Virginia journal of science最新文献

{"title":"The Effects of Climate on Radial Growth of Disjunct Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) in Virginia","authors":"J. A. Kincaid","doi":"10.25778/WGGY-JY81","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/WGGY-JY81","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding the geographic range and growth of species is essential for effective land management in a landscape affected by anthropogenic activity and climate change. Climate change is expected to alter the distribution and growth of many tree species in eastern North America, including northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.). This research examined the effects of climate on radial growth of T. occidentalis in disjunct populations south of its continuous range margin in eastern North America. A T. occidentalis tree-ring chronology was developed and examined for growth-climate interactions. Mean sensitivity of the T. occidentalis chronology was within the range of values reported for the species in northern portions of its range. Significant positive correlations existed between the T. occidentalis chronology and moisture variables late in the growing season of the previous year and current year. The relationship between the T. occidentalis chronology and temperature was more variable with significant positive and negative correlations throughout the previous year and current year. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model suggested moisture conditions late in the growing season of the previous year and current year had a significant positive influence on the growth of T. occidentalis. In contrast, maximum temperature in March of the current year negatively influenced the growth of T. occidentalis. While the mean sensitivity of T. occidentalis appears similar throughout its range, there is geographic variability in the climate-growth response of T. occidentalis. More research is necessary to expand the scope of our knowledge concerning T. occidentalis growth throughout its range.","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86317061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Vacuuming Pervious Concrete on Infiltration Rate","authors":"Demetrios E. Maurakis, E. Maurakis","doi":"10.25778/Q3H4-M763","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/Q3H4-M763","url":null,"abstract":"The objectives of this research were twofold: test the infiltration rate of pervious concrete before and after vacuum cleaning, and assess infiltration variability over time. Infiltration tests were performed on a 558.2 m2 area of pervious concrete, divided into sixteen 0.35 m2 test areas in a parking area at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia on five dates from November 4-December 30, 2013. Average infiltration rates (avg.= 22.8 and 36.3 L/m2/min) immediately after vacuuming were lower than those (avg.=30.7 and 41.3 L/m2/min) before vacuuming. We hypothesize that the vacuuming lifted materials towards the surface from deeper crevices of the lower profile of the pervious concrete, which clogged interstices in the upper portion of the pervious concrete, and impeded infiltration. Over time, however, average infiltration rates recovered, increasing significantly from 22.8 -44.1 L/m2/min (93% increase) from November 4 through December 30, 2013 (56 days). Ergo, over time, the infiltration capability of the pervious concrete increased as rains likely washed sediments to lower profiles and allow for increased infiltration rates, consistent with the findings of other studies. Infiltration rates on the leading edge of the pervious concrete area receiving runoff from adjacent impervious asphalt surfaces were significantly lower than those furthest away from the leading edge. In contrast to recommendations specifying that pervious concrete be regularly vacuumed monthly, we propose that annual or semiannual vacuuming of pervious concrete would allow adequate infiltration, and reduce costs significantly for pervious concrete areas located in the mid-Atlantic region.","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82982452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microstructure of Attachment Mechanisms of Newly Hatched Larvae of Four Cyprinid Species with Comments on Terminology","authors":"George E. Maurakis, E. Maurakis","doi":"10.25778/XJT5-TR11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/XJT5-TR11","url":null,"abstract":"An adhesive organ is a prominent, protruding mucus secreting gland that is used by newly hatched tadpoles and larvae of some fishes to attach to aquatic vegetation. The objective of this research is to test the hypothesis that newly hatched cyprinid larvae of Hybognathus hankinsoni, Notemigonus crysoleucas, Cyprinus carpio and Gila atraria contain cephalic adhesive organs. Newly hatched larvae of Semotilus atromaculatus, which do not attach to submerged aquatic vegetation, were used as the control. SEM examination of newly hatched larvae indicate there were no adhesive organs on the control species (S. atromaculatus) or test species (H. hankinsoni, N. crysoleucas, C. carpio and G. atraria). Rather, newly hatched larvae of test species contain a localized highly modified epidermis (i.e., primarily on the ventral cephalic and anterioventral yolk sac surfaces of H. hankinsoni, N. crysoleucas, C. carpio, and G. atraria, and sometimes on dorsal cephalic epidermal cells of H. hankinsoni, C. carpio, and G. atraria). This modified epidermis is composed of epidermal cells with unculi-like projections, elevated microridges at peripheries of epidermal cells, and mucus from apical pores of goblet cells that probably are responsible for attachment