Six Noise Type Military Sound Classifier

Blast noise from military installations often has a negative impact on the quality of life of residents living in nearby communities. This negatively impacts the military's testing \& training capabilities due to restrictions, curfews, or range closures enacted to address noise complaints. In order to more directly manage noise around military installations, accurate noise monitoring has become a necessity. Although most noise monitors are simple sound level meters, more recent ones are capable of discerning blasts from ambient noise with some success. Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh previously developed a more advanced noise classifier that can discern between wind, aircraft, and blast noise, while simultaneously lowering the measurement threshold. Recent work will be presented from the development of a more advanced classifier that identifies additional classes of noise such as machine gun fire, vehicles, and thunder. Additional signal metrics were explored given the increased complexity of the classifier. By broadening the types of noise the system can accurately classify and increasing the number of metrics, a new system was developed with increased blast noise accuracy, decreased number of missed events, and significantly fewer false positives

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of an Approximately 14.7-Acre Proposed Solar Array Near Calaveras, Wilson County, Texas

On behalf of DG Central 1, LLC (DG Central 1), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted a cultural resources survey of an approximately 14.7-acre parcel proposed for the Calaveras Solar Project (Project). The Project is proposed to occur on a parcel located immediately east of the intersection of County Road 128 and Farm-to-Market Road 775, near the community of Calaveras, Wilson County, Texas. The proposed Project will consist of a main solar array and ancillary facilities all constructed within the 14.7-acre parcel. Expected Project impacts include widespread surficial modifications with deeper impacts in location of pilings, foundations, and utilities. The maximum depth of impact is not expected to exceed 10 feet below the ground surface. The Project Area is located on the Saspamco and Floresville, Texas, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5- minute quadrangle maps (USGS 2020). The parcel on which the Project is proposed to occur is entirely owned by the Floresville Independent School District, and therefore the project is subject to the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). Based on the current project understanding, no federal regulatory compliance is involved. To comply with requirements of the ACT, SWCA conducted an intensive cultural resources survey with shovel testing of the Project Area. The cultural resources investigations consisted of a background and historical map review of the Project Area and a 0.5-mile buffer (Study Area), followed by intensive pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing within the Project Area. The file search and literature review identified four previously conducted cultural resource surveys conducted within the 0.5-mile Study Area, the closest survey to the Project Area was recorded 0.2 miles to the north. Two previously recorded archeological sites (41WN74 and 41WN120) were identified within the Study Area; however, the closest mapped resource (41WN74) is located approximately 0.31 miles west of the Project Area. No National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) properties, State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs), Official Texas Historical Markers, Registered Texas Historic Landmarks, or local neighborhood surveys were identified within either the Project or Study Areas (THC 2020). Additionally, the historical map review did not identify any potential historical structures have been depicted within the Project Area (USGS 2020). An SWCA archaeologist conducted an intensive archaeological survey augmented by shovel testing on April 30, 2020. SWCA archaeologists excavated a total of 16 shovel tests within the Project Area; of which, one proved positive for cultural material with a single tertiary chert flake fragment. A total of eight shovel tests were excavated around the positive shovel test, with two shovel tests in each of the cardinal directions at 15-meter (49.2 ft) intervals. No further cultural material was found within the shovel tests; therefore, the single flake does not rise to the level of an archaeological site and is considered to be an isolated find, which will not require avoidance or mitigation. No further cultural resources were identified on the ground surface or within any of the excavated shovel tests within the Project Area. In accordance with the ACT, SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify archaeological resources within the Project Area. No properties were identified within the Project Area that meet the criteria for listing as a SAL or a NRHP property. As such, SWCA recommends that no additional cultural resources investigations are warranted within the Calaveras Solar Project Area, as currently defined

Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in College Students with ADHD Tendencies

College students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often faced with many challenges throughout their academic careers. While research examining the effects of ADHD on college students is on the rise, much is still unknown. It is thought that significant problems exist even in students with ADHD symptoms below the clinical threshold. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and college students with ADHD tendencies. In addition, the study examined the relationship between SRL strategies and GPA, ADHD tendencies and GPA, and ADHD tendency subtypes and SRL strategy use. Participants included of 310 college students (73.2% women and 26.8% men) from Eastern Illinois University who completed the current and child form of the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV), and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Results indicated several significant differences in reported use of SRL strategies between students with and without ADHD tendencies. Across the different analyses, students with ADHD tendencies consistently displayed deficits in their use of Self-Efficacy for Learning and Performance, Extrinsic Goal Orientation, Time and Study Environment, and Effort Regulation strategies. The clinical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Brushy Creek Sewer Line Phase 3 Project in the City of Ingram, Kerr County, Texas

