2004 Theses (MU)
https://hdl.handle.net/10355/3996
The theses submitted to the Graduate School in 2004.2024-03-28T12:37:09ZAgent-based modeling of seasonal population movement and the spread of the 1918-1919 flu: the effect on a small community
https://hdl.handle.net/10355/4103
Agent-based modeling of seasonal population movement and the spread of the 1918-1919 flu: the effect on a small community
Carpenter, Connie V.
Agent-based modeling provides a new approach to the study of virgin soil epidemics like the 1918-1919 flu. By using this bottom-up simulation approach, a landscape can be created and populated with a heterogeneous group of agents who move and interact in ways that more closely resemble human behavior than is usually seen in modeling techniques. This project uses the Norway House community in Manitoba, Canada as a framework for an agent-based model of the spread of the 1918-1919 flu epidemic. The epidemic arrived at Norway House, during the winter, when the community was dispersed in small, family hunting groups, leaving a small group of people running the fort. Hunters would return to the fort periodically for trade. In the summer, the entire community would gather near the fort. This travel pattern, along with the known characteristics of the influenza epidemic, is the basis for the model. Simulations are used to investigate the potential impact of seasonality in travel and population distribution on the spread of the flu epidemic. Results demonstrate that seasonality in travel and population distribution influence the spread of the flu epidemic. In the summer, when the people are congregated around the fort, the epidemic is short and intense. In the winter, when the people are dispersed on the land, the epidemic is long and less intense.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.; Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 29, 2006); Includes bibliographical references.; Vita.; Thesis (M.A.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2004.; Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Anthropology.
2004-01-01T00:00:00ZApplication of a digital terrain model for forrest land classification and soil survey
https://hdl.handle.net/10355/4107
Application of a digital terrain model for forrest land classification and soil survey
Fabian, Christopher J.
Land characterization and classification is central to sound natural resource management. Forest land classifications usually lack sufficient detail, are not scale-adjustable, and are limited in scope and applications for the spectrum of relevant management decisions. Two alternatives for forest land classification have been proposed: a multifactor ecological land classification system (ECS) and a soil survey approach that is more geomorphic-based, comprehensive and forestry oriented than traditional classifications. Landforms influence important site factors, are easily observable features, and are relatively stabile in the landscape, so are a logical base for land classification systems. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used with Digital Elevation Models (DEM's) to produce Digital Terrain Models (DTM's) in the Missouri Ozarks. Terrain models produced from several DEM sources were evaluated for their accuracy in predicting slope, aspect and landforms on a 3691 ha area. The DEM's created from USGS hypsography were most accurate. Slope classes were correctly identified in 71.6% and aspect classes in 84.6% of observations. A rule-based approach to classifying landforms agreed with a field survey on 71.2% of the calibration site and 64.3% of the test site. A soil-geomorphic ecological approach using terrain modeling proved to be an accurate, consistent, efficient and cost-effective method.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.; Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 30, 2006); Includes bibliographical references.; Vita.; Thesis (M.S.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2004.; Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Soil and atmospheric sciences.
2004-01-01T00:00:00ZArachidonate 15-lipoxygenase and ubiquitin as potential fertility markers in boars
https://hdl.handle.net/10355/5811
Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase and ubiquitin as potential fertility markers in boars
Lovercamp, Kyle W.
[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This study was performed to determine whether using high power microscopic analysis and two putative biochemical fertility markers, 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) and ubiquitin (UBI), could be used to accurately evaluate boar semen quality. In this study, ejaculates (n=116) were collected from 18 Large White boars for eight months (April, August-February). Ejaculates were analyzed and the percentage of proximal CDs (PCD), distal CDs (DCD), distal midpiece reflex CDs (DMR) and other spermatozoa abnormalities (ABN). Further ejaculate analysis was performed by semi-quantitative western blotting with computerized densitometry using antibodies against 15-LOX and UBI. Fertility data including FR and TNB was collected from sows mated to the boars in the study. Correlation coefficient analysis found moderate, negative relationships between FRs and DCDs (-0.39, P<0.01) and DMRs (-0.24, P<0.05), but not PCDs. These data suggest that an accurate boar semen analysis can be achieved by improved microscopy and by the use of biochemical fertility markers.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.; Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 30, 2006); Includes bibliographical references.; Vita.; Thesis (M.A.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2004.; Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Animal sciences.
2004-01-01T00:00:00ZDevelopment and evaluation of a technique for evaluating riparian vegetation change in the tallgrass prairie
https://hdl.handle.net/10355/4102
Development and evaluation of a technique for evaluating riparian vegetation change in the tallgrass prairie
MacKay, Mark Andrew
North America's tallgrass prairie region is one of the world's most endangered ecosystems. Recent management and research efforts have focused on the effects of anthropogenic change to upland components of the tallgrass prairie, however, little is known regarding change to riparian vegetation. Nevertheless, riparian vegetation habitat plays a significant role in the conservation of both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity; furthermore, anthropogenic modifications to this system have often occurred before the onset of modern ecological inventories. As a result, managers, planners, and policy makers often make decisions that impact riparian vegetation without sufficient information regarding presettlement vegetation. To provide data that can be used in the decision-making process, we developed and evaluated a technique to characterize historic and contemporary riparian vegetation, within a Geographic Information System (GIS). The methodology provides an objective, scientific approach to providing the necessary data to make informed management, planning, and restoration decisions regarding riparian systems. Our findings suggest that, contrary to previous research and speculation, historic riparian zones contained a significant amount of prairie, and that the extent varied among watersheds. We found no remaining riparian prairie today. This research contributes baseline data to facilitate the evaluation of vegetation change and the success of management and restoration efforts.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.; Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 30, 2006); Includes bibliographical references.; Vita.; Thesis (M.S.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2004.; Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Fisheries and wildlife.
2004-01-01T00:00:00Z