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Impacts of Anthropogenic Disturbances and Urbanization on the Behavior and Morphology of Two Free-Living Lizard Species (\u3ci\u3eUta stansburiana\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eAspidoscelis neotesselatus\u3c/i\u3e)
Get PDFUrbanization can alter wildlife, requiring species to adjust to anthropogenic changes via life history strategies. Reptiles are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as ectotherms directly rely on their environment to maintain their optimal homeostatic state. As urbanization changes the landscape, reptiles will have to adapt to anthropogenic change, but it is unclear what behaviors may be aiding in this adaptation and whether there are morphological tradeoffs existing to support this change. To analyze the impact of urbanization and anthropogenic disturbances on reptile behavior and morphology, I conducted three research studies on two different species – the common side-blotched lizard and the Colorado checkered whiptail (Aspidoscelis neotesselatus).
In my first chapter, I characterized differences in side-blotched lizard body condition, aggressive behaviors, and thermoregulatory behaviors between urban sites experiencing an urban heat island effect, and rural field sites in St. George, UT, USA. Although temperature differences were recorded, there were minimal behavioral differenced between sites, yet a strong trade-off between thermoregulatory and aggressive behaviors, regardless of site type.
In my second chapter, I analyzed the impacts of military aircraft noise at Fort Carson Military Base in Colorado Springs, CO, USA on the behavior, stress, and metabolism of the Colorado checkered whiptail. During the flyovers, corticosterone and ketone bodies were upregulated, while lizards spent a greater portion of their time eating, not moving, to help buffer the effect of the flyovers.
Because I detected considerable variation in behavior within sites studied in my first chapter, I investigated morphological and behavioral differences between side-blotched lizards within an urban site for my third chapter. At one of my urban sites, Interstate 15 bisects lizard habitat and introduces anthropogenic disturbances via noise pollution and an increased predator abundance. I observed poor body condition closer to the interstate but detected no difference in exploratory or anti-predator behavior by proximity to the interstate, though lizards fled faster and farther from a simulated aerial predator than the terrestrial model. A higher proportion of lizards fled from the terrestrial model, highlighting the potential for urban lizards to adjust their behavior based on predator type
Functional Electrolytes Designing and Studying for Lithium Metal and Non-Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries
Get PDFOur current energy policy relies heavily on burning fossil fuels, raising serious concerns due to CO2-related global warming. Consequently, significant progress is being made in pursuing renewable and green energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. These renewable energies require rechargeable batteries as energy storage systems to compensate for their intermittent nature.
Over the decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the dominant power sources for portable electronic devices. Current LIBs rely on graphite anodes with a limited theoretical capacity (372 mAh g-1), which restricts their advanced applications. Li metal (Li0) anodes, with the highest theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g-1), are considered the Holy Grail for developing high-energy-density battery systems.
My research primarily focuses on lithium metal batteries (LMBs) and anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs). In LMBs, Li0 is directly used as the anode while in AFLMBs, the Li0 anode is replaced with a copper (Cu) foil which serves as the current collector to support Li0 plating/stripping. All the Li+ in AFLMBs comes from the lithiated cathode. The configuration of AFLMB has gained significant attention due to its potential for maximum energy and improved safety.
However, the high reactivity of Li0 poses significant challenges for developing practical LMBs and stable AFLMBs. Functional electrolyte design is considered a crucial strategy to promote their development via generating a stable and protective interphase on the Li0 surface. During my Ph.D. studies, two lithium additive-based electrolyte systems were designed and studied for LMBs and AFLMBs, respectively. Comprehensive studies of the physiochemical and electrochemical performances of the designed electrolytes and battery systems were conducted, revealing detailed electrode and electrolyte interphase chemistry through spectroscopy studies.
Beyond LMBs and AFLMBs, zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) offer a promising alternative energy storage system due to the advantages of the Zn metal anode, such as high volumetric capacity, intrinsic safety, and abundance. An advanced and novel non-aqueous Zn electrolyte was discovered for ZMBs. Systematic electrochemical tests were conducted to demonstrate its feasibility and stability. This work provides new insights and opportunities for the future development of high-performance non-aqueous ZMBs
Copernicus Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 Radiometric Performance: Inter-Comparison with LANDSAT8/ 9 and Aqua-MODIS Using Vicarious Methods Over Desert-PICS and DCC Targets
Get PDFAs part of the Copernicus program of the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA) developed and operates the Sentinel-2 constellation (S2A, S2B); and in cooperation with the EUMETSAT, they are operating the Sentinel-3 constellation (S3A, S3B). Both are Earth Observation optical missions, where the MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) is carried on board Sentinel-2 mission and the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) and Sea Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) are on board the Sentinel-3 mission. In the framework of the Copernicus Optical Mission Performance Cluster (OPT-MPC), we use the Database for Imaging Multispectral Instruments and Tools for Radiometric Inter-comparison (DIMITRI) to perform the radiometry intercomparison of the Level-1 products. The aims of this presentation are:
1) to assess the quality of the user products;
2) to monitor the temporal evolution of the radiometry of the instruments MSI, OLCI and SLSTR for both units A and B and;
3) to perform radiometric intercomparison with similar optical missions such as Landsat-8, Landsat-9 and Aqua-MODIS.
The results of the intercomparison show a good stability of the sensors, although SLSTR-A & B show slight positive trends. MSI, OLI and SLSTR pairs show good agreement better than 1% while OLCI-A is brighter than OLCI-B up to 2-3% over the VNIR spectral range. The results show a good agreement between MSI/OLI to better than 1% except band B01 (443 nm) over VNIR bands.
