https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.020

Where Is This Undergraduate Research Wave Taking Us?

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.021

Author(s):

Mark Benvenuto

Affiliation:

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, Michigan 48219-0900 USA

Guest Comment
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Education at the University of Northern Iowa

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.022

Author(s):

Kichoon Yang

Affiliation:

College of Natural Sciences, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0181 USA

Theoretical Neuroscience: Modeling the Activation Mechanism of Potassium Channels in Neurons

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.023

Author(s):

Kevin Twedt

Affiliation:

Department of Physics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

We have modeled the electrostatic interaction between the S4 segment of the potassium channel molecule and the surrounding water molecules on both the intracellular and extracellular sides of the neural axon cell membrane. Two methods were used to approximate this interaction: (i) a macroscopic evaluation in which the water was treated as a dielectric medium with dielectric constant 80; (ii) a microscopic evaluation considering the effects of each individual water molecule fixed in position within the water pockets surrounding the S4 segment. The potential energy of the S4 due to the water pockets was plotted against the rotation of the S4 segment, while keeping the water pockets in their fixed positions. Although the two methods gave some differing results, both methods produced single well potential energy curves of ~6-9 eV depth. Based on this energy curve, we show that other forces on the S4 must create an effective torsional spring force with spring constant k~3-5 eV in order to produce a two well potential energy curve in qualitative agreement with experimental data.

Computerized Data Reduction and Analysis in Positron Annihilation Coincidence Doppler Broadening Spectroscopy

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.024

Author(s):

A. Harrich, S. Jagsch, S. Riedler and W. Rosinger

Affiliation:

Department of Automotive Engineering, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Alte Poststr. 149, A-8020 Graz, Austria

ABSTRACT:

Positron annihilation spectroscopy is a sensitive probe for studying the electronic structure of defects in solids. The high-momentum part of the Doppler-broadened spectra can be used to distinguish different elements at the annihilation site. This can be achieved by using a two-detector coincidence system, which reduces the peak to background ratio dramatically. The coincident events have to be extracted from a two-dimensional spectrum that is recorded by two high-purity germanium detectors. For this purpose the computer program MePASto was developed, which allows an automated data reduction from such Doppler-coincidence spectra, supplemented by a post-processing unit for data analysis. Additionally a case study of the identification of defect sites in an intermetallic compound is presented.

NBA Draft Lottery Probabilities

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.025

Author(s):

Chad R. Florke and Mark D. Ecker

Affiliation:

Department of Mathematics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0506 USA

ABSTRACT:

We examine the evolution of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA’s) Draft Lottery by showing how the changes implemented by the Board of Governors have impacted the probabilities of obtaining top picks in the ensuing draft lottery. We explore how these changes have impacted the team with the worst record and also investigate the conditional probabilities of the fourth worst team receiving the third pick. These calculations are conditioned upon two specified teams receiving the first two selections. We show that the probability of the fourth worst team receiving the third pick can be made unconditionally. We calculate the probabilities for the fourth worst team to move up in the draft to receive either the first, second, or third selections, along with its chance of keeping the fourth pick or even dropping in the draft. We find there is a higher chance for the fourth worst team to drop to the fifth, sixth or seventh position than to stay at the fourth position or move up.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.014

How Should an Undergraduate Research Journal Be Different?

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.015

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Three-Minute Herbal Treatment to Reduce Dental Caries with a Newbouldia laevis Based Extract

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.016

Author(s):

Amaechina Okechukwu Okeke

Affiliation:

Department of Botany, University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria

ABSTRACT:

An extract made from leaves of the tree Newbouldia laevis was tested as a bactericide for the bacteria implicated in dental caries. Thirty toothache patients used the extract as a mouthwash and the mouthwash’s bactericidal action was tested under laboratory conditions. Bacterial action was arrested in 25 of the 30 patients.

The Relationship of Apis mellifera with Exotic and Native Plants in Boulder County, Colorado

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.017

Author(s):

Kira Krend and Christina Murphy

Affiliation:

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309 USA

ABSTRACT:

Since honeybees (Apis mellifera) were introduced to North America in the 1600’s, their influence has been profound and widespread. As pollinators, honeybees are extremely valuable economically and are vital to crop pollination. However, their presence has affected native ecosystems, including the plains ecosystem in Colorado. Using recruitment and other unique foraging characteristics, honeybees may be out-competing native pollinators for nectar and pollen resources. Our study was designed to determine if A. mellifera has a preference for exotic or native plants. We observed patches of exotic plants and patches of native plants and recorded the type of bee (exotic or native) that visited each flowering head. We also examined data from Kearns and Oliveras (unpublished), which illustrates that invasive plant species are also popular with native bees, and may draw vital pollinators away from native plants. Our results indicate that honeybees prefer to visit exotic invasive plant species to native plants. Consequently, honeybees may contribute to the spread of exotic plant species and the decline of native plant species, reducing biodiversity. Thus, native plants are doubly jeopardized. The invasion of exotic flora and fauna into native ecosystems on the plains of Colorado is part of a worldwide phenomenon of species invasion, and researchers must continue to investigate interspecies relationships to minimize the potential negative effects of invasive species.

