The disrupters: Lessons for low-carbon innovation from the new wave of environmental pioneers

We need disruptive forms of innovation 13 cheaper, easier-to-use alternatives to existing products or services, often produced by non-traditional players for previously ignored customers. This report tells the stories of eight such "disrupters" and draws wider lessons for low-carbon innovation. Its recommendations include: 1. Government should provide an enabling policy framework within which low-carbon innovation ca

The effectiveness of self-monitoring tools and texting prompts to increase physical activity in the workplace

Lack of physical activity is one contributing factor to the obesity epidemic currently affecting the United States. Increasingly sedentary jobs have added to this societal lack of activity, so worksites are a promising location for interventions to increase physical activity. Such interventions have shown mixed results and can be costly. New technologies including self-monitoring devices, text messaging reminders, and online health coaching are promising tools to improve such interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness on increasing physical activity of employees in a worksite setting of the combined use of a self-monitoring device (SWA) along with text messaging prompts and online health coaching compared to the effectiveness of the SWA independently. Fifty-seven subjects (14 males and 46 females) completed one of two 8-week interventions. Group 1 (n = 27) received a self-monitoring tool called the SenseWear Armband (SWA) and guidance on its use, while Group 2 (n = 30) received the SWA along with text messaging reminders to be active and behavior change support through online health coaching using the ProConnect Software tool. Physical activity was assessed with two instruments (7 day Physical Activity Recall and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) and scored in terms of average daily MET minutes of MVPA (MetMin). Two psychological constructs (self-efficacy and autonomy) were also assessed to capture possible changes in psychosocial factors. All measures were obtained at both baseline and at the completion of the intervention and the changes over time in each outcome were assessed with 3-way (Condition x Trial x Gender). The magnitude of effects were reported using effect sizes. The results did not reveal any significant Condition x Trial interactions for the physical activity variables but a significant Condition x Trial x Gender interaction revealed differential outcomes for males and females. Significant increases in Met-Min were observed for the 7-day Physical Activity Recall measure in Group 2 while decreases were evident in females. This effect was not evident with the other activity measure or with the psychosocial indicators. The associations between the physical activity measures and the psychosocial outcomes were also weak. Findings from this study suggest that text messaging reminders in combination with a self-monitoring tool may be effective in assisting motivated males to increase their physical activity behaviors. The differing results between sexes point to the importance of tailoring interventions not only to different sexes, but also potentially to the personality characteristics, needs, and desires of each individual. Longer term studies may be warranted to gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of self-monitoring tools and associated technologies for worksite health promotion

Measuring Library Space Use and Preferences: Charting a Path Toward Increased Engagement

The article presents a study on measuring library space, use, and preferences at the University of Dayton. The study used a multi-method research approach to be able to analyze the current space use in the library. Data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), surveys on study spaces and online library, and a week-long video were investigated to comprehend the student choices in library usage. Results showed that the university students prefer to study at times alone and at times with others. Factors such us interpersonal communication, comfort, and promotion of basic human needs and desires are necessary for a better library usage

Lovington MainStreet: Community Economic Assessment

An analysis of economic conditions in Lovington, New Mexico, commissioned for its MainStreet program. The regional trade area surrounding Lovington (as determined by drive time analysis), and its downtown MainStreet district are described and displayed in color maps. Selected demographic, housing, and economic data for both Lovington and Lea County are examined. An analysis of pull factors revealed that Lovington has a net inflow of gross receipt tax revenues, largely due to oil and gas industry revenues. Lovington faces many challenges, including flat population growth, low educational achievement levels, a severe housing shortage, and the volatility of the petroleum industry. The authors recommend diversifying the economic base and attracting more accommodations and retail businesses to the MainStreet district. Illustrated with tables and charts

Effects of CarbonDioxide on Rainbow Trout Larvae: Application for Invasive Fish Eradication

Currently, efforts are underway to eradicate invasive fish species that threaten the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Several studies have examined the effects of anesthetizing fish for easier handling, surgical procedures, tagging and management. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is an approved and efficient anesthetic for adult fish in medicine and aquaculture and is favorable due to lack of residues, zero withdrawal period and does not need to be registered as its classification is generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Carbon dioxide has also shown to have lethal effects on other life history stages of fish. In this study, various early life stages of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) larvae were exposed to CO2 in the form of dry ice pellets to determine the critical period of sensitivity for mortality in a model salmonid species. Studies were conducted in aluminum tanks (n = 3 tanks per treatment, with three chambers in each tank with 40 larvae per chamber) with 68 liters of filtered creek water (dissolved CO2 = 4 mg/l, dissolved O2 = 8.125 mg/l, pH = 7.78, temperature = 12.9°C, conductivity = -55 mV, Total alkalinity as CaCO3 = 160 mg/l). Larvae exposed at post hatch day 10 had increased susceptibility to CO2, when compared with earlier embryonic stages. The results of the experiment indicate that early rainbow trout life history stages are susceptible to CO2 but only at late embryonic stages and may have implications for systematically eradicating invasive salmonids

The Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Rainbow Trout Embryos

There currently exists a need to develop new approaches to control aquatic invasive and nuisance species. The effects of light radiation such as ultra-violet wavelengths of light have shown negative effects, such as increased embryo mortality in early embryonic salmonid larvae. This study explores the use of light radiation for eradication of invasive fish. Experiments were conducted to evaluate dose and critical period of sensitivity for mortality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryos after exposure to visual and ultra-violet light radiation. Endpoints recorded include exposure intensity, effective distance from source, duration of exposure, malformations and mortality. Introduced light may be an effective and feasible eradication technique of early life history stages of fish and invertebrate invasive species in situ, as light can be implemented and removed with minimal environmental impact

An Inventory and Assessment of Silver City\u27s Arts and Cultural Assets

Despite a high level of organization and integration, the economic impact of arts and cultural (A & C) industries is yet to be fully realized in Silver City, New Mexico. During the period October 2008-April 2009, UNM-BBER conducted an investigation of the A & C economy of Silver City, with a focus on an inventory and assessment of the community\u27s cultural assets. The study was done in three parts: an extensive inventory of the assets of the area\u27s creative economy; a community-based survey of artists, preservationists, retailers, and others engaged in creative industries in Silver City and neighboring communities; and an analysis of the impact and trends of the creative economy. The findings are presented in two main parts; first, an analysis of the social assets of the local creative economy, followed by an analysis of the economic market for A & C industries in the area, including a review of trends during the 1989-2006 period. The report includes tables, graphs, and a sample survey

Thermal Adaptation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Populations of westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi), a State species of special concern, have declined throughout their native range. Genetic introgressions, mainly from rainbow trout (O. mykiss), but also from Yellowstone cutthroat trout (O. c. bouvieri), and habitat loss are believed to be the leading causes of this decline. Populations that remain are often small and isolated, thereby increasing their risk of inbreeding depression and extinction. Translocation projects may offer a solution by infusing new genetic material into populations and potentially increasing their probability of persistence. However, local adaptations must be considered when selecting a donor population. We investigated thermal adaptations of four wild populations of westslope cutthroat trout from the Missouri River drainage and one hatchery population from the Washoe Park Trout Hatchery, Anaconda, Montana. Two wild populations were deemed to be from warm streams and two from cold streams. Fish were spawned streamside and at the hatchery. The resulting embryos were placed in experimental systems at 8, 10, and 14 °C. Survival was monitored throughout incubation. Post-embryonic growth was measured 90 days after hatching. Relationships between population performance and natal stream thermal characteristics were examined for adaptive differences

Movements of Spawning and Non-Spawning Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Missouri River Above Fort Peck Reservoir

During the last 40 yrs there has been a lack of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) recruitment in the upper Missouri River (UMR). However, shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) continue to exhibit recruitment in the UMR. Understanding the recruitment dichotomy between species is receiving much attention throughout their range. The objectives of this study were to identify the effects of varying discharge on spawning locations and spawning movements for pallid and shovelnose sturgeon. Two female pallid sturgeon, 32 gravid female shovelnose sturgeon, and 32 non-reproductively active female shovelnose sturgeon were radio tagged at three locations and tracked from 1 May to 5 July 2009. Unfortunately, no data are available for spawning pallid sturgeon movements because fish were not reproductively active. Upstream movement by gravid shovelnose sturgeon varied from 20 percent of the fish tagged at Judith Landing to 56 percent of the fish tagged at Coal Banks Recreation Area (CBRA). Mean maximum upstream movement of gravid shovelnose sturgeon varied from 35.7 km at CBRA to 87.9 km at Fred Robinson Bridge (FRB), mean maximum downstream movement varied from 24.9 km at FRB to 80.3 km at CBRA. Reproductively inactive shovelnose sturgeon exhibited lower mean maximum movements than reproductively active fish (mean maximum distance 5.7 km). Shovelnose sturgeon in the UMR exhibit both upstream and downstream movements prior to spawning and are using several spawning areas. Thus, maintaining spawning habitat throughout a regulated river is important with regard to shovelnose sturgeon conservation