The upper Roanoke River has 11 species of Catostomidae including Moxostoma ariommum, Bigeye Jumprock; Moxostoma cervinum, Blacktip Jumprock; and Thoburnia rhothoeca, Torrent Sucker . Resource partitioning appears to be a key component of maintaining diverse fish assemblages with habitat and food partitioning cited as especially important in communities containing members of the same family. The diets of these species have been documented in previous work revealing only modest differences among them. Snorkeling observations and subsequent quantification of microhabitat were conducted to illuminate habitat partitioning among these morphologically and ecologically similar species. Thoburnia rhothoeca inhabited the shallowest, fastest water, over the smallest substrate, and Moxostoma ariommum inhabited the deepest, slowest water, over the largest substrate, with M. cervinum intermediate for all habitat variables. In an effort to correlate morphological adaptations to these different microhabitats, 22 body measurements were included in a Principal Component Analysis revealing a bigger eye for M. ariommum and more fusiform bodies for T. rhothoeca and M. cervinum consistent with findings in other species inhabiting faster waters. Other correlations among morphology and microhabitat were less clear.
The initial lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic presented an unfortunate opportunity to observe how abrupt, large-scale changes in traffic volume can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study explores how carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from Virginia’s transportation sector may have been affected by the changes in activity stemming from COVID-19 to inform more carbon-neutral policies as the state recovers from the economic downfall. Emission savings were calculated by multiplying the percent change from 2019 to 2020 in traffic volume from the Virginia Department of Transportation with the business-as-usual 2020 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimate of CO 2 emissions for Virginia’s transportation sector. We estimate Virginia’s 2020 COVID-19 transportation CO 2 emissions reduction is around 15.0% (14.2 to 15.7%), with reduced passenger vehicle traffic making up the bulk of the inferred reduction. This study highlights the utility of reimagining our current transportation sector as a way to implement sustainable, state-level carbon reduction policies, such as the Clean Car Standards.
Wetland disturbance from motorized vehicle use is a growing concern across the Appalachian coalfields of southwestern Virginia and portions of adjacent states, particularly as both extractive industries and outdoor recreation development expand in regional communities. However, few attempts have been made in this region or elsewhere to adapt approaches that can assist researchers and land managers in remotely identifying and monitoring wetland habitats disturbed by motorized vehicle use. A comparative analysis of wetlands impacted and unimpacted by off-road vehicle activity at a public recreation area in Tazewell County, Virginia was conducted to determine if and how a common, satellite-derived index of vegetation health, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), can remotely detect wetland disturbance. NDVI values were consistently lower in wetlands impacted by several years of off-road vehicle use when compared to adjacent, unimpacted sites, with statistically-significant NDVI coldspots growing in size in impacted wetlands across the same time period. While considerations exist related to the resolution of data sources and the identification of specific modes of disturbance, NDVI and associated spatial analysis tools may provide a simple and cost-effective way for researchers and land managers to remotely monitor rates of wetland disturbance across mountainous portions of the eastern United States.
More frequent storms due to climate change may impact estuarine species such as the mummichog ( Fundulus hetereoclitus ), an ecologically important salt marsh fish. This study investigated the effect of storm events and month on consumption of terrestrial insects by mummichogs in Hoffler Creek, Portsmouth, VA, as well as the effect of storms on consumption of major categories of benthic prey. Samples were taken monthly in the summers of 2017 and 2019. Additional paired samples were taken in June and July 2019, with the first collection during dry weather and the second during a subsequent storm. Month had a significant effect on the proportion of terrestrial insect prey in the diet in both years; consumption was highest in August, particularly in 2017 when the sample coincided with a storm event. However, storms increased consumption of terrestrial insects in only one of four paired dry weather-storm samples in 2019, indicating that temporal variation in insect abundance has a larger effect than increased availability that might occur when storms knock insects into the water. Storms had a significant effect on the proportion of different benthic prey in the diet in paired samples from 2019, but these effects were not consistent across months, sites, or in whether storms increased or decreased consumption. These patterns may be driven by mummichogs taking advantage of small-scale temporal or spatial variation in benthic prey. The ability to utilize locally abundant resources, including terrestrial insects, may help minimize the negative impacts of climate change on mummichogs.
