Changes in the Breeding Range of the Broad-Winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) due to Habitat Fragmentation in the Northern Appalachian Region

The Broad-winged Hawk (BWHA), Buteo platypterus, a small, secretive hawk with distinguishing broad black tail bands, breeds in northeastern North America. The hawks nest in deciduous or mixed forest, often near water, and close to clearings or forest edges. Land conversion and fragmentation alters the landscape and reduces the area of contiguous forest used by BWHA. This study seeks to determine the habitat metrics that may be influencing the apparent breeding range declines of the BWHA at the landscape scale. Landscape characteristics and BWHA presence data from 18,684 Breeding Bird Atlas blocks (each about 25km2) from Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York for two atlas period (1st Atlas: 1980s, 2nd Atlas: 2000s) were analyzed. Logistic regression models revealed block level declines in BWHA presence that were associated with increases in urban, barren, wetland and agricultural land cover. These trends were especially prevalent in low-elevation areas around the region’s largest cities: New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC. Alternatively, an increase in predicted presence was associated with increases in core and edge forest, specifically in regions of New York. Availability of forested habitat with large areas of core forest at higher latitudes and elevations appear to be influential in the breeding habitat selection of BWHA and may be suggestive of a climate change influence. Additional research on the relative influence of each of the metrics and the impacts that the range decline may have on BWHA populations is warrante

Awareness, use, and perceptions of biodiesel: A comparison of consumers in Belgium and the United States

Belgian (N = 61) and American (N = 134) fuel consumers were interviewed in the summer of 2012 to determine their awareness, use, and perceptions of biodiesel. Consumers who were aware of biodiesel were asked their perceptions. A significantly P \u3c 0.0001) higher percentage of Belgian consumers (78.7%) reported owning or driving a diesel vehicle compared to American consumers (9.0%). Belgian and American consumers moderately agreed biodiesel is a high-quality fuel. For both Belgian and American consumers, there was no significant association between owning a diesel vehicle and being aware of biodiesel or having purchased biodiesel. Although Belgian and American consumers agreed that using non-food crops for biodiesel is justified, Belgians were significantly less supportive than American consumers of using food crops for biodiesel. Both Belgian and American consumers disagreed with the statement “I would never use biodiesel”, and the two sets of consumers moderately disagreed that diesel engines would not run properly on biodiesel. Belgian and American consumers agreed that global warming is increasing; however, American consumers were more positive about the potential of biodiesel to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and global warming. Belgian consumers moderately agreed and American consumers agreed that biodiesel is better to use because it is made from renewable resources. Belgian and American consumers generally show similar perceptions of biodiesel, with the exception that American consumers were more positive toward the environmental and renewable aspects of biodiesel use. Recommendations for further research include gaining a better understanding of the potential positive influences that impact consumers’ perceptions of biodiesel

A Critique of Robert S. Hartman\u27s \u27Four Axiological Proofs of the Infinite Value of Man\u27

The purpose of this thesis is to examine Professor Robert S. Hartman\u27s notion that the individual human person is of infinite value. In a recent paper he attempts to establish his concept by arguments which are founded upon four axiological definitions of man: epistemological, logical, ontological, and teleological. The thesis is concerned with the validity of the arguments, their applicability to the existing human person, and whether or not Professor Hartman has made unwarranted assumptions. I conclude that his arguments tend to be circular, and there are too many assumptions. I believe he has made a good case for the uniqueness of the human person, but the notion that man is infinite has not been sufficiently clarified

Validity and Reliability of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Working Alliance Self-Efficacy Scales

In this paper, the authors report on the development and initial psychometric evaluation of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Working Alliance Self-Efficacy Scales (LGB-WASES) with data collected from two studies and 534 counseling trainees. Exploratory factor analysis results yielded a 32-item scale with a three-factor model (a) Emotional Bond, (b) Establishing Tasks, and (c) Setting Goals. LGB-WASES scores were internally consistent and remained stable over a 3-week period. Construct validity evidence suggests the LGB-WASES scores were (a) positively related to general perceptions of counseling self-efficacy and multicultural counseling competency, (b) negatively related to attitudes toward lesbians and gay men, and (d) unrelated to social desirability. Recommendations for future research are also discussed

Historic Notes and Documents: Judge Henry D. Clayton and A Klansman : A Revealing Exchange of Views

On the afternoon of June 16, 1922, Alabama federal judge Henry Clayton addressed the Florida State Bar Association in Orlando.1 Invited at the last minute, Clayton had been in Jacksonville, holding court by special assignment.2 He knew many Florida lawyers--no doubt including Armsted Brown, an Alabama transplant who would be elected president of the Florida Bar that year.3 He was well accustomed to addressing such meetings, usually speaking on technical issues of law or legislation, and so he had accepted the invitation. But this time he had something broader on his mind.

Letter to Jean M. Holcomb reporting on use of SEAALL Scholarship funds, July 1, 1992

A letter from Paul M. Pruitt, Jr. to Jean M. Holcomb reporting on Pruitt\u27s usage of SEAALL Scholarship funds