Phosphorus (P) risk indices are commonly used in the USA to estimate the field-scale risk of agricultural P runoff. Because the Ohio P Risk Index is increasingly being used to judge farmer performance, it is important...Phosphorus (P) risk indices are commonly used in the USA to estimate the field-scale risk of agricultural P runoff. Because the Ohio P Risk Index is increasingly being used to judge farmer performance, it is important to evaluate weighting/scoring of all P Index parameters to ensure Ohio farmers are credited for practices that reduce P runoff risk and not unduly penalized for things not demonstrably related to runoff risk. A sensitivity analysis provides information as to how sensitive the P Index score is to changes in inputs. The objectives were to determine 1) which inputs are most highly associated with P Index scores and 2) the relative impact of each input variable on resultant P Index scores. The current approach uses simulations across 6134 Ohio point locations and five crop management scenarios (CMSs), representing increasing soil disturbance. The CMSs range from all no-till, which is being promoted in Ohio, rotational tillage, which is a common practice in Ohio to full tillage to represent an extreme practice. Results showed that P Index scores were best explained by soil test P (31.9%) followed by connectivity to water (29.7%), soil erosion (13.4%), fertilizer application amount (11.3%), runoff class (9.5%), fertilizer application method (2.2%), and finally filter strip (2.0%). Ohio P Index simulations across CMSs one through five showed that >40% scored <15 points (low) while <1.5% scored >45 points (very high). Given Ohio water quality problems, the Ohio P Index needs to be stricter. The current approach is useful for Ohio P Index evaluations and revision decisions by spatially illustrating the impact of potential changes regionally and state-wide.展开更多
Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Invasive species can harm both the natur...Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Invasive species can harm both the natural resources in an ecosystem as well as threaten human use of these resources. Walhalla is an urban wooded ravine area (10 acre area) in the middle of Columbus, Ohio. Many residents are actually actively planting new invasive species in a misguided attempt to prevent erosion on their property. Other properties are suffering from not-so-benign neglect, as the existing trees are slowly succumbing to insect infestation and rot (because of moisture trapped by ivy, etc.) and no new saplings are emerging to replace them (because of the thick ground cover). In both of these instances, it’s proving to be difficult to convince the landowners that they’re causing more harm than good—the local soil & water conservation people are all too eager to reinforce the notion that the ground must be covered with a blanket of impenetrable invasive species in order to prevent erosion. The objectives of this study were to collect and identify the invasive species in Walhalla area in order to educate the residents about these species and its impact on their properties and gardens;moreover, using the findings of this project to develop a plan to remove these dangerous species. This survey has documented 18 invasive species in 18 families. Two notable invasive species were found in this area, Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande and Hedera helix L. (English Ivy). The found invasive species have an abundant growth in the studied area. The studied area has had no previous botanical collecting. Therefore, the area was in an urgent need to be inventoried and analyzed in order to identify and document its invasive species. Moreover, these identified species will be used for educational purposes for the residents of this area and well rounded plan is developed to remove these harmful species. This inventory represents a model for the other residential and agricultural areas in the state to follow, which will help overcome the negative impact and damage caused by the invasive species in these areas.展开更多
This study is primarily focused on Cleveland-Akron-Lorain nonattainment area in northeastern Ohio. The base year 2002 considered in this study witnessed one of the worst cases of ozone pollution in this region with oz...This study is primarily focused on Cleveland-Akron-Lorain nonattainment area in northeastern Ohio. The base year 2002 considered in this study witnessed one of the worst cases of ozone pollution in this region with ozone values exceeding previous 8-hour ozone standards of 84 ppb. The photochemical modeling system CAMx was applied to compute relative reduction factors, which were used subsequently to scale the base year (2002) values at the ozone monitoring sites to estimate the ozone design values for the year 2009 in Cleveland area for different emissions reduction scenarios. The results disclose that the largest change in the 2009 ozone design values consequent to applying auxiliary emission control strategies is between 1 and 1.5 ppb, which still left certain counties in northeastern Ohio unable to demonstrate attainment. The results are important in the development of emission control strategies in today’s context with instillation of even more stringent ozone standards and potential future increases in ozone concentrations due to climate change.展开更多
