The Psychological Impact of Color Usage in Selected Passages of Tennyson\u27s Poetry

A monograph presented to the faculty of the Graduate School at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts by Nancy Koupal in June of 1972

Methods for Rapid Identification and Enumeration of Streptococcus Bovis from Water

Because water can be a carrier of enteric pathogenic microorganisms, water pollution from a fecal source is a serious problem to a community obtaining water from streams and rivers. Adequate methods for detection of the enteric pathogens are lacking, consequently, much attention has been given to the detection of other microorganisms as indicators of fecal pollution. The microorganisms called the fecal streptococci are those streptococci which are commonly found in the intestinal tract of man and animals. The fecal streptococci have been divided into two basic groups within the Lancefield Group D streptococci. These two groups are the enterococcus group and the viridans group. Included in the enterococcus group are the Streptococcus faecalis strains and included in the viridans group are Streptococcus bovis and Streptococcus equinus. The fecal streptococci are intestinal microorganisms of man and animals. Because of their normal habitat the fecal streptococci are being studied as possible indicators of enteric pathogenic microorganisms in water. The fecal streptococci have characteristics which make them desirable as indicators of water pollution. Croft (1959) placed these characteristics into four basic statements: 1) fecal streptococci are present in feces and sewage, 2) fecal streptococci are found in polluted water, 3) fecal streptococci are not found in pure water sites away from man and animals, and 4) the fecal streptococci do not multiply outside the host in water or soil

Effect of Integrating a Sportfishing Curriculum into a Camp Program on the Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes of Participating Youth

We evaluated the effect of incorporating a sportfishing and environmental curriculum into a short-term summer camp program on participating youths\u27 knowledge of fishing and biology/ecology, awareness of ethical behavior, and attitudes concerning fishing and saving the environment. Using a pre-/post-survey of camp participants, we determined that the program was successful in developing youth knowledge related to fishing skills and biology/ecology, but did not affect ethical behavior awareness or attitudes of participants. Although longer-term programs may be needed to affect youth attitudes, camp programs offer the opportunity to increase knowledge among a large number of youth with a minimal investment in staff time

Population Characteristics of Co-Managed White Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass in Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

White Bass (Morone chrysops) and Hybrid Striped Bass (M. saxatillis × M. chrysops) populations often coexist in the same waterbody and are known to achieve different lengths, have differing reproductive success, and provide different opportunities for anglers. However, comparative population dynamics from systems where Moronids are managed with the same regulation is often lacking. This study aimed to assess the recruitment, mortality, and growth of these species from seasonal samples collected at Lake McConaughy in 2015 and fall 2016. White Bass demonstrated highly variable recruitment in Lake McConaughy despite stocking efforts (mean recruitment variability index = 0.157). Hybrid Striped Bass year class strength was also variable, but RVI was not calculated as the number of missing year classes exceed the number of present year classes. Total annual mortality estimates for Hybrid Striped Bass (39.7%) and White Bass (41.4%) were consistent with values reported in other populations, but both species were observed to achieve uncommon longevity. Both species exhibited sexual size dimorphism, and growth was moderate and consistent with average values presented for North American populations. This study provides insight into the population dynamics of two species with trophy potential managed by the same regulation in Lake McConaughy. Differences in growth patterns indicate the current regulation affects each species differently, and managers may be able to utilize this to inform decisions about management of coexisting Moronid populations

Changes in range-wide distribution of plains topminnow Fundulus sciadicus

Globally, riverine fishes are affected by degradation of habitat, stream alterations, lost stream connectivity and introduction of non-native species. The plains topminnow Fundulus sciadicus, a small stream-dwelling fish, currently does not have a federal conservation status in the USA; however, anecdotal reports have suggested its decline for the last 20 yr. Our goals were to evaluate the validity of its reported decline and to determine the current range-wide status of this species. We identified 927 historical sites (1889−1999) of occurrence and compiled recent records or re-visited 667 sites (2000−2010). We found plains topminnow at 189 (28.0%) of these sites. Although Nebraska represented the center of distribution and included 66.7% of all historical sites, plains topminnow were only found at 34.4% of historical sites, with the largest declines observed in the Platte and Republican River drainages. Current sampling efforts in Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming found similar declines. In Iowa and Kansas, plains topminnow was not found, whereas potential increases in distribution were observed in a single drainage in Minnesota and Wyoming. In addition to our sampling efforts, we repeatedly sampled 40 sites within Nebraska to determine detection probability. Detection probabilities for plains topminnow were consistent at 0.76 ± 0.05 (mean ± SE) among sites that were sampled with a single visit. Further research is needed on the species and the potential threats to its occupation of sites, as no singular cause for decline seems plausible. Observed threats include degradation and loss of habitat and shifts in species assemblages towards generalist non-native species

Food habits of imperiled Plains Topminnow and diet overlap with invasive Western Mosquitofish in the Central Great Plains

Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) populations have experienced large declines throughout the Central Great Plains, with Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) introductions suggested as a contributing factor. There are limited studies identifying the food habits of Plains Topminnow and the trophic interactions with Western Mosquitofish. This study sought to determine if a diet overlap exists between the Plains Topminnow and the introduced Western Mosquitofish by identifying the feeding habits of both species. We analyzed diets from lentic and lotic populations of Plains Topminnow captured in August and found lentic topminnows employed a generalist diet while lotic topminnow selected for gastropods. Additionally, Western Mosquitofish diets from regionally proximate lotic and lentic populations also displayed a generalist diet consisting of benthic, littoral and terrestrial macroinvertebrates. The two species did not show overlapping diets based on Schoener’s Index. Therefore we suggest the introduced Western Mosquitofish do not likely impact Plains Topminnow populations through food resource competition

Sex-specific Changes in Walleye Abundance, Size Structure and Harvest Following Implementation of Regulation to Protect Broodstock

The popularity of walleye Sander vitreus fishing has resulted in the development of specialized regulations that are designed to protect these fisheries. In the case of Sherman Reservoir, Sherman County, Nebraska, the walleye population provides a sportfishing opportunity and serves as broodstock for the state. In 2009, for the primary purpose of protecting female broodstock, the regulation changed from a harvest limit of four walleye with 457-mm minimum length to allowing a reduced harvest limit of two walleye within a harvest slot (381–508 mm) and one walleye more than 711 mm. This study examined existing data sets to assess the percentage of spawning walleye protected with each regulation, sex-specific differences in relative abundance and size structure during broodstock collection and angler effort, total catch, and harvest of walleye. The new regulation has increased protection of female walleye by more than 90%, but decreased protection of male walleye by more than 60%. The relative abundance of female walleye caught per net during broodstock collection has more than doubled since the regulation was changed, but the size structure of female walleye collected during broodstock operations was similar. Correspondingly, the relative abundance of male walleye has declined since changing the regulation, but size structure remained similar. Effort and total catch of walleye by anglers were similar before and after the regulation was enacted, but harvest has increased by 130%. This regulation appears to protect female broodstock walleye, but it makes male walleye more vulnerable to angler harvest

Assessment of Smallmouth Bass Growth and Mortality in Nebraska Waters

Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) have been introduced across Nebraska into a variety of waterbodies. However, an estimate of smallmouth bass growth and mortality in Nebraska waters has not been produced. The objectives of this study were to use historic sampling data to describe the growth of smallmouth bass in Nebraska lakes in relation to other regional models, growth among waterbody types (reservoirs, Interstate 80 [I-80] lakes, and rivers), estimates of age at quality, preferred, and memorable lengths, and mortality for Nebraska smallmouth bass populations. Mean length ± SE of Nebraska smallmouth bass at age 7 was 383 ± 21 mm, which is similar to national and regional values. Mean lengths at age of smallmouth bass in I-80 lakes and reservoirs were similar, but lengths were larger in rivers than in I-80 lakes and reservoirs at ages 3–5. Mean total annual mortality measured 0.41 (± 0.06 SE). These growth and mortality rates allow biologists to set appropriate management objectives and assess local sampling results with proper perspectives

Age-0 walleye \u3ci\u3eSander vitreus\u3c/i\u3e display length-dependent diet shift to piscivory

The ontogenetic diet shift to piscivory can be energetically beneficial for fish growth and allows larger, more energetically profitable prey to be consumed. A shift to piscivory may be easier for longer individuals within a cohort due to larger gape size, and an early shift is likely advantageous, potentially leading to increased growth rates and survival. Such length-dependent ontogenetic diet shifts may explain the intracohort variability in length that is common for age-0 walleye (Sander vitreus). The objectives of this study were to describe seasonal intracohort variability in length, identify the timing of the shift to piscivory and determine if the onset of piscivory was length-dependent in age-0 walleye. Walleye initially fed on zooplankton, but shifted to piscivory during July of 2010 and June of 2011. The onset of piscivory in age-0 walleye was associated with length-dependent differences during both years, in which longer individuals within the cohort became piscivorous earlier than shorter individuals within the same cohort. Intracohort variability in length was detected and increased postontogenetic diet shift. Age-0 walleye that experience a growth advantage could benefit from increased survival and feeding opportunities

Degree-day accumulation influences annual variability in growth of age-0 walleye

The growth of age-0 fishes influences survival, especially in temperate regions where size-dependent over-winter mortality can be substantial. Additional benefits of earlier maturation and greater fecundity may exist for faster growing individuals. This study correlated prey densities, growing-degree days, water-surface elevation, turbidity, and chlorophyll a with age-0 walleye Sander vitreus growth in a south-central Nebraska irrigation reservoir. Growth of age-0 walleye was variable between 2003 and 2011, with mean lengths ranging from 128 to 231 mm by fall (September 30th–October 15th). A set of a priori candidate models were used to assess the relative support of explanatory variables using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). A temperature model using the growing degree-days metric was the best supported model, describing 65% of the variability in annual mean lengths of age-0 walleye. The second and third best supported models included the variables chlorophyll a (r2= 0.49) and larval freshwater drum density(r2= 0.45), respectively. There have been mixed results concerning the importance of temperature effects on growth of age-0 walleye. This study supports the hypothesis that temperature is the most important predictor of age-0 walleye growth near the southwestern limits of its natural range