Directional wave spectra observed during JONSWAP 1973

Estimates of the directional wave spectrum obtained from the meteorological buoy of the University of Hamburg and a pitch-and-roll buoy of the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences are reported from a series of measurements made within the framework of the Joint North Sea Wave Project during September 1973. Three main aspects were considered. First, the properties and parameterization of the directional spectrum were studied when the waves were generated by steady winds without any significant swell contribution. The results do not support the parameterization proposed by Mitsuyasu et al. (1975) and are in agreement with a parameterization in which the peak frequency is the relevant scale parameter. Second, comparisons are made between two independent methods of fitting the data exactly by means of a maximum likelihood technique (Long and Hasselmann, 1979) and a least-squares technique. The two methods give very similar fits to the observed data. Finally, the response of the directional wave spectrum to veering winds is considered and a simple model is constructed as a first attempt to describe some of the observations

A new vlf phenomenon- whistlers trapped below the protonosphere

Very low frequency whistler trapped below protonosphere identified through ground station measurements on Aerobee rocket and Alouette satellit

Whole genome approaches for characterizing and utilizing synthetic wheat

Doctor of PhilosophyGenetics - Plant PathologyJesse A. PolandThe global population is estimated to reach 9.1 billion by 2050. Together with climate change, insuring food security for this population presents a significant challenge to agriculture. In this context, a large number of breeding objectives must be targeted. The focus of the work presented here is to explore genomic approaches for tapping exotic germplasm for valuable alleles to increased yield, disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. The loss of genetic diversity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to bottlenecks during polyploidization, domestication and modern plant breeding can be compensated by introgressing novel exotic germplasm. Here, the potential of genomic selection (GS) for rapid introgression of synthetic derived wheat is evaluated in field trials. Overall, the GS models had moderate predictive ability. However, prediction accuracies were lower than expected likely due to complex and confounding physiological effects. As such, implementation of rapid cycle GS for introgression of exotic alleles is possible but might not perform very well with synthetic derived wheat. Disease resistance is another important trait affecting grain yield. Stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) has historically caused severe yield loss of wheat worldwide. In a quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping study with a synthetic-derived mapping population, QTLs for resistance to stem rust races TRTTF and QTHJC were identified on chromosomes 1AS, 2BS, 6AS and 6AL. Some of these genes could be new resistance genes and useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS). In addition to food insecurity through lack of sufficient source of calories, nutrient deficiency is considered the ‘hidden hunger’ and can lead to serious disorders in humans. Through biofortification, essential nutrients are increased in staple crops for improved quality of food and human health. A high-throughput elemental profiling experiment was performed with the same synthetic derived mapping population to study the wheat ionome. Twenty-seven QTL for different elements in wheat shoots and two QTL in roots were identified. Four “hotspots” for nutrient accumulation in the shoots were located on chromosomes 5AL, 5BL, 6DL and 7AL. Overall, exotic germplasm is a valuable source of favorable alleles, but improved breeding methodologies are needed to rapidly utilize this diversity

Public Engagement on Climate and Health in Museums and Participatory Dialogues may Foster Behavior Change

As scientific knowledge grows and the planet’s human population makes unprecedented changes, decision-making places more and more demands on the everyday democratic participant. Yet efforts to help the public acquire and make use of evidence-based information fall short. We present preliminary comparisons of three participatory design models of public engagement with science designed to encourage community action rather than just raise awareness in participants on local public health issues impacted by climate change. We collected survey data at two in-person community-based participatory dialogues and a museum exhibit and presented but received no surveys from televised versions of the participatory dialogues. Results indicated that behavior change was indeed salient to participants. Actions participants plan to take included sharing what they learned, contacting legislators, and direct conservation efforts. Future research should study whether participants undertake planned actions and do so in groups rather than as individuals

Amateur Paleontological Societies and Fossil Clubs, Interactions with Professional Paleontologists, and Social Paleontology in the United States

Considerable interest exists among lifelong learners in the USA about fossils and the science of paleontology. Unlike some other science-related groups, e.g., astronomy and ornithology, interest in fossils among amateur paleontologists is primarily focused within local clubs and societies with little national coordination. This paper presents the results of formative evaluation of the FOSSIL project, conducted after the project “Kickoff” meeting held at the NAPC (North American Paleontological Convention) in 2014. FOSSIL is developing a national networked community of practice that includes amateur and professional paleontologists. Our research indicates that more than 60 amateur fossil clubs and societies exist in the USA, of which almost 40 have elected to be part of the FOSSIL network. Overarching goals of this program include enhanced collaborations between amateurs and professionals, knowledge-building about paleontology, access to resources for lifelong learning, and development a viable learning community of practice focused on topics of common and societal interest, such as collections (including digitization), evolution, climate change, and K-12 outreach. In addition to more traditional means such as list-serves and newsletters, FOSSIL is developing an online community (myFOSSIL) and using social media (Facebook and Twitter) to foster communication and interactions among stakeholders, and thus promoting the concept of “social paleontology”