Reclaimed mined soils (RMSs) could restore soil quality and ecosystem productivity while sequestering C and off-setting some of C emissions associated with coal utilization. The study was conducted to evaluate the eff...Reclaimed mined soils (RMSs) could restore soil quality and ecosystem productivity while sequestering C and off-setting some of C emissions associated with coal utilization. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage and pasture management on soil physical properties, soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in RMSs managed for agricultural use in eastern Ohio. Soil bulk density (ρb) of the top 50 cm ranged from 1.11 to 1.93 Mg·m-3. The ρb of the RMSs was significantly more than that of the undisturbed soils. Water stable aggregates (WSA) and mean weight diameter (MWD) of the 0 - 10 cm soil layer were significantly lower under reclaimed conventional tillage (RCT) than reclaimed no tillage (RNT) and reclaimed pasture (RP), probably due to tillage-induced disturbance. The SOC pool of the top 50 cm layer was 64.2, 66.5, 75.4, 86.1 and 101.1 Mg·C·ha-1 for undisturbed pasture (Und P), RNT, RCT, RP and undisturbed hardwood forest (Und HWF), respectively (LSD = 7.7 Mg·ha-1). The RMSs under pasture accumulated SOC at higher rates than RMSs under cropland. Reclaimed pasture land use increased SOC pool by 14% or 0.5 Mg·ha-1·yr-1 and 30% or 0.9 Mg·ha-1·yr-1 relative to RNT and RCT land uses, respectively. Our data indicated that RMSs under forest and pastures had higher SOC sequestration rates than RMSs under arable land use, probably due to disturbances associated with farm operations. The MBC of the RMSs were generally lower than those of the undisturbed sites. The disturbances associated with mining and reclamation reduced the MBC by 39, 53 and 21% under RCT, RNT and RP compared to the undisturbed forest and pasture sites. However, the amount of mineralizable C was not significantly different among land disturbances or land uses.展开更多
Background:Mature oak(Quercus spp.)and hickory(Carya spp.)trees are gradually being replaced by more shadetolerant tree species across the eastern U.S.,likely due to fire suppression and increased precipitation.Oaks a...Background:Mature oak(Quercus spp.)and hickory(Carya spp.)trees are gradually being replaced by more shadetolerant tree species across the eastern U.S.,likely due to fire suppression and increased precipitation.Oaks and hickories are highly valuable to wildlife;therefore,studying their mortality patterns can provide information on the longevity of habitat quality for many animal species.Oak mortality has most often been studied following large oak decline events,but background mortality rates in forests with aging oak and hickory canopies warrant equal attention,especially in the context of widespread oak and hickory regeneration failure.Methods:We studied background mortality rates of five oak and one hickory species over a 23–25 year time period(1993–1995 to 2018),using 821/20th hectare permanent plots on the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio.We calculated mortality rates based on remeasurement of individual trees for white oak(Quercus alba),chestnut oak(Quercus montana),northern red oak(Quercus rubra),black oak(Quercus velutina),scarlet oak(Quercus coccinea),and pignut hickory(Carya glabra).For each of these species other than scarlet oak,we also modeled the relationships of mortality probability with a priori topographic,soil,stand structural,and individual tree covariates,using a mixed-effects logistic regression framework.Results:The species with the highest mortality rate was scarlet oak(61.3%),followed by northern red oak(41.4%),black oak(26.7%),pignut hickory(23.9%),white oak(23.4%),and chestnut oak(19.1%).In our models,northern red oak mortality was associated with more mesic slope positions,shallower solums,more acidic soils,and older stand ages.Pignut hickory and chestnut oak mortality rates were associated with higher basal areas on the plot,while white oak mortality showed the opposite pattern.Conclusions:Our data suggest that red oak subgenus trees in mature forests of our area will become increasingly uncommon relative to white oak subgenus trees,as the result of higher mortality rates likely related to the shorter lifespans of these species.Particularly vulnerable areas may include more mesic topographic positions,shallower or more acidic soil,and older stands.Since maintaining oak subgenus diversity is beneficial to wildlife diversity in the eastern U.S.,managers in areas with extensive mature mixed-oak forests could choose to favor the red oak subgenus when conducting silvicultural treatments.展开更多
The under-sampled middle and western branches of Shade River Watershed (SRW) in SE Ohio were investigated as part of the Ohio University—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STAR grant. This project was for mon...The under-sampled middle and western branches of Shade River Watershed (SRW) in SE Ohio were investigated as part of the Ohio University—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STAR grant. This project was for monitoring the quality of watersheds in Ohio and classifying them according to their physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Water samples, as well as field parameters, were taken at twenty-two sites for chemical analyses. The ions analyzed included Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Al, NO3, SO4, HCO3, and total PO4, while the field parameters measured included pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and alkalinity. To assess the water quality within the SRW, the analyzed ions and field parameters were compared to the USEPA criteria for the survival of aquatic life. Analytical results showed that the watershed is dominated by Ca-HCO3waters with DO, Fe, Mn, and PO4being the main causes of impairment within the streams. The relatively elevated concentrations of manganese and less extent iron may be associated with the local geology and the acidic nature of the soils. The high alkalinity and calcium concentrations are due to the limestone geology. The elevated phosphate concentration may be due to anthropogenic sources, fertilizers, or contributions from phosphorus-rich bedrock that differs geochemically from other areas.展开更多