Physiological and Behavioral Effects of d-threo-methylphenidate Hydrochloride in Male Wistar-Kyoto and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.018

Author(s):

Jennifer Lee Sayler, Linda Tennison, and David Mitchell

Affiliation:

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374 USA

ABSTRACT:

Millions of children and adults worldwide are diagnosed with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and yet its very existence, definition, and treatment are surrounded with discord and controversy. ADHD and its treatments are brought together through this investigation into the effects that drug therapy has on Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and a strain of Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR) selectively inbred from WKY rats. The effects of the drug d-threo-methylphenidate hydrochloride (d-MPH – the d-isomer of the ADHD drug Ritalin) on spatial working memory abilities, overall growth rate, blood glucose levels, blood pH, and erythrocyte membrane lipids were examined in the two rat strains. Although all four physiological properties remained constant and normal over the course of the experiment, the spatial working memory abilities were inhibited in WKY rats receiving the drug. These results suggest that the d-isomer of this drug may have a significant impact on cognitive function in rats and possibly humans.

The “Arousal Effect”: An Alternative Interpretation of the Mozart Effect

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.019

Author(s):

Melecio Gonzalez Jr., Glenn E. Smith IV, David W. Stockwell, and Robert S. Horton

Affiliation:

Wabash College, 301 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933 USA

ABSTRACT:

Previous research suggests that listening to Mozart’s music enhances performance on subsequent tests of spatial ability. One explanation for this result is that Mozart’s music produces a positive arousal state that increases alertness and thus, enhances spatial performance. In this study, we sampled elementary students in order to investigate (1) the presence of the Mozart effect and (2) the possibility that the Mozart effect can be explained by increased levels of arousal. We assigned participants randomly to (1) listen to Mozart (Mozart group), (2) play active games (active group), or (3) sit in silence (control group) prior to completing a spatial abilities task. We expected that (1) both the Mozart and active groups would perform better on the spatial test than the control group and (2) the active group would perform better on the spatial test than the Mozart group. Pre-planned orthogonal contrasts revealed that the Mozart and active groups outperformed the control group but the Mozart and active groups performed similarly. Implications of these data for understanding the Mozart effect and for improving grade school education are discussed.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.007

The International Connection

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.008

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

The Influence of Meta-Experimental Factors on Compliance and Attitudes: Participant Motivation and Experimenter Demeanor

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.009

Author(s):

Kelly Jo Hubers, Elizabeth R. Graf, and Sherri B. Lantinga

Affiliation:

Department of Psychology, Dordt College, 498 4th Ave NE, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250 USA

ABSTRACT:

An experimental study examined the effects of participant motivation (required vs. voluntary participation) and experimenter demeanor (participants treated as co-researchers or as data-producers) on compliance and participant attitude. Participants completed a meaningless task and then filled out a questionnaire about their attitudes toward the experimenter and task. Compliance was measured by how long and how accurately participants worked on the task. Results indicate that Participant Motivation type affects attitudes toward the experimenter and task and Experimenter Demeanor affects compliance on a task. Voluntary Co-Researcher participants had more positive attitudes and marked on the most number of pages but did not complete the task correctly compared to other participants. Future research could increase the impossibility of the task to see how much participants will comply, and should look at the effect on compliance that a greater difference in position between experimenters and participants may have.

Electrodeposition of Silver and Copper/Silver Multilayer on Ruthenium Substrate as a Potential New Metal Interconnect for Integrated Circuits

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.010

Author(s):

Chris Cheng, Tiruchirapalli Arunagiri, and Oliver Chyan

Affiliation:

Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203 USA

ABSTRACT:

As the demand for faster and cheaper integrated circuits prevalent in today’s technology continues to rise, there is a challenge to produce even smaller and faster circuits in less time and for less cost. Our work explores the superior conductivity of silver metal for the application as a more conductive metal interconnects in next generation integrated circuits. In this work, ruthenium was chosen as the diffusion barrier platform on which a precise and uniform coating of silver would be deposited electrochemically. However, the adhesion testing revealed poor adhesion between deposited Ag thin film and its Ru substrate. The adhesion problem was corrected by installing a thin Cu priming layer on Ru prior to Ag deposition. A two- steps Ag plating protocol was developed to overcome the unwanted Ag displacement reaction with Cu and achieved the preparation of Ag/Cu/Ru multiplayer, which showed good adhesion after peel test.

