted from the article The Jenny Interviews and Other Sightings: Needle(s) in the Proverbial Haystack(s) by Don Albert in the Pitcairn Log Volume 48 Number 3 available at https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11875/3184, and Teehuteatuaonoa aka 'Jenny' the Most Traveled Woman on the Bounty: Chronicling Female Agency and Island Movements with Google Earth by Don Albert in Island Studies Journal Volume 16 Number 1 available at https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11875/2933.Abstract. Teehuteatuaonoa, aka Jenny, was one of twelve Polynesian women accompanying HMAV Bounty mutineers to Pitcairn Island on January 15, 1790. Her accounts increased our knowledge of Bounty’s sailing track post-mutiny and island life during her nearly three decades (1790-1817) on Pitcairn Island (Albert 2021a). Jenny is the most traveled of Bounty’s women, and first to return to Tahiti after almost 30 years. Jenny’s journey is chronicled with satellite images and photographs from Google Earth. Her journey encompassed 15 links for a total of 24,090 km or 60% of the Earth’s circumference. The longest link was 7,400 km on the American Sultan from Coquimbo, Chile, to The Marquesas. Jenny’s life provides an example of strong female agency during a male-dominated era (late 1700s – early 1800s) when women’s voices were socially and institutionally repressed (Albert, 2021b).Environmental & GeosciencesPitcairn Islands Research Statio