Seeding rate is an important management practice for soybean production.Chinese and U.S.soybean growers use different seeding rates,and breeders in the two countries have developed cultivars adapted to respective plan...Seeding rate is an important management practice for soybean production.Chinese and U.S.soybean growers use different seeding rates,and breeders in the two countries have developed cultivars adapted to respective plant densities.The objective of this study was to compare the effect of plant density on cultivars recently released in different breeding programs,using four cultivars developed in Liaoning,China and four in Ohio,USA.We used 3 plant density treatments(7.5,15.0,22.5 x 104 plants/hm2) and assessed yield and agronomic traits from 2004 to 2006 in Liaoning.There was no significant effect of plant density on yield for either group of the cultivars.The average yield of Ohio cultivars was higher than that of Liaoning cultivars,and there was no significant interaction between plant density and cultivar for all the assessed traits.The plant height of Liaoning cultivars was significantly higher than that of Ohio cultivars,and there was a significant effect of plant density on plant height.The average branch number of Ohio cultivars was larger than that of Liaoning cultivars;higher plant density reduced the branch number per plant greatly.Plant density had a signifi-cant effect on the node number and internode length,Liaoning cultivars generally had longer internode length.Plant density had a significant effect on seed yield:stem ratio,as the plant density increased the seed yield:stem ratio decreased for both groups of cultivars.However,100-seed weight was not affected by plant density.展开更多
Industrial battery manufacturing facilities generate large quantities of hazardous waste, which must be properly treated before it can be disposed. Reducing the quantities of these waste streams can significantly redu...Industrial battery manufacturing facilities generate large quantities of hazardous waste, which must be properly treated before it can be disposed. Reducing the quantities of these waste streams can significantly reduce the cost of treatment and lead to competitive advantages. Waste minimization at these facilities is beneficial for the stakeholders and the environment. The quantities of hazardous waste can be minimized by upgrading the facility＇s technology or substituting hazardous substances, which are used in the battery manufacturing process, with more environmentally friendly options. Separation of waste streams will allow for additional reuse opportunities and revenue generation from the sale of these materials, which will enhance the financial performance of the facility. This paper provides a case study of comprehensive waste minimization in a battery manufacturing plant in Ohio, USA. Source reduction, recovery, and recycling methods are taken into account with consideration given to economic impacts. The goal of the study was to develop an understanding of the facility＇s waste generating processes, to suggest methods to reduce to the waste generation and finally to select an appropriate waste minimization option to suggest the facility＇s management team. Some of the suggested methods are currently being practiced while others are at the initial stage of development.展开更多
In 2005, an innovative program was formed between the local government and The University of Toledo to help improve environmental and economic conditions in Lucas County, Ohio, USA by providing no cost energy assessme...In 2005, an innovative program was formed between the local government and The University of Toledo to help improve environmental and economic conditions in Lucas County, Ohio, USA by providing no cost energy assessments to various types of organizations. Unlike the Industrial Assessment Centers, which focus on manufacturing and are funded by the Federal Government, this program demonstrates that successful partnerships can be established at the local government level to aid various types of organizations in energy conservation and cost reduction. Since 2005, the program completed ten energy assessments and identified over 143,000 kwh and 103,000 kg of CO2 for reduction. Additionally, over $12,000 has been identified as annual cost savings for Lucas County businesses. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar programs at the local level. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of a typical energy assessment conducted through the project and comparison to similar programs in the US.展开更多
Both intake volumetric flow and through-screen velocity （the velocity of water as it passes through the screen） are important variables affecting fish impingement at industrial water intake structures including thos...Both intake volumetric flow and through-screen velocity （the velocity of water as it passes through the screen） are important variables affecting fish impingement at industrial water intake structures including those at power plants. However, there are limited data available on quantitative assessments of impingement following changes in power plant operation such as reduced volumetric flow and intake velocity. Impingement studies were conducted at Bay Shore Power Plant in 2005-2006 （baseline） and again in 2013-2014 following fish protection mitigation which included reduced intake volumetric flows （from 33.5 m^3·s^-1 to 9.1 cm·s^-1）, a reduced through-screen velocity （from approximately 79.2 cm·s^-1 to 11.6 cm·s^-1）, modified traveling screens and installation of a fish-return system to gently and quickly remove any fish that were impinged back into the waterbody. A comparison of baseline and post-mitigation results suggested that with this mitigation in place, impingement reductions can exceed 90% for robust dominant fish species in the area.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia.In addition to the lack of effective treatments,there are limitations in diagnostic capabilities.The complexity of AD itself,together with a variety of other...