Furthermore, a radiometric validation has been performed using Deep Convective Clouds (DCC) method. All level 1 products from satellites Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-2B, Landsat-8 and Landsat-9 within ±20° of latitude are monitored and monthly radiometric statistics are computed over the detected DCCs. The DCC results are consistent with the PICS method ones over the VNIR spectral range
New Facility for the Ground Radiometric Calibration of Libera Using a Tunable Narrow Band Source from 0.3 to 16 μm
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Assessment of Future Streamflow in the Colorado River Basin With Some Implications for Water Management
Get PDFLong-range water supply planning in many river basins, such as the Colorado, requires assessing plausible future streamflow scenarios. Given nature\u27s randomness and climate change, it is important to evaluate water resources system behavior under a wide range of plausible conditions. The research described in this dissertation examined various future streamflow scenarios in the Colorado River Basin to provide essential inputs needed for planning in the uncertain future. First, the research examined historical severe droughts in the basin and created three sets, or ensembles, of plausible future streamflow time series by resampling these past droughts. These ensembles are thus consistent with the idea that if it has happened in the past, it can happen again and should be planned for. These drought ensembles serve as plausible stress tests to support system simulations and test various operation and management strategies. These ensembles added to many existing ensembles produced by others for planning in the Colorado River Basin. Second, a broad range of metrics was assembled to assess the existing ensembles and classify them. These metrics help decide if a streamflow ensemble is suitable for specific planning purposes. Third, the research developed storylines of plausible future hydrologic conditions in the basin and then identified the most representative ensembles for each storyline. Since no matching ensemble was found for one of the defined storylines, a new streamflow ensemble was generated to fill this gap. The findings of this research could help inform choices on adequate ensembles for various planning purposes. Although the study focused on the Colorado River Basin, the methods are general and can be applied in other areas
Pedestrian Crossing Environmental Impact Statement
Get PDFLogan, Utah is divided by US Highway 89/91, which bisects much of the city. This makes it difficult to pass to the other side without a vehicle. A pedestrian crossing has been proposed to connect the eastern and western sides of Logan without impacting traffic flow. The Environmental Impact Statement aims to look at reasonable alternatives and identify many resources that will be affected by its implementation. Four main alternatives were considered: an underpass, an overpass with an elevator, an overpass with a ramp, and the no-change alternative to be used as a baseline alternative. The underpass is the preferred alternative based on sustainability, cost, maintenance, and pedestrian traffic usage. Some of the major negative impacts of the pedestrian crossing include right-of-way acquisition, hydrology impacts, water quality, and noise-and-vibration impacts. Some of the major positive impacts are increased pedestrian facilities and increased socioeconomic potential. These resources were then analyzed for cumulative impacts over time and space to show how they will impact the future of the project site and beyond. After a thorough analysis, the underpass is still the best alternative for the location
It Started on a Stage
Get PDFThe creation of It Started On A Stage aimed to answer if any amount of experience with theater can affect an individual. The show is a devised piece inspired by a series of interviews with 15 subjects. Devised theater is a branch of applied theater where individuals collaborate on creating the script. The interviewees all had varying levels of experience in differing fields of expertise. I asked them a series of questions regarding their past and current experiences with theater. Regardless of their level of involvement or whether they were currently pursuing it, all of these participants agreed that theater had impacted them and their careers today.
I transcribed these interviews and used the dialogue from the interviews to create a short 16-scene radio play. The show was created in a digital format, making it accessible worldwide. I collaborated with actors across the country, and they recorded their lines individually and sent them in for me to create the final performance. I then posted the first performance on YouTube to accommodate audiences everywhere so they could access it for free and at their own convenience. Around the time of graduation, I posted a secondary option which was an immersive version of the performance on YouTube.
The show told these interviewees’ stories of how they started in theater, their love for it, and what they wish could be different. It also explored universal themes of support, accessibility, representation, and inclusivity while validating all experiences and the positive impact they made. I removed any detailed information that could point back to the interviewees to respect their privacy and allow audiences to identify and reflect on their experiences
What Drives a Firm to Implement Environmental Sustainability Practices?
Get PDFThis literature review investigates the motivations that leads firms to implement environmental sustainability practices (EMPs). The research focuses on understanding how business strategy emphasizes sustainable firms and successfully managing their responsibility to employees, the natural environment, and shareholders to protect natural resources. The review answered questions in regard to the motivations to adopt EMPs, differences in proactive and reactive approaches, and environmental sustainability from an industry and country perspective. In addition, the business case demonstrates the cost and the benefits of environmental sustainability practices. The results stem from the motivations to adopt EMPs included external (consumers, competitors, regulators) and internal (employees, managers, executives) forces. Proactive approaches help to reduce firms\u27 impact on the environment, whereas reactive approaches are only implemented when required. Industries\u27 adoption can vary depending on consumer pressure, buy \u27dirtier\u27 industries may also choose to adopt EMPs to harm operations processes on the environment. Country adoption of EMPs depends on government policies, industry practices, technological innovation, and social responsibilities. European countries are ahead in adopting, whereas other countries, such as China, adopt more slowly. Future research should focus on questions such as Are countries with laws and regulations supporting the adoption of sustainability supporting the growth of firms? and Are firms in dirtier companies/industries more proactive in adopting EMPs because they are concerned about a poor environmental reputation