On behalf of the City of Ingram, Texas, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed Brushy Creek Sewer Line Project (Project) in Kerr County, Texas. The approximately 1-mile-long sewer main extension line is being developed by the City of Ingram, a political subdivision of the State of Texas; therefore, the Project requires compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). In addition, the Project will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); therefore, the work was conducted to comply with requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This cultural resources investigation was conducted under ACT Permit No. 9243. The Project begins just south of Winona Street West and terminates just south of Highway 27. The Project Area includes the proposed linear alignment situated within a 25-foot-wide corridor and lies on undeveloped land. Proposed impacts are expected to include widespread surficial modifications with deeper impacts in location of sewer lines. The cultural resources investigation consisted of a background and historical map review, followed by intensive pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing conducted by SWCA archaeologists. SWCA’s background review determined that there are no known cultural resources within the Project area. SWCA also reviewed a 0.5-mile study area surrounding the proposed Project. This review determined there are a total of five previously conducted surveys and six previously recorded archaeological sites within 0.5 mile of the Project area. None of the six previously recorded sites have been recommended as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Additionally, no NRHP districts or properties, sites designated as State Antiquities Landmarks, historical markers, cemeteries, or local neighborhood surveys were identified within the Project area or the larger study area. During field investigations conducted on February 4, 2019, SWCA conducted an intensive archaeological pedestrian survey augmented with shovel testing of the Project area. For linear projects, the Texas Historical Commission (THC)/Council of Texas Archaeologists (CTA) survey standards require a minimum of 16 shovel tests per mile with thorough documentation of all exceptions noted (e.g., disturbance, slope, and impervious surfaces). Based on these standards, SWCA exceeded the requirements by excavating a total of 34 shovel tests within the 1-mile Project area. No cultural materials were identified on the ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated within the Project area. In accordance with the ACT and with Section 106 of the NHPA (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 800.4 (b)(1)), SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the area of potential effects. SWCA recommends a finding of No Historic Properties Affected per 36 CFR 800. 5(b) and no further archaeological investigation of the current Project area is recommended. No artifacts or samples were collected during this survey. All survey-related documentation will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Research, University of Texas at San Antonio

Intensive Mechanical Scraping near the Mitchell Cemetery, Tarrant County, Texas, Fort Worth District

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey in April 2018 of 0.22 acres of existing TxDOT right of way (ROW) adjoining the western side of the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad located within the City of Fort Worth in Tarrant County. This survey was conducted in support of the proposed State Highway (SH) 183 improvements. Investigations included pedestrian survey and intensive mechanical scraping to assess the presence of or potential for unmarked extramural graves associated with the historic Mitchell Cemetery. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8013. The background review identified five previous archeological investigations and one previously recorded archeological site near the 0.22-acre project area, but no sites or surveys within the area. Other than the Mitchell Cemetery, no other cemeteries are located within 0.6 mile (1 km) of the project area. A review of historic maps indicated that numerous historic buildings are present within 0.6 mile (1 km) of the project area associated with the establishment and growth of the historic city of Fort Worth, though no structures were depicted within the proposed project area. Field investigations consisted of systematic mechanical scraping across the project area. The excavations identified numerous buried utilities, including abandoned sewer pipes, and three abandoned modern septic tanks. In addition, modern and historic refuse was observed. The investigations identified no interments or other features associated with mortuary contexts. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the surveyed portions of the project area. In addition to reporting the findings of the cemetery investigations, this report also contains a brief memorandum on the reburial of three human bone fragments recovered from Mitchell Cemetery in 2013 by a Tarrant County Deputy Sheriff, who found the remains in a disturbed context. The recovery and reburial are unrelated to the Section 106 and Antiquities Code investigations reported herein but is included as part of TxDOT’s ongoing Mitchell Cemetery investigations