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia.In addition to the lack of effective treatments,there are limitations in diagnostic capabilities.The complexity of AD itself,together with a variety of other diseases often observed in a patient’s history in addition to their AD diagnosis,make deciphering the molecular mechanisms that underlie AD,even more important.Large datasets of single-cell RNA sequencing,single-nucleus RNA-sequencing(snRNA-seq),and spatial transcriptomics(ST)have become essential in guiding and supporting new investigations into the cellular and regional susceptibility of AD.However,with unique technology,software,and larger databases emerging;a lack of integration of these data can contribute to ineffective use of valuable knowledge.Importantly,there was no specialized database that concentrates on ST in AD that offers comprehensive differential analyses under various conditions,such as sex-specific,region-specific,and comparisons between AD and control groups until the new Single-cell and Spatial RNA-seq databasE for Alzheimer’s Disease(ssREAD)database(Wang et al.,2024)was introduced to meet the scientific community’s growing demand for comprehensive,integrated,and accessible data analysis.展开更多
While energy costs,home size,and home age in Ohio fall into an average range for the United States as a whole,homes in Ohio are well below the average price,making homeowners particularly cost sensitive when consideri...While energy costs,home size,and home age in Ohio fall into an average range for the United States as a whole,homes in Ohio are well below the average price,making homeowners particularly cost sensitive when considering investments on energy savings features.In addition,Ohio is the seventh largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the nation,suggesting that reducing energy use can have an outsized environmental impact.These not only pose a tremendous challenge but also an urgency to home energy conservation in Ohio.This study examines residential consumers’understand-ing of and attitudes toward various energy efficiency measures(EEMs)and renewable energy systems(RESs)through a questionnaire survey with a sample size of 519 Ohio homeowners.The survey results not only revealed Ohio homeowners’knowledge gap but also identified barriers to implementing these improvements.The findings can assist in developing high-quality,well-tailored education and outreach programs to help homeowners make informed energy saving decisions.They can also help guide local policy decisions and the development of effective initiatives or incentive programs.This study suggests that it is imperative to fill the knowledge gap among homeowners,educate them about reasonable expectations on return on investment,and increase their awareness of non-energy benefits that could be achieved through home energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.展开更多
No-till(NT)farming(conservation agriculture)began in the US in the 1960s.The state of Ohio has a university research location that began no-till research in 1962.A few innovative Ohio farmers,including NT pioneers Dav...No-till(NT)farming(conservation agriculture)began in the US in the 1960s.The state of Ohio has a university research location that began no-till research in 1962.A few innovative Ohio farmers,including NT pioneers David Brandt and Bill Richards,were early adopters of the new conservation practice.Initially,no-till was most successful on sloping,well drained soils,then with improvements to the system,including cover crops,it became more widely adopted on all soil types.David Brandt was an enthusiastic learner and teacher of no-till practices,working with chemical company representatives and Cooperative Extension Specialists to demonstrate the system.David Brandt’s cooperation with Ohio State University researchers continues to provide a valuable site for studying the long term changes in soil health and ecosystem services.Results showed that total microbial biomass as one of the soil biological health indicators significantly increased with an associated decrease in carbon(C)loss under NT compared with conventional tilled soil(CT).Under NT,there was significantly higher total C and total N compared to CT.Active C,as a composite measure of soil health,significantly increased with NT.When cover crops,especially cover crop cocktail mixes,were used,NT substantially improved soil health.Long-term NT with cover crop cocktail mixes significantly increased the soil aggregate stability,compared with CT.The overall rate of C sequestration by NT suggested that the soils on the Brandt farm act as a consistent sink of atmospheric CO2 although this tends to level off after about 20 years.The Brandt farm showed that crop yields are increased under long-term NT with cover crops mixes.Results suggested that starting with a cover crop when switching from CT to NT,is more likely to ensure success and to maintain economic crop yields.Another early adopter,Bill Richards,from Circleville,Ohio,also became a national leader and promoter of no-till farming.He served as head of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in the early 1990s and instituted a program that led to rapid expansion of no-till.He advises that farmers who follow conservation agriculture principles need to be more proactive,from local level to national levels,to influence policy decisions that can lead to robust improvement in soil health.展开更多