of test species to substrates. We hypothesize that the unculi-like projections at centers of epidermal cells in newly hatched larval test cyprinids are true unculi. There is a need to define and clarify the meanings of words and phrases (i.e., cement gland, cement gland apparatus, cement gland-like structure, casquette, temporary adhesive glands, adhesive apparatus, adhesive gland, adhesive organ, attachment organ, and glue secretion and adhesion) for structures used by newly hatched larvae to attach to substrates. Definitions should be based on homologies, crucial in phylogenetic reconstructions of species relationships and in identifying developmental homologues of cells, tissues, glands, and organs that have been described as mechanisms for attachment by newly hatched larvae of various species to substrates. We proposed the phrase “attachment mechanism” as a broad definition for the ways in which newly hatched larvae attach and adhere to substrates during early development. This broad definition, however, should be modified to define specific methods of attachment (e.g. attachment mechanism of unculi, elevated epidermal microridges, and mucus) to assist in defining homologies.","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73322676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Erythristic Morph of Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) Collected in Virginia","authors":"Trevor L Chapman, B. Gall, Kari L. Spivey","doi":"10.25778/VCC9-MM67","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/VCC9-MM67","url":null,"abstract":"Eight different color polymorphisms of the Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) have been described throughout its range. Among them, the erythristic phenotype is a mimetic morph with coloration patterns similar to that of toxic Eastern Newt efts (Notophthalmus viridescens). We describe an erythristic morph of P. cinereus collected at Mountain Lake Biological Station, Virginia. To our knowledge, there are no prior published records of this morph in Virginia.","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79006110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A New Long-tailed Weasel County Record in Shenandoah National Park","authors":"Jason V. Lombardi, M. T. Mengak, S. Castleberry, Vanessa C. K. Terrell, M. Fies","doi":"10.25778/QY29-TQ49","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/QY29-TQ49","url":null,"abstract":"Though abundant throughout much of its range, the ecology and local geographic distribution of Mustela frenata (Long-tailed Weasel) is not wellknown, especially in the central Appalachian Mountains. In 2015, we conducted a camera study in rock outcrop habitats within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Our objective was to determine the presence of mammals considered uncommon in these habitats. After 2,016 trap nights, we report eleven photographic captures of Long-tailed Weasels at eight sites. Two of these sites represent the first record of this species in Rappahannock County, Virginia. These detections represent the first record of Long-tailed Weasels in Shenandoah National Park in 60 years and extend their known range within the Park.","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72816677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring New Models for Seatbelt Use in Survey Data","authors":"Mark K. Ledbetter, N. Diawara, B. E. Porter","doi":"10.25778/SETP-H375","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/SETP-H375","url":null,"abstract":"Problem: Several approaches to analyze seatbelt use have been proposed in the literature. Two methods that has not been explored are the use of unweighted and weighted logistic regression model and the use of item response theory (IRT) or the Rasch model. Since accurate methods to predict seatbelt use behavior based upon observed data must include a builtin design method and model, and overcome computation challenges, weighted and IRT method deem to be other options for an observational survey of seat belt use in the state of Virginia. Method: The observed data from 136 sites within the Commonwealth of Virginia over two years was collected in a two stage systematic stratified proportional to size sampling plan. The data is analyzed using a weighted Rasch model. Results: A relationship between seatbelt use of drivers weighted for county aggregate population size and length of the road segment observed and the factors of vehicle type and gender standardized using a standardized scale is confirmed using logistic regression model selection and AIC analysis. IRT model was considered and was found highly significant. Practical Application: The addition of socio-economic measures, measure of road and driving difficulty, and data from other states may allow the prediction of seatbelt use with a in a new methodology: the models provide tools for policy decision-making.","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78717721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Content Mining Techniques for Detecting Cyberbullying in Social Media","authors":"Shawniece L Parker, Y. Hu","doi":"10.25778/WHAA-RK11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/WHAA-RK11","url":null,"abstract":"The use of social media has become an increasingly popular trend, and it is most favorite amongst teenagers. A major problem concerning teens using social media is that they are often unaware of the dangers involved when using these media. Also, teenagers are more inclined to misuse social media because they are often unaware of the privacy rights associated with the use of that particular media, or the rights of the other users. As a result, cyberbullying cases have