With an ever-increasing footprint, already topping three billion devices, smartphones have become a huge cybersecurity concern. The portability of smartphones makes them convenient for users to access and store personally identifiable information (PII); this also makes them a popular target for hackers. This survey paper shares practical insights derived from analyzing 16 real-life case studies that exemplify: the vulnerabilities that leave smartphones open to cybersecurity attacks; the mechanisms and attack vectors typically used to steal PII from smartphones; the potential impact of PII breaches upon all parties involved; and recommended defenses to help prevent future PII losses. The contribution of this research is recommending proactive measures to dramatically decrease the frequency of PII loss involving smartphones.
Agouti-related peptide is a 132-amino acid peptide associated with stimulating food intake in birds and mammals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of AgRP in seven-day old Japanese quail. In Experiment 1, we tested 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 nmol AgRP and found no effect on food or water intake over a threehour period. In Experiment 2, we tested 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 nmol AgRP and found no effect on food or water intake over 24 hours. In Experiment 3, we tested 0.0625 and 0.125 nmol AgRP and found no effect on food intake over a 24-hour duration, but found an increase in water intake 900 minutes following injection. In Experiment 4, we found an increase in food and water intake 900 minutes following injection in quail which received 1.5, but not 3.0, nmol AgRP. In Experiment 5, we found that AgRP had no effect on behaviors other than food intake. These results suggest that AgRP might have a stimulatory effect on food intake in Japanese quail.
Using transverse cross-sectional transects, a survey of 31 km of the non-tidal Potomac River was conducted from White’s Ferry, Virginia, to Brunswick, Maryland, USA, between June and September in 2013 through 2015 to assess a recurring benthic cyanobacteria bloom. Abundant benthic cyanobacteria blooms were detected during the 2014 and 2015 sampling seasons and the primary taxon was identified morphologically and molecularly as Planktothrix cf. isothrix . When present, P . cf. isothrix blooms were concentrated from river center to the Maryland shoreline. This pattern was correlated with significantly greater benthic chlorophyll- a and phycocyanin concentrations. In an apparent response to the P. cf. isothrix blooms in the study site, aquatic macroinvertebrate community assemblages were significantly different between areas with extensive benthic cyanobacterial growth compared to areas without cyanobacterial growth. Within the P. cf . isothrix mats, the percentage of pollution sensitive taxa was lower, and the percentage of pollution tolerant taxa was greater. These data suggest that P . cf. isothrix can act as an ecosystem disruptor through direct impacts to the aquatic macroinvertebrate abundance and community structure within this section of the freshwater, non-tidal Potomac River.
Stream bioassessments using macroinvertebrate population dynamics is a technique that determines water quality in natural aquatic environments based on the taxa found at the site. The aim of this study is to determine if agricultural activity in Rockingham County, VA has an impact on water quality in Dry River. Stream quality was evaluated by sampling and identifying macroinvertebrate taxa at various sites above and below disturbances. Each macroinvertebrate was ranked from 1-10 based on pollution tolerance or intolerance using the Biological Monitoring Working Party Index. The results in this study indicate that agricultural activity does impact the water quality in Dry River in Virginia. Keyword: macroinvertebrates, agriculture, pollution, Dry River, stream quality INTRODUCTION The Dry River begins in the George Washington National Forest and flows through the Shenandoah Valley in Southwest Virginia. It is home of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms including fish and bird species that use the Dry River habitat. Dry River provides a great trout fishery in Virginia and holds rainbow, brown, and brook trout (Authors personal observations). The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries stock various locations throughout Dry River (VDGIF stocking website) to facilitate this recreational fishery. Migrating birds also use Dry River Valley. Therefore, Dry River becomes a recreational opportunity that adds ecotourism opportunities that create revenue for the small towns and cities that run its length. Rockingham County, which Dry River flows through, is the leading poultry-producing county in Virginia (Bosch and Napit 1992). Along with poultry production in Virginia, Rockingham County is the leading producer of corn silage, dairy cattle, hay, alfalfa, and ranks the highest in farm income (Pease and Kenyon, 1992). The high percentage of land use in agriculture that surrounds the Dry River could affect water quality and environmental integrity. Virginia Journal of Science Volume 70, Issue 3 Fall 2019 doi: 10.25778/xy9n-pf91 Note: This manuscript has been accepted for publication and is online ahead of print. It will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 70, No. 3, 2019 https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol70/iss3 Stream Assessment in the Dry River, VA 2 In