The disproportionate risks and impacts of climate change and extreme weather on older adults are increasingly evident. While especially true in disaster-prone areas, human-caused climate change introduces an element o...The disproportionate risks and impacts of climate change and extreme weather on older adults are increasingly evident. While especially true in disaster-prone areas, human-caused climate change introduces an element of uncertainty even in previously identified “safe” regions such as the Midwestern United States. Using a cumulative disadvantage and vulnerability-informed framework and descriptive statistics from multiple data sources, this article provides an overview of climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and county-level characteristics, focusing on older adults living in Central Ohio. A comparative multiple-case study methodology was used to triangulate regionally representative primary and secondary data sources to examine state and county-level measures of vulnerability, emergency preparedness, and disruptions caused by extreme weather among older adults across eight counties in Central Ohio. Seventy-eight percent of older adults in the sample reported being prepared for emergencies per Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines. Older adults in Union County reported the highest rates of preparedness, while those in Fayette County reported the lowest. County-level rates of disruption of life activities by extreme weather ranged widely. Among the most rural in the region, Fayette County emerged as uniquely disadvantaged, with the lowest median income, the most vulnerable across multiple social vulnerability dimensions, and the most reported disruptions to life activities from extreme weather. County profiles offer a snapshot of existing vulnerabilities, socioeconomic conditions, special needs, preparedness, and current disruptions among older adults in the region and can inform resource mobilization across community and policy contexts.展开更多
文摘Phosphorus (P) risk indices are commonly used in the USA to estimate the field-scale risk of agricultural P runoff. Because the Ohio P Risk Index is increasingly being used to judge farmer performance, it is important to evaluate weighting/scoring of all P Index parameters to ensure Ohio farmers are credited for practices that reduce P runoff risk and not unduly penalized for things not demonstrably related to runoff risk. A sensitivity analysis provides information as to how sensitive the P Index score is to changes in inputs. The objectives were to determine 1) which inputs are most highly associated with P Index scores and 2) the relative impact of each input variable on resultant P Index scores. The current approach uses simulations across 6134 Ohio point locations and five crop management scenarios (CMSs), representing increasing soil disturbance. The CMSs range from all no-till, which is being promoted in Ohio, rotational tillage, which is a common practice in Ohio to full tillage to represent an extreme practice. Results showed that P Index scores were best explained by soil test P (31.9%) followed by connectivity to water (29.7%), soil erosion (13.4%), fertilizer application amount (11.3%), runoff class (9.5%), fertilizer application method (2.2%), and finally filter strip (2.0%). Ohio P Index simulations across CMSs one through five showed that >40% scored <15 points (low) while <1.5% scored >45 points (very high). Given Ohio water quality problems, the Ohio P Index needs to be stricter. The current approach is useful for Ohio P Index evaluations and revision decisions by spatially illustrating the impact of potential changes regionally and state-wide.
文摘Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Invasive species can harm both the natural resources in an ecosystem as well as threaten human use of these resources. Walhalla is an urban wooded ravine area (10 acre area) in the middle of Columbus, Ohio. Many residents are actually actively planting new invasive species in a misguided attempt to prevent erosion on their property. Other properties are suffering from not-so-benign neglect, as the existing trees are slowly succumbing to insect infestation and rot (because of moisture trapped by ivy, etc.) and no new saplings are emerging to replace them (because of the thick ground cover). In both of these instances, it’s proving to be difficult to convince the landowners that they’re causing more harm than good—the local soil & water conservation people are all too eager to reinforce the notion that the ground must be covered with a blanket of impenetrable invasive species in order to prevent erosion. The objectives of this study were to collect and identify the invasive species in Walhalla area in order to educate the residents about these species and its impact on their properties and gardens;moreover, using the findings of this project to develop a plan to remove these dangerous species. This survey has documented 18 invasive species in 18 families. Two notable invasive species were found in this area, Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande and Hedera helix L. (English Ivy). The found invasive species have an abundant growth in the studied area. The studied area has had no previous botanical collecting. Therefore, the area was in an urgent need to be inventoried and analyzed in order to identify and document its invasive species. Moreover, these identified species will be used for educational purposes for the residents of this area and well rounded plan is developed to remove these harmful species. This inventory represents a model for the other residential and agricultural areas in the state to follow, which will help overcome the negative impact and damage caused by the invasive species in these areas.
文摘This study is primarily focused on Cleveland-Akron-Lorain nonattainment area in northeastern Ohio. The base year 2002 considered in this study witnessed one of the worst cases of ozone pollution in this region with ozone values exceeding previous 8-hour ozone standards of 84 ppb. The photochemical modeling system CAMx was applied to compute relative reduction factors, which were used subsequently to scale the base year (2002) values at the ozone monitoring sites to estimate the ozone design values for the year 2009 in Cleveland area for different emissions reduction scenarios. The results disclose that the largest change in the 2009 ozone design values consequent to applying auxiliary emission control strategies is between 1 and 1.5 ppb, which still left certain counties in northeastern Ohio unable to demonstrate attainment. The results are important in the development of emission control strategies in today’s context with instillation of even more stringent ozone standards and potential future increases in ozone concentrations due to climate change.