Improved NEPA Substations On-Line Monitoring Technology Using Optical Fiber Sensors

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.011

Author(s):

M. A. Omidiora

Affiliation:

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT:

Condition monitoring of power substations is a significant issue for the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) of Nigeria. Current methods for monitoring the condition of high voltage equipment are time consuming and often inaccurate, therefore causing catastrophic damage to the substation equipment. Recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of employing optical fiber sensors in condition monitoring of substation equipment. These sensors enhance the current monitoring method and facilitate faster responses to equipment problems. This paper briefly reviews the state of the arts, but is primarily devoted to a discussion of the new approach and future directions in condition monitoring of NEPA substation equipment.

 Electrochemistry in Thin Solid Films of Prussian Blue: A Model Demonstration of Reversible Behavior

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.012

Author(s):

Ryan Hazen, Rose M. Spaulding, and Kasem K. Kasem, Ellen A. Sigle

Affiliation:

Indiana University Kokomo, Kokomo, Indiana 46904 USA

ABSTRACT:

This article discusses the effectiveness of Prussian Blue (PB) or KxFeAx[Fe BY(CN)6]z thin films as a model to demonstrate the concept of reversibility of electron and ion exchange processes. PB structure is modified via exchanging the FeA (the counter ion) with other metal ions that have electrochemically active or inactive redox behavior. The modeling process includes the investigation of the electrochemical behavior of PB before and after modification. The results can be compared and used to derive conclusions about the validity of PB as a model compound.

Advice for Student Authors
How to Organize Your Research Article

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.013

Author(s):

Editorial Staff

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

General information about article organization is presented. Questions about equation placement, chart or graph usage, figure placement, and bibliographic style are answered. Information about how a paper is reviewed is discussed, and steps for submitting a research paper are outlined.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.001

Year One and Counting

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.002

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Filtered Intersections and Filtered Products

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.003

Author(s):

Nicholas Roersma

Affiliation:

Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933-0352 USA

ABSTRACT:

We explore the filtered intersections and filtered products of ideals, modules, and other properties of commutative rings with zero divisors. Set theoretic properties of orderings are considered. The focus is then turned to the compliment of filters, ideals, and similar topics considered for ideal intersections.

Solar Thermal Design: Research, Design and Installation of a Solar Hot Water System for Redwood National Park

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.004

Author(s):

Andrew Sorter, Kelly Miess, Richard Engel, and Angelique Sorensen

Affiliation:

Environmental Resources Engineering, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California 95521 USA

ABSTRACT:

This paper details the research, design and installation of the solar thermal water-heating project at the Redwood Information Center (RIC) in Orick, California, USA. The project was completed as part of the University-National Park Energy Partnership Program (UNPEPP) for the summer of 2002.

A Comparison of Two Equivalent Real Formulations for Complex-Valued Linear Systems Part 2: Results

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.005

Author(s):

Abnita Munankarmy and Michael A. Heroux

Affiliation:

Department of Computer Science, College of Saint Benedict, 37 South College Avenue, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374 USA

ABSTRACT:

Many iterative linear solver packages focus on real-valued systems and do not deal well with complex-valued systems, even though preconditioned iterative methods typically apply to both real and complex-valued linear systems. Instead, commonly available packages such as PETSc and Aztec tend to focus on the real-valued systems, while complex-valued systems are seen as a late addition. At the same time, by changing the complex problem into an equivalent real formulation (ERF), a real valued solver can be used. In this paper we consider two ERF’s that can be used to solve complex-valued linear systems. We investigate the spectral properties of each and show how each can be preconditioned to move eigenvalues in a cloud around the point (1,0) in the complex plane. Finally, we consider an interleaved formulation, combining each of the previously mentioned approaches, and show that the interleaved form achieves a better outcome than either separate ERF.

[This article is the second part of a sequence of reports. See the December 2002 issue for Part 1—Editor.]