the last 40 years, antipollution laws have reduced discharge of point source pollution of toxic substances into freshwater (Howarth et al., 2000). However, less effort has been made to restrict non-point source pollution of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) that enter freshwater from agricultural and urban runoff (Howarth et al., 2000). Agriculture can affect aquatic ecosystems through the run-off of fertilizers, manure, and pesticide applications (Pease and Kenyon, 1992). Livestock can overgraze riparian areas, creating a loss of stability to streambanks, which causes soil erosion, and overall declining water quality (Belsky et al., 1999). Inputs of nonpoint pollutants from agriculture have increased dramatically and now N and P represents the largest pollution problem facing freshwater as well as the coastal waters (Howarth et al., 2000). Consequently, agriculture can impact natural aquatic ecosystems negatively and ecosystems can become biologically imbalanced (Moss, 2008). Nutrient over-enrichment of aquatic ecosystems can trigger ecological imbalance that decrease the biological diversity (Howarth et al., 2000).This imbalance can affect aquatic species which has caused fish kills and advisories in neighboring rivers such as the Shenandoah, New, and Roanoke Rivers. During the past couple decades research has found phosphorus to be the biggest driver of eutrophication of freshwater systems (Howarth et al., 2000). High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water harm both vertebrate species and invertebrate species. Fish that are in contact with high nutrient levels affect cardiovascular processes, behavior, endocrine system, and excretory processes (Kuklina et al., 2013). Invertebrate species, when living in a high nutrient environment, are affected through the loss of locomotive abilities, cardiac distress, and unusual behavior (Kuklina et al., 2013). Plant communities are also impacted by nutrient additions. Aquatic plant communities are the basis for a healthy and diverse aquatic ecosystem, providing food, shelter, and breeding habitats for aquatic species (Withers and Lord 2002; Mainstone and Parr 2002). Nutrient enrichment in freshwater systems can degrade plant community by altering the competitive balance between different aquatic plant species (Mainstone and Parr 2002). Diffuse sources of phosphorus, particularly from agriculture, are a major contributor to phosphorus levels in riverine sediments, where it can be utilized by benthic algae and rooted plants. This phosphorus can also be released into the water column by a variety of processes (Mainstone and Parr 2002). Testing water quality can be completed using equipment to measure pH, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates, and dissolved oxygen (Kuklina et al., 2013). Water quality can also be tested with bioindicator species such as macroinvertebrates due to their sensitivity to pollutants. Bioindicator species are often used because macroinvertebrates are a good indicator of the cumulative effects of pollution (Lenat, 1984). In a study of the Ontario stream system (Marsh and Waters, 1980), two branches were surveyed for macroinvertebrates. There was a branch with high agricultural land use in the drainage and a branch with no agricultural land use in the drainage. They found that the branch with high input of agricultural drainage showed a decrease in taxa richness of intolerant groups (Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Trichoptera) and an increase in taxa richness of tolerant groups (Coleoptera, Odonata). The presence and tolerance level of macroinvertebrates Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 70, No. 3, 2019 https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol70/iss3 Stream Assessment in the Dry River, VA 3 showed that agricultural drainage from nearby farms was negatively affecting the Ontario stream’s water quality (Marsh and Waters, 1980). The goal of this study is to investigate whether water quality in the Dry River is being affected by the agricultural activity. It is important to have water quality assessment to determine water impairment of an aquatic environment which potentially needs management, alternative forms of fertilization, and/or different methods of soil treatment. A healthy stream is vital for both health and economic usage of the waterway, which boosts local and state economies through consumer interaction and licensing. METHODS Macroinvertebrates were sampled in the Dry River located in Rockingham County, VA. The Dry River starts from Skidmore Lake located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and ends entering the North River in Dayton, VA. Macroinvertebrates were sampled along US. Route 33 at Riven Rock State Park (Location AA) and in Dayton, 100 meters above the junction to the North River (Location BA). Location AA exists above agricultural activities including dairy and beef cattle farming, poultry broilers and layers, and corn and soybean fields. Location BA is located below these agricultural activities. Sampling was conducted between April and June of 2017 using the Surber sampling method. Location AA and BA were sampled once a day in April, May, and June. Each sampling day consisted of three isolated locations within sites AA and BA. Within the river the sampling was performed in fast flowing water and a usable substrate for Surber sampling purposes. At each of the sampling points (3 within AA and BA) three Surber samples