文摘Reclaimed mined soils (RMSs) could restore soil quality and ecosystem productivity while sequestering C and off-setting some of C emissions associated with coal utilization. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage and pasture management on soil physical properties, soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in RMSs managed for agricultural use in eastern Ohio. Soil bulk density (ρb) of the top 50 cm ranged from 1.11 to 1.93 Mg·m-3. The ρb of the RMSs was significantly more than that of the undisturbed soils. Water stable aggregates (WSA) and mean weight diameter (MWD) of the 0 - 10 cm soil layer were significantly lower under reclaimed conventional tillage (RCT) than reclaimed no tillage (RNT) and reclaimed pasture (RP), probably due to tillage-induced disturbance. The SOC pool of the top 50 cm layer was 64.2, 66.5, 75.4, 86.1 and 101.1 Mg·C·ha-1 for undisturbed pasture (Und P), RNT, RCT, RP and undisturbed hardwood forest (Und HWF), respectively (LSD = 7.7 Mg·ha-1). The RMSs under pasture accumulated SOC at higher rates than RMSs under cropland. Reclaimed pasture land use increased SOC pool by 14% or 0.5 Mg·ha-1·yr-1 and 30% or 0.9 Mg·ha-1·yr-1 relative to RNT and RCT land uses, respectively. Our data indicated that RMSs under forest and pastures had higher SOC sequestration rates than RMSs under arable land use, probably due to disturbances associated with farm operations. The MBC of the RMSs were generally lower than those of the undisturbed sites. The disturbances associated with mining and reclamation reduced the MBC by 39, 53 and 21% under RCT, RNT and RP compared to the undisturbed forest and pasture sites. However, the amount of mineralizable C was not significantly different among land disturbances or land uses.
基金funded by United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Northern Research Station agreement 15-CS-11242302-122(to S.N.M.)the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center SEEDS Project OHOA1572(to D.M.H.)The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and The Ohio State University provided fellowship funding to D.C.R。
文摘Background:Mature oak(Quercus spp.)and hickory(Carya spp.)trees are gradually being replaced by more shadetolerant tree species across the eastern U.S.,likely due to fire suppression and increased precipitation.Oaks and hickories are highly valuable to wildlife;therefore,studying their mortality patterns can provide information on the longevity of habitat quality for many animal species.Oak mortality has most often been studied following large oak decline events,but background mortality rates in forests with aging oak and hickory canopies warrant equal attention,especially in the context of widespread oak and hickory regeneration failure.Methods:We studied background mortality rates of five oak and one hickory species over a 23–25 year time period(1993–1995 to 2018),using 821/20th hectare permanent plots on the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio.We calculated mortality rates based on remeasurement of individual trees for white oak(Quercus alba),chestnut oak(Quercus montana),northern red oak(Quercus rubra),black oak(Quercus velutina),scarlet oak(Quercus coccinea),and pignut hickory(Carya glabra).For each of these species other than scarlet oak,we also modeled the relationships of mortality probability with a priori topographic,soil,stand structural,and individual tree covariates,using a mixed-effects logistic regression framework.Results:The species with the highest mortality rate was scarlet oak(61.3%),followed by northern red oak(41.4%),black oak(26.7%),pignut hickory(23.9%),white oak(23.4%),and chestnut oak(19.1%).In our models,northern red oak mortality was associated with more mesic slope positions,shallower solums,more acidic soils,and older stand ages.Pignut hickory and chestnut oak mortality rates were associated with higher basal areas on the plot,while white oak mortality showed the opposite pattern.Conclusions:Our data suggest that red oak subgenus trees in mature forests of our area will become increasingly uncommon relative to white oak subgenus trees,as the result of higher mortality rates likely related to the shorter lifespans of these species.Particularly vulnerable areas may include more mesic topographic positions,shallower or more acidic soil,and older stands.Since maintaining oak subgenus diversity is beneficial to wildlife diversity in the eastern U.S.,managers in areas with extensive mature mixed-oak forests could choose to favor the red oak subgenus when conducting silvicultural treatments.
文摘The under-sampled middle and western branches of Shade River Watershed (SRW) in SE Ohio were investigated as part of the Ohio University—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STAR grant. This project was for monitoring the quality of watersheds in Ohio and classifying them according to their physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Water samples, as well as field parameters, were taken at twenty-two sites for chemical analyses. The ions analyzed included Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Al, NO3, SO4, HCO3, and total PO4, while the field parameters measured included pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and alkalinity. To assess the water quality within the SRW, the analyzed ions and field parameters were compared to the USEPA criteria for the survival of aquatic life. Analytical results showed that the watershed is dominated by Ca-HCO3waters with DO, Fe, Mn, and PO4being the main causes of impairment within the streams. The relatively elevated concentrations of manganese and less extent iron may be associated with the local geology and the acidic nature of the soils. The high alkalinity and calcium concentrations are due to the limestone geology. The elevated phosphate concentration may be due to anthropogenic sources, fertilizers, or contributions from phosphorus-rich bedrock that differs geochemically from other areas.