a steady rise in recent years and have gone undiscovered, or are not discovered until serious harm has been caused to the victims. This study aims to create an effective algorithm that can be used to detect cyberbullying in social media using content mining. Bullies may not use only one social media to victimize other users. Therefore, the proposed algorithm must detect whether or not a user is victimizing someone through one or more social media accounts, then determine which social media accounts are being used to carry out the victimization. To achieve this goal, the algorithm will collect information from content shared by the users in all of their social media accounts, then will determine which content to extract based on a big data technology involving phrases or words that might be used by cyberbullies. Any extracted data will reveal some insight into whether or not cyberbullying is occurring and trigger appropriate approaches to handle it.","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81859947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupancy Rates and Detection Probabilities of Red-Backed Salamanders on the Virginia Fall Line","authors":"J. D. McGhee","doi":"10.25778/BHQ9-3R58","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/BHQ9-3R58","url":null,"abstract":"To meet the conservation needs of declining amphibian populations, there is a need to assess monitoring techniques in various habitat types and seasons. I assessed detection rates and proportion of area occupied via transect monitoring for red-backed salamanders at a site along the Virginia Fall Line in Doswell, Virginia. I established 24 transects in a 3.2-ha area in both riparian and upland habitats. Objects providing natural cover along these transects were sampled 3 times a week in fall and spring over a twoyear period. Models of occupancy and detection were developed and compared using Akaike’s Information Criterion. Based on 113 captures, model selection indicated a low fixed initial occupancy of transects with seasonal changes in colonization and extinction. Detection probability was uniformly low, possibly contributing to model uncertainty in determining the best explanatory variables. I infer that the increased colonization of transect cover objects during fall and increased emigration from cover objects during spring is a result of changing moisture conditions and feeding opportunities. It is likely that occupancy and detection will vary substantially for survey sites based on habitat, season, or even by transect placement, and thus managers will need to estimate these parameters for any population monitoring program of red-backed salamanders. INTRODUCTION In view of the worldwide decline of amphibian populations and the increased interest to conserve these populations, biologists have been highly interested in developing robust monitoring methods for specific populations, habitats, or sites of conservation interest (Dodd and Barichivich, 2007; Adams et al., 2013; Petitot et al., 2014). One problem in developing these methods is that, regardless of the sampling technique, there is a possibility that an observer will fail to detect an individual of the population of interest when they are present on the sampling site. Thus, the apparent absence of a taxon could mean that members of the population of interest are truly absent from the sampling site or that they are present but not detected. Because this problem has significant implications for whether management strategies are implemented, any robust monitoring method will require the estimation of detection probabilities, the probability (ranging between 0 – 1) that an individual will be detected by a survey procedure, given that is available to be found (Schmidt, 2003). Unfortunately, the detection probability is likely to vary extensively based on a suite of environmental Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 67, No. 1, 2016 http://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol67/iss1 doi: 10.25778/BHQ9-3R58 Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 67, No. 1, 2016 https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol67/iss1 VIRGINIA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 10 2 variables, species differences, population size differences, and even individual behavioral differences (Lancia et al., 1996; Dodd and Dorazio, 2004; Tanadini and Schmidt, 2","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75512062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Virginia’s Amphibians: Status, Threats and Conservation","authors":"J. Sevin, John D. Kleopfer","doi":"10.25778/5FQ1-AY82","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/5FQ1-AY82","url":null,"abstract":"Virginia’s diverse environments support 84 amphibian species (anurans and caudates), making it the third highest state in terms of species richness. However, the Commonwealth matches the global trend in declining amphibian populations with over one-third of its amphibian species in conservation need. The Species of Greatest Conservation Need included in the most recent Virginia Wildlife Action Plan cut across amphibian families and ecoregions. It is challenging to ascertain the exact cause of most of the population declines. In one degree or another, all of the global threats to amphibians exist within Virginia’s borders. While an active research program on amphibians exists in the Commonwealth, there are an abundance of data deficient topics where research can help detect and inform the cause of these declines, as well as evaluate management efforts. On a positive note, there are a large number of existing conservation efforts being undertaken across Virginia that directly or indirectly benefit local amphibians. “These foal and loathsome animals are abhorrent because of their cold body, pale color, cartilaginous skeleton, filthy skin, fierce aspect, calculating eye, offensive smell, harsh voice, squalid habitation, and terrible venom; and so their Creator has not exerted his powers to make many of them.” Carolus Linnaeus 1758 INTRODUCTION Some people would likely still describe amphibians as Linnaeus once did, but today we know they are a diverse class of vertebrates, many in number and integral components of ecosystems (Hocking and Babbitt 2014). They are ecologically recognized for their energy efficiency and nutrient cycling. Amphibians serve as prey to many different organisms and as predators consuming vast numbers of insects, including those species that are vectors for diseases or cause agricultural damage. 