Linking remote sensing and various site factors for predicting the spatial distribution of eastern hemlock occurrence and relative basal area in Maine, USA

Introduced invasive pests are perhaps the most important and persistent catalyst for changes in forest composition. Infestation and outbreak of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA) along the eastern coast of the USA, has led to widespread loss of hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.), and a shift in tree species composition toward hardwood stands. Developing an understanding of the geographic distribution of individual species can inform conservation practices that seek to maintain functional capabilities of ecosystems. Modeling is necessary for understanding changes in forest composition, and subsequent changes in biodiversity, and one that can be implemented at the species level. By integrating the use of remote sensing, modeling, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coupled with expert knowledge in forest ecology and disturbance, we can advance the methodologies currently available in the literature on predictive modeling. This paper describes an approach to modeling the spatial distribution of the less common but foundational tree species eastern hemlock throughout the state of Maine (∼84,000 km2) at a high resolution. There are currently no published accuracy assessments on predictive models for high resolution continuous distribution of eastern hemlock relative basal area that span the geographic extent covered by our model, which is at the northern limit of the species’ range. A two stage mapping approach was used where presence/absence was predicted with an overall accuracy of 85% and the continuous distribution (percent basal area) was predicted with an accuracy of 84%. Overall, these findings are quite good despite high variability in the training dataset and the general minor component that eastern hemlock represents in the primary forest types in Maine. Eastern hemlock occurs along the southern half of the state stretching the east-west span with little to no occurrence in the northern regions. Several environmental and site characteristics, particularly average yearly maximum and minimum temperatures, were found to be positively correlated with hemlock occurrence. Eastern hemlock dominated stands appeared predominantly in the southwest corner of the state where HWA monitoring efforts can be focused. Given the importance of climate variables in predicting eastern hemlock, forecasts of future range shifts should be possible using data generated from climate scenarios

Panel-Based Exhibit Using Participatory Design Elements May Motivate Behavior Change

Meaningful science engagement beyond one-way outreach is needed to encourage science-based decision making. This pilot study aimed to instigate dialogue and deliberation concerning climate change and public health. Feedback from science café participants was used to design a panel-based museum exhibit that asked visitors to make action plans concerning such issues. Using intercept interviews and visitor comment card data, we found that visitors developed general or highly individualistic action plans to address these issues. Results suggest that employing participatory design methods when developing controversial socio-scientific exhibits can aid engagement. We conclude by recommending participatory strategies for implementing two-way science communication

The Belgrade PaleoBlitz: A Pilot Project to Engage Amateur Paleontologists

Paleontology is an interdisciplinary field that attracts a range of individuals, from hobbyists to professionals. A primary goal of the NSF-funded FOSSIL Project is to establish a unified community of paleontologists and promote best practices in the field of paleontology. The Belgrade PaleoBlitz was a pilot effort to meet these goals by guiding participants through the museum curation process via a rapid two-day immersion. The objectives of the PaleoBlitz event were to: 1) educate participants in best practices associated with the museum curation process, and 2) catalog specimens collected from the Belgrade Quarry into the Florida Museum of Natural History vertebrate paleontology collections. These objectives seek to find a balance between educating participants and contributing to science. A pre-event application dispersed to amateur paleontology clubs throughout the United States determined applicants’ baseline content knowledge and practices. To facilitate learning and promote networking, we selected 13 participants who varied in expertise from six different paleontology organizations. Immediate and delayed post-event surveys assessed acceptance and implementation of best practices, confidence related to specific aspects of the museum curation process, and expansion of individuals’ personal paleontology network. Responses showed that all participants made changes to their existing collections, felt more confident in specific aspects of the museum curation process, and had continued connections with other participants after this event

Two Maine Forest Pests: A Comparison of Approaches to Understanding Threats to Hemlock and Ash Trees in Maine

The authors describe two invasive insect forest pests; the hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) has already arrived in Maine, and the emerald ash borer (EAB) has not yet reached Maine, but will have a devastating effect on the state’s Indian basketmakers when it does arrive. With funding through Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative, teams based at the University of Maine and Unity College are bringing together faculty, students, and stakeholders to better understand the threats that infestations pose to the ecology and economy of the Maine’s forests and to longstanding cultural practices