文摘Seeding rate is an important management practice for soybean production.Chinese and U.S.soybean growers use different seeding rates,and breeders in the two countries have developed cultivars adapted to respective plant densities.The objective of this study was to compare the effect of plant density on cultivars recently released in different breeding programs,using four cultivars developed in Liaoning,China and four in Ohio,USA.We used 3 plant density treatments(7.5,15.0,22.5 x 104 plants/hm2) and assessed yield and agronomic traits from 2004 to 2006 in Liaoning.There was no significant effect of plant density on yield for either group of the cultivars.The average yield of Ohio cultivars was higher than that of Liaoning cultivars,and there was no significant interaction between plant density and cultivar for all the assessed traits.The plant height of Liaoning cultivars was significantly higher than that of Ohio cultivars,and there was a significant effect of plant density on plant height.The average branch number of Ohio cultivars was larger than that of Liaoning cultivars;higher plant density reduced the branch number per plant greatly.Plant density had a signifi-cant effect on the node number and internode length,Liaoning cultivars generally had longer internode length.Plant density had a significant effect on seed yield:stem ratio,as the plant density increased the seed yield:stem ratio decreased for both groups of cultivars.However,100-seed weight was not affected by plant density.
文摘Industrial battery manufacturing facilities generate large quantities of hazardous waste, which must be properly treated before it can be disposed. Reducing the quantities of these waste streams can significantly reduce the cost of treatment and lead to competitive advantages. Waste minimization at these facilities is beneficial for the stakeholders and the environment. The quantities of hazardous waste can be minimized by upgrading the facility＇s technology or substituting hazardous substances, which are used in the battery manufacturing process, with more environmentally friendly options. Separation of waste streams will allow for additional reuse opportunities and revenue generation from the sale of these materials, which will enhance the financial performance of the facility. This paper provides a case study of comprehensive waste minimization in a battery manufacturing plant in Ohio, USA. Source reduction, recovery, and recycling methods are taken into account with consideration given to economic impacts. The goal of the study was to develop an understanding of the facility＇s waste generating processes, to suggest methods to reduce to the waste generation and finally to select an appropriate waste minimization option to suggest the facility＇s management team. Some of the suggested methods are currently being practiced while others are at the initial stage of development.
文摘In 2005, an innovative program was formed between the local government and The University of Toledo to help improve environmental and economic conditions in Lucas County, Ohio, USA by providing no cost energy assessments to various types of organizations. Unlike the Industrial Assessment Centers, which focus on manufacturing and are funded by the Federal Government, this program demonstrates that successful partnerships can be established at the local government level to aid various types of organizations in energy conservation and cost reduction. Since 2005, the program completed ten energy assessments and identified over 143,000 kwh and 103,000 kg of CO2 for reduction. Additionally, over $12,000 has been identified as annual cost savings for Lucas County businesses. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar programs at the local level. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of a typical energy assessment conducted through the project and comparison to similar programs in the US.
文摘Both intake volumetric flow and through-screen velocity （the velocity of water as it passes through the screen） are important variables affecting fish impingement at industrial water intake structures including those at power plants. However, there are limited data available on quantitative assessments of impingement following changes in power plant operation such as reduced volumetric flow and intake velocity. Impingement studies were conducted at Bay Shore Power Plant in 2005-2006 （baseline） and again in 2013-2014 following fish protection mitigation which included reduced intake volumetric flows （from 33.5 m^3·s^-1 to 9.1 cm·s^-1）, a reduced through-screen velocity （from approximately 79.2 cm·s^-1 to 11.6 cm·s^-1）, modified traveling screens and installation of a fish-return system to gently and quickly remove any fish that were impinged back into the waterbody. A comparison of baseline and post-mitigation results suggested that with this mitigation in place, impingement reductions can exceed 90% for robust dominant fish species in the area.