Intensive Archeological Survey of Old Gertrudes Road at Stewart Creek, Jack County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 0.74 acre of existing right-of-way (ROW) and temporary easement along Old Gertrudes Road in Jack County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, the work was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Kevin Hanselka served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8247. The total area of potential effects (APE) extends approximately 375 feet along the east-west roadway, covering 0.58 acre of existing ROW and a 0.16-acre temporary construction easement, representing a total of 0.74 acre. Typical depth of impacts is expected to be approximately 12 to 24 inches for the approaches, while maximum depth of impacts may reach over 10 feet for bridge supports. Background research identified no archeological sites, historic markers, State Antiquities Landmarks, or properties eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the APE or within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius review area. However, the review of U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps identified a historic grave 275 feet northeast of the APE. One previous survey, a 2012 linear survey, was conducted within the review area approximately 0.5 mile northeast of the APE. In addition, the historic map review identified several potential historic structures or other resources within 0.6 mile of the APE, but none within or immediately adjacent to the APE. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with shovel testing and examination of extensive natural exposures. The existing ROW is heavily disturbed by existing roadway, but the temporary easement is relatively undisturbed. The investigations identified no archeological resources. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the APE

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey For The Proposed Farm-To-Market 1625 Realignment Project, Travis County, Texas

At the request of Brookfield Residential, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey for the proposed realignment of Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 1625 in southeast Austin, Travis County, Texas. Portions of the project area are located within road right-of-way (ROW) owned by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a political subdivision of the State of Texas. As such, the proposed undertaking is subject to review under the Antiquities Code of Texas. Archaeological field investigations required a Texas Antiquities Permit issued by the Texas Historical Commission. SWCA conducted investigations under Antiquities Permit No. 7975 issued to Principal Investigator Ken Lawrence. The proposed realignment of FM 1625 begins 0.15 mile (790 feet) south of the intersection of McKenzie Road and FM 1625. The alignment trends northeast for 0.3 mile (1,555 feet) until the intersection of McKenzie Road and U.S. Highway 183 (US 183), and continues for another 300 feet north along the west side of US 183. The project also involves the removal of existing pavement along McKenzie Road and FM 1625 between US 183 and McKenzie Road and the removal of the bridge spanning the North Fork Dry Creek. The depth of impacts are anticipated to not exceed five feet below ground surface. This represents the direct area of potential effects (APE) for this project Investigations included a background literature review and an intensive pedestrian survey with shovel testing of the 0.3-mile-long project corridor. The proposed pavement removal will be limited to previously disturbed portions of the project area and as such, no survey will be conducted in these areas. As for the bridge removal planned at the crossing of North Fork Dry Creek, the bridge was photo documented and examined to determine if it is historic. The background review revealed that no cultural resource surveys and no cultural resource sites are within the project area (Texas Historical Commission [THC] 2017). One cultural resources survey and two archaeological sites are located within a 1-mile radius of the APE. Additionally, a review of the TxDOT Historic Overlay maps revealed no potential historic-age structures within or adjacent to the current project area (Foster et al. 2006). Overall, the intensive pedestrian survey revealed primarily agricultural lands with broad pastures and scattered residential housing within the upland Blackland Prairie environment. Previous impacts to the project area include agricultural and residential activity, vegetation clearing, and the construction and maintenance of FM 1625 and McKenzie Road, including drainage improvements. During the intensive survey investigations, which comprised visual inspection and the excavation of four shovel tests along the 0.3 mile of new ROW, SWCA identified no surface or subsurface cultural materials. In accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations 800.4, SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify cultural resources properties within the APE. The field investigation discovered neither significant historic properties nor cultural resources as defined in the respective legislation; therefore, SWCA recommends that a finding of “no historic properties affected” be made for the current undertaking

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey Of The Proposed Hunt University 35-19 Pipeline Within Reagan County, Texas