Computational Modeling of Pool Games: Sensitivity of Outcomes to Initial Conditions

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.006

Author(s):

Christian Leerberg and M.W. Roth

Affiliation:

Department of Physics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

We present a study of the sensitivity of trajectories of pool balls to initial conditions. In the first component of the study our simulations include all sixteen balls. Variables include cue ball initial velocity and position on the “table”. We find that in a certain regime of initial conditions the system seems to show self-similarity, but as the range of initial cue ball angle and initial velocity is restricted, the system exhibits an interesting evolution towards a single point in parameter space, with the ball landing in only one pocket. We also examine the effects of varying the number of balls on the table, and how their dynamics may be interpreted using various plots and maps. Finally, the trajectory of a single cue ball is examined while it moves through the table space. Starting with the cue ball placed in the middle of the right wall of the table (traditional and rectangular in shape) and fired directly downward the system exhibits a two-cycle pattern. Then as the angle of fire is increased the system exhibits a four cycle, a three cycle and finally a two cycle all separated by noisy patterns. Effects of numerical artificialities are briefly discussed.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.016

For Undergraduate Research Advisors

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.017

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Guest Editorial
Why Research has a Role with Teachers

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.018

Author(s):

Jean Moon, Ph.D.

Affiliation:

Advisor to the ExxonMobil Foundation’s Education Programs, 321 Reedy Meadow Road, Groton, Massachusetts 01450 USA

Computer Simulations of Planet Collisions Using a New Parallel Algorithm

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.019

Author(s):

W. Even and M.W. Roth

Affiliation:

Department of Physics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

New deterministic computer simulations have been developed for studying the dynamics of large objects colliding. For various initial conditions the system may clump together forming a new object or may rotate, causing ejecta to leave the primary mass in a pattern sustaining only a short number of orbits, but promising of satellite formation. Bodies without a large central mass are not able to form a cohesive object, and fly apart upon impact. A rudimentary scaling study when the code is parallelized using a force-decomposition scheme suggests that the computational time scales inversely as the number of processors when less than four are involved and the gains are somewhat less pronounced as the number of processors increases.

Women Managers and the Experience Of Work-Family Conflict

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.020

Authors and Affiliations:

Megan Apperson, Heather Schmidt, Sarah Moore, and Leon Grunberg
Comparative Sociology Department, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington 98416 USA

Ed Greenberg
Department of Political Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0483 USA

ABSTRACT:

Gender and managerial status have previously been found to relate to work-family conflict, though the combination of gender and managerial status has received less attention. This study explores differences in levels of work-family conflict and related job attitude and health and coping variables among women managers, men managers, women non-managers, and men non-managers at a large organization. Women managers experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, work role overload, and problem drinking. However, the levels of work to family conflict were unexpectedly similar between women and men managers. Possible explanations for this are considered.

A Comparison of Two Equivalent Real Formulations for Complex-Valued Linear Systems Part 1: Introduction and Method

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.021

Author(s):

Abnita Munankarmy and Michael A. Heroux

Affiliation:

Department of Computer Science, College of Saint Benedict, 37 South College Avenue, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374 USA

ABSTRACT:

Many iterative linear solver packages focus on real-valued systems and do not deal well with complex-valued systems, even though preconditioned iterative methods typically apply to both real and complex-valued linear systems. Instead, commonly available packages such as PETSc [1] and Aztec [2] tend to focus on the real-valued systems, while complex-valued systems are seen as a late addition. At the same time, by changing the complex problem into an equivalent real formulation (ERF), a real valued solver can be used. In this paper we consider two ERF’s that can be used to solve complex-valued linear systems. We investigate the spectral properties of each and show how each can be preconditioned to move eigenvalues in a cloud around the point (1,0) in the complex plane. Finally, we consider an interleaved formulation, combining each of the previously mentioned approaches, and show that the interleaved form achieves a better outcome than either separate ERF.

Coexistence of Ferromagnetic and Glassy States in Mechanically Milled GdAl2

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.022

Authors and Affiliations:

C. Stark and P.M. Shand
Physics Department, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

T.M. Pekarek
Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 USA

D. Williams, R. Brown, L. Yue, and D.L. Leslie-Pelecky
Center for Materials Research and Analysis, and Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0111 USA

ABSTRACT:

Measurements of DC susceptibility, AC susceptibility, and AC susceptibility with an applied DC bias field were performed on mechanically milled GdAl2. A paramagnetic phase exists above a temperature T ≈ 140 K. However, there are significant deviations from the Curie-Weiss Law in this temperature regime, suggesting multiple magnetic components. Fits to the high temperature data show that two Curie-Weiss terms represent the data quite well. Below 140 K one of these magnetic components becomes ferromagnetic as indicated by a shoulder in the AC susceptibility and DC susceptibility data. This ferromagnetic component is suppressed by the application of sufficiently strong DC bias field. Accompanying this shoulder is a peak at lower temperatures (T < 50 K), which suggests the existence of another component that is magnetically glassy in nature. The two-component behavior of mechanically milled GdAl2 can be explained in terms of the nanostructure of the material, which consists of nanometer-sized grains and a disordered interphase.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.009