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia.In addition to the lack of effective treatments,there are limitations in diagnostic capabilities.The complexity of AD itself,together with a variety of other diseases often observed in a patient’s history in addition to their AD diagnosis,make deciphering the molecular mechanisms that underlie AD,even more important.Large datasets of single-cell RNA sequencing,single-nucleus RNA-sequencing(snRNA-seq),and spatial transcriptomics(ST)have become essential in guiding and supporting new investigations into the cellular and regional susceptibility of AD.However,with unique technology,software,and larger databases emerging;a lack of integration of these data can contribute to ineffective use of valuable knowledge.Importantly,there was no specialized database that concentrates on ST in AD that offers comprehensive differential analyses under various conditions,such as sex-specific,region-specific,and comparisons between AD and control groups until the new Single-cell and Spatial RNA-seq databasE for Alzheimer’s Disease(ssREAD)database(Wang et al.,2024)was introduced to meet the scientific community’s growing demand for comprehensive,integrated,and accessible data analysis.
基金NSF Grant CNS-1446582Engagement Impact Grant from The Ohio State University.
文摘While energy costs,home size,and home age in Ohio fall into an average range for the United States as a whole,homes in Ohio are well below the average price,making homeowners particularly cost sensitive when considering investments on energy savings features.In addition,Ohio is the seventh largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the nation,suggesting that reducing energy use can have an outsized environmental impact.These not only pose a tremendous challenge but also an urgency to home energy conservation in Ohio.This study examines residential consumers’understand-ing of and attitudes toward various energy efficiency measures(EEMs)and renewable energy systems(RESs)through a questionnaire survey with a sample size of 519 Ohio homeowners.The survey results not only revealed Ohio homeowners’knowledge gap but also identified barriers to implementing these improvements.The findings can assist in developing high-quality,well-tailored education and outreach programs to help homeowners make informed energy saving decisions.They can also help guide local policy decisions and the development of effective initiatives or incentive programs.This study suggests that it is imperative to fill the knowledge gap among homeowners,educate them about reasonable expectations on return on investment,and increase their awareness of non-energy benefits that could be achieved through home energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.
文摘No-till(NT)farming(conservation agriculture)began in the US in the 1960s.The state of Ohio has a university research location that began no-till research in 1962.A few innovative Ohio farmers,including NT pioneers David Brandt and Bill Richards,were early adopters of the new conservation practice.Initially,no-till was most successful on sloping,well drained soils,then with improvements to the system,including cover crops,it became more widely adopted on all soil types.David Brandt was an enthusiastic learner and teacher of no-till practices,working with chemical company representatives and Cooperative Extension Specialists to demonstrate the system.David Brandt’s cooperation with Ohio State University researchers continues to provide a valuable site for studying the long term changes in soil health and ecosystem services.Results showed that total microbial biomass as one of the soil biological health indicators significantly increased with an associated decrease in carbon(C)loss under NT compared with conventional tilled soil(CT).Under NT,there was significantly higher total C and total N compared to CT.Active C,as a composite measure of soil health,significantly increased with NT.When cover crops,especially cover crop cocktail mixes,were used,NT substantially improved soil health.Long-term NT with cover crop cocktail mixes significantly increased the soil aggregate stability,compared with CT.The overall rate of C sequestration by NT suggested that the soils on the Brandt farm act as a consistent sink of atmospheric CO2 although this tends to level off after about 20 years.The Brandt farm showed that crop yields are increased under long-term NT with cover crops mixes.Results suggested that starting with a cover crop when switching from CT to NT,is more likely to ensure success and to maintain economic crop yields.Another early adopter,Bill Richards,from Circleville,Ohio,also became a national leader and promoter of no-till farming.He served as head of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in the early 1990s and instituted a program that led to rapid expansion of no-till.He advises that farmers who follow conservation agriculture principles need to be more proactive,from local level to national levels,to influence policy decisions that can lead to robust improvement in soil health.
文摘The disproportionate risks and impacts of climate change and extreme weather on older adults are increasingly evident. While especially true in disaster-prone areas, human-caused climate change introduces an element of uncertainty even in previously identified “safe” regions such as the Midwestern United States. Using a cumulative disadvantage and vulnerability-informed framework and descriptive statistics from multiple data sources, this article provides an overview of climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and county-level characteristics, focusing on older adults living in Central Ohio. A comparative multiple-case study methodology was used to triangulate regionally representative primary and secondary data sources to examine state and county-level measures of vulnerability, emergency preparedness, and disruptions caused by extreme weather among older adults across eight counties in Central Ohio. Seventy-eight percent of older adults in the sample reported being prepared for emergencies per Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines. Older adults in Union County reported the highest rates of preparedness, while those in Fayette County reported the lowest. County-level rates of disruption of life activities by extreme weather ranged widely. Among the most rural in the region, Fayette County emerged as uniquely disadvantaged, with the lowest median income, the most vulnerable across multiple social vulnerability dimensions, and the most reported disruptions to life activities from extreme weather. County profiles offer a snapshot of existing vulnerabilities, socioeconomic conditions, special needs, preparedness, and current disruptions among older adults in the region and can inform resource mobilization across community and policy contexts.