1 Corresponding author: jennifer.sevin@gmail.com Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 66, No. 3, 2015 https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol66/iss3 278 VIRGINIA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE People have, and continue, to use amphibians for a variety of purposes, including as food, pets and cultural icons. Additionally, the applications of amphibians for human health are wide ranging, including serving as important research subjects and for the treatment of all kinds of ailments (Burggren and Warburton 2007, O'Rourke 2007, Hocking and Babbitt 2014). Amphibians are the earliest terrestrial Tetrapods, first appearing during the late Devonian Period about 360 million years ago. Their physiological, biological, behavioral and ecological adaptations have enabled them to inhabit every continent except Antarctica. Over 7,400 species of amphibians have been described globally across three orders: Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata (salamanders and newts) and Gymnophiona (caecilians) (refer to www.amhibiaweb.org for the most up to date species list). Amphibians are ectothermic organisms mostly known for their permeable skin, complex life cycles, limited mobilit","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74857954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Freshwater Mussels of Virginia (Bivalvia: Unionidae): An Introduction to Their Life History, Status and Conservation","authors":"Jess W. Jones","doi":"10.25778/3BAJ-MQ15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25778/3BAJ-MQ15","url":null,"abstract":"With 77 species, the mussel fauna of Virginia is one of the most diverse in the United States. Fifty-four species or ~70% of the state’s mussel fauna occurs in the rivers of the upper Tennessee River basin, especially in the Clinch and Powell rivers of southwestern Virginia. An additional 23 species reside in rivers of the Atlantic Slope, including the Potomac, Rappahannock, York, James and Chowan basins, and in the New River, a major tributary to the Ohio River. A total of 39 species or 51% of Virginia’s mussel fauna is listed as federally endangered, state endangered or state threatened. Excess sediment, nutrients and various types of pollutants entering streams from agriculture and industries are the main drivers of imperilment. Freshwater mussels reproduce in a specialized way, one that requires a fish to serve as a host to their larvae, called glochidia, allowing the larvae to metamorphose to the juvenile stage. This extra step in their life cycle uniquely defines mussels among bivalve mollusks worldwide, in freshwater or marine environments, and adds significant complexity to their reproductive biology. Further, they utilize “lures” that mimic prey of fishes to attract their host. Mussels rely on their fish host to provide them with long-distance dispersal and nutrition while they are glochidia, which are small (<0.5 mm) ecto-parasites that attach and encyst on the gills and fins of fishes, typically taking weeks to months to metamorphose, excyst and then drop-away as similar-sized juveniles to the stream bottom where they grow into adults. Adult mussels are mostly sedentary animals living in the benthos, i.e., the bottom of streams and lakes, typically in mixed substrates of sand, gravel and fine sediments. Mussels generally filter suspended organic particles <20 μm from the water column but can also filter deposited particles through the shell-gap when burrowed in the benthos. Further, the adults of most species are long-lived, regularly living 25-50 years or longer in freshwater environments throughout North America. Conservation of freshwater mussels in Virginia will require citizens, nongovernmental organizations, local, county, state and federal governments to apply their resources to five main areas: (1) water quality monitoring and Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 66, No. 3, 2015 http://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol66/iss3 310 VIRGINIA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE regulation enforcement, (2) restoration of stream habitat, (3) restoration of mussel populations, (4) educating the public about the importance and status of mussels, and (5) monitoring and research to understand why mussels are declining and what are the best ways to protect them. Sustained long-term efforts in these five areas offers the greatest potential to conserve freshwater mussels throughout Virginia. INTRODUCTION With 77 documented species, the mussel fauna of Virginia is one of the most diverse in the United States — only the states of Alabama (178 species), Tennessee (1","PeriodicalId":23516,"journal":{"name":"Virginia journal of science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87286032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}