On behalf of Medallion Midstream, LLC. (Medallion) SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed Hunt University 35-19 Pipeline which crosses property owned by University of Texas Lands (University Lands) in Reagan County, Texas. The proposed project will be constructed within Medallion’s easement, totaling approximately 2.40 miles (3.86 kilometers [km]) in Reagan County; however, only 2.36 miles (3.80 km) of the project will be on University Lands. Because portions of the proposed undertaking will occur on land owned by University Lands, a political subdivision of the state, the work was performed in compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT) under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8467. All investigations were conducted in accordance with Texas Historical Commission (THC) and Council of Texas Archeologists standards. The investigations consisted of a background literature and records review and an intensive cultural resources survey. The work was performed to identify cultural resources within the project area and provide recommendations regarding their significance and management. As part of the background literature and records review, SWCA investigated a 1-mile (1.6-km) radius of the currently proposed project area. The background literature review determined that two previous cultural resources surveys are known to have been conducted within portions of the proposed project area; however, no archaeological sites have been recorded within the project area. Three additional cultural resources surveys, and no known archaeological sites are located within a 1-mile (1.6-km) radius of the project area. The historic map review did not identify any potentially historic-age structures within or immediately adjacent to (within 350 feet [107 meters] of) the current project area; however, a potential historic ranch complex was identified approximately 0.85 mile (1.37 km) east of the southern terminus of the proposed project area. SWCA archaeologists surveyed the entire 2.40-mile-long (3.86-km-long) project area using intensive shovel test excavations and examination of available exposures. The survey encountered vegetation typical of the Semiarid Edwards Plateau ecoregion, generally consisting of arid-land scrub brush and short grasses, underlain by calcareous soil with a shallow limestone bedrock. SWCA conducted pedestrian survey, augmented with shovel testing, along the entire length of the 2.40- mile (3.86-km) project area, within a 100-foot (30.5-meter) wide corridor. The THC’s survey standards require a minimum of 16 shovel tests per mile, per 100 feet of corridor width with thorough documentation of all exceptions (e.g., disturbance, slope, and impervious surfaces). Based on these standards, the project area required 39 shovel tests. SWCA excavated a total of 44 shovel tests within the project area, exceeding the THC’s required survey standards. No cultural materials were identified on the ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated within the project area. In accordance with the ACT, SWCA made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify cultural resources within the project area. No archaeological sites were identified that meet the criteria for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark, per 13 Texas Administrative Code 26.12; therefore, SWCA recommends that no additional cultural resources investigations should be warranted within the project area, as currently defined

Intensive Archeological Survey of Farm-to-Market 148 in Kaufman County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 58.7 acres along and between Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 148 and U.S. Route (US) 175 in Kaufman County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Kevin Hanselka served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8246. The total area of potential effects (APE) comprises the existing 23.5 acres of state right-ofway (ROW), the 33 acres of proposed new ROW, and the 2.2 acres of proposed drainage easement within the project limits. The project extends approximately 1.6 miles from US 175 to the existing FM 148 near its crossing with Anthony Branch. The depth of impact is anticipated to be restricted to the surface for the majority of the project; however, specific areas within the APE will require mechanical grading, installation of bridge support piers, and the placement of box culverts. The areas with the deepest anticipated subsurface disturbance include the proposed culverted crossing of Anthony Branch and the US 175 main lane bridge spanning the FM 148 Bypass. Background research did not identify any previously recorded cultural resources within the current APE, or any previously identified cultural resources within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius of the proposed APE. However, during the historic maps review, SWCA identified a historic railroad bed that intersects the northern portion of the APE. Modern aerial maps show that neither the railroad nor the railroad bed currently exist within the APE. The historic map review also identified four potential historic structures adjacent to the existing FM 148 ROW. Three of the four structures are still standing, but all are outside of the APE and should not be affected by the proposed construction and road improvements. SWCA conducted field investigations in compliance with the Texas Historical Commission Archeological Survey Standards, and this document was produced consistent with the Council of Texas Archeologists guidelines for reporting. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with limited shovel testing and backhoe trenching for deep testing of cultural materials, where access had been granted. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE in which access was possible. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the surveyed APE. However, once access is granted, intensive archeological survey is recommended on a proposed survey area on the northern end of the APE to which access is presently denied, in order to address its potential for historic resources

Intensive Archeological Survey of County Road 541 in Montague County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 0.31 acre of existing right-of-way (ROW) along County Road (CR) 541 in Montague County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8226. The total area of potential effects (APE) comprises the existing 50-foot-wide ROW at the Herring Branch of Big Sandy Creek crossing. The project extends from approximately 130 feet south of the center of the Herring Branch of Big Sandy Creek to 270 feet to the north. Based on the bridge design, the depth of impacts is estimated to be up to 30 feet for the bridge supports and up to 3 feet for the rest of the project. Background research did not identify any recorded cultural resources surveys that cross the APE, nor any within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius. Additionally, no archeological sites, recorded landmarks, cemeteries, National Register of Historic Places districts or properties, or historical markers are within or adjacent to the project area. A historic map review of the area does not indicate any potential historic resources within or adjacent to the APE. SWCA conducted field investigations in compliance with the Texas Historical Commission Archeological Survey Standards, and this document was produced consistent with the Council of Texas Archeologists guidelines for reporting. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with limited shovel testing and backhoe trenching. Through testing, SWCA determined that the APE is heavily disturbed by existing roadway construction and utilities. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE. The field investigation discovered no cultural resources; therefore, SWCA recommends that a finding of “no historic properties affected” be made for the current undertaking