For Undergraduate Researchers

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.010

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Guest Editorial

Learning Science by Doing Science

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.011

Author(s):

W. Franklin Gilmore

Affiliation:

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, P.O. Box 13975, 99 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 USA

Hydrologic Contaminant Transport Modeling: A Novel Analytical and Computational Approach Title

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.012

Author(s):

C.M. Wilson, M.W. Roth, & M.Z. Iqbal

Affiliation:

University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614 USA

ABSTRACT:

We have developed a method for modeling contaminant transport in aquifers with rectangular boundaries utilizing an analytical solution to the porous medium flow equation and a finite difference solution to the advection-dispersion equation. Any number of wells may be placed within the aquifer, as well as any number of non-interacting contaminants. Constant head boundaries that simulate rivers may be included by means of a source term. With realistic parameters we are able to successfully model and predict contamination transport in an on campus well site used for both undergraduate pedagogy and research.

Adolescent Mothers and Internal Representational Models: Abuse, Neglect, and Romantic Relationships

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.013

Author(s):

Sandye Ouzts and Keri Weed

Affiliation:

Department of Psychology, 471 University Parkway, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 USA

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this study was to explore risk and protective factors associated with internal representation models of adolescent mothers. The study also looked at the role the mothers’ internal representational models play in their interaction with their romantic partners. The proposed model of abuse and neglect differentiated mothers with adequate internal models from those with abusing or neglecting models. The study was based on data analyses of self-report measures from 28 adolescent mothers from an ongoing longitudinal study. Results confirmed the hypothesis that adolescent mothers with neglecting and abusing internal models, which include a mistrust of self and others, report more depression, lower self-esteem, ineffective problem-solving approach, and pessimism. The results supported the hypothesis that mothers with a history of childhood maltreatment are more likely to have inadequate models. However, mothers who reported maltreatment as a child, but who had an effective problem-solving orientation and trusted themselves, were at less risk for child maltreatment. The results also supported the hypothesis that mothers’ internal models are associated with their romantic attachment style and their interaction with their romantic partners.

Managing Forest Road Removal Using Dynamic Programming: A Pilot Study

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.014

Author(s):

Rebecca L. Teasley

Affiliation:

Environmental Resources Engineering, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California 95521 USA

ABSTRACT:

Since the late 1970’s the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) has led a program to remove abandoned logging roads in Redwood National Park. Because abandoned logging roads contribute large amounts of sediment to local fish bearing streams, the ecosystem health of these waterways suffer. Recent research has identified the effectiveness of preventing sediment from reaching the streams for different road treatments after significant storm events. However, road removal is expensive and time consuming. This research reported in this paper was part of that pilot study, and specifically reviews the feasibility of the optimization algorithm Dynamic Programming (DP), using data from recent research on road removal effectiveness. The DP sought to determine the road removal treatment that maximizes the amount of sediment saved from erosion, while meeting a budgetary constraint. The results indicate that DP is an effective tool for developing a road removal management plan. However, the order in which roads and stream crossings are treated has a large effect on the solution, indicating that the DP formulation has room for improvement. The USGS is supporting further research to reformulate the DP.

A Statistical Examination of Water Quality in Two Iowa Lakes

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.015

Author(s):

Erin Carlson and Mark D. Ecker

Affiliation:

Department of Mathematics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0506 USA

ABSTRACT:

Water quality has become and important issue in the state of Iowa as well as across the entire United States. Two Iowa Lakes, Silver Lake and Casey Lake were chosen for study by a team of biologists, chemists, earth scientists and statisticians from the University of Northern Iowa. Our goals are to statistically compare the water quality in the two lakes in each year and examine whether or not each lake has changed, in terms of water quality variables, from 1999 to 2000. In addition, we explore which variables most affect phosphorus levels in each lake in 2000. Lastly, we explore the spatial distribution of phosphorus in the sediment of each lake. Discriminant Analyses and ANCOVA show significant difference between the two lakes in both 1999 and 2000 as well as a change in Silver Lake’s water quality data from 1999 to 2000. Regression Analyses show that, in Silver Lake, phosphorus levels increased during the summer of 2000 while they decreased with increasing levels of surface dissolved oxygen and decreased as the water became less clear. The analyses also show that phosphorus levels in Lake Casey decreased as the water became less clear. A significant relationship between phosphorus in the sediment and depth exists in Lake Casey. While a significant 2-dimensional spatial correlation cannot be shown in Silver Lake, spatial analyses do show the existence of a significant 3-dimensional spatial correlation in Lake Casey.