were taken and combined for each point location (3) within AA and BA. The sampler was firmly placed in the substrate and the substrate was disturbed. The duration of disturbance varied based on substrate characteristics. The goal was to obtain all macroinvertebrates within the sampling area. Each macroinvertebrate was then carefully placed in a 33cm X 21cm aluminum pan and identified to the lowest taxonomical level possible. Each individual was identified using the macroinvertebrate key created by Birmingham et al., (2005). These data were analyzed using the modified version of the Biological Monitoring Working Party index (BMWP) (Uherek and Gouveia, 2014). The BMWP was used to score taxa from 1-10 and the respective scores were used to determine Average Score Per Taxa (ASPT) at their respective sample locations. To get the score, each organism is given a number according to the BMWP scoring system (Uherek and Gouveia, 2014; See Appendix 1). A total score is calculated for each site and divided by the number of species to obtain the ASPT. Percent EPT was also used to provide another data point to indicate aquatic system health. EPT can be expressed as a percentage of the sensitive orders (E= Ephemeroptera, P= Plecoptera, T= Tricoptera) to the total taxa found. A large percentage of EPT taxa indicates high water quality. The ASPT results (dependent variable) and percent EPT (dependent variable) were analyzed to the differences between sites (independent variable). Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to test normality in the data before the statistical analysis. The ASPT scores were found to be normal and analyzed for Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 70, No. 3, 2019 https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol70/iss3 Stream Assessment in the Dry River, VA 4 significance using a t-test assuming unequal variance. Percent EPT for sites were compared using z-test statistics (Uherek and Gouveia, 2014). RESULTS Sample results included 258 individuals belonging to 11 different taxonomic groups. Table 1 depicts species order and relative abundance at each location. According to the scoring parameters of the BMWP, above agricultural activity sites (AA) scored a
Previous studies have indicated that several pollutants are bioaccumulating in insectivorous bats, including the heavy metal mercury. This has resulted in an increased presence of mercury in bat waste (guano). In this study, we collected bat guano from ten caves in Florida and Georgia and two bat houses in Florida and analyzed the samples for mercury concentrations (ppm). Since the predominant bat species using caves (Myotis austroriparius) versus bat houses (Tadarida braziliensis) were different, the objective of this study was to make statistical comparisons of the mercury concentrations among caves, between caves and bat houses, and between bat houses. We found no significant differences between caves and bat houses. The mean concentrations among caves were significantly different, as well as the concentrations between the two bat houses. These results show similar levels of mercury concentrations in bat guano in both predominant bat species that use these caves and bat houses in Florida and Georgia. But variability exists between all locations, which indicate that other variables (e.g., geographic hot spots for mercury exposure) also affect mercury concentrations in guano. This study provides baseline data for bat guano mercury levels, which is a barometer of bat health and potential bioaccumulation of mercury in guanitic food webs, such as those in cave ecosystems.
Limited research has investigated dissertation methodology choice and the factors that contribute to this choice. Quantitative research is based in mathematics and scientific positivism, and qualitative research is based in constructivism. These underlying philosophical differences posit the question if certain factors predict dissertation methodology choice. Using the theoretical framework of intersectionality, this predictive, correlational study used archival data to determine if biological sex, ethnicity, age, or religious affiliation predicts dissertation methodology choice. A logistics regression analysis was used to review 398 doctoral dissertations and determine if any of the criterion variables predicted dissertation methodology choice. After analysis, it was determined that none of the criterion variables of biological sex, ethnicity, age, and religious affiliation were statistically significant in predicting dissertation methodology choice.
The recent focus on the importance of native plants and their pollinators has highlighted the critical role of local species in their natural environment. As urban encroachment, climate change, and invasive species continues to threaten native habitats, it is increasingly important to promote the use of local green spaces as refugia for native plants and their pollinators. The aim of this project, therefore, was to identify and assess the visitation frequency of insect pollinators associated with an urban setting within the Piedmont region of Virginia, and compare their association with native versus closely-related but non-native summerflowering plants. Several modes of insect examination were used to assess these metrics in the Brian Wesley Moores Native Plant Garden on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. We observed an overall preference for the native species on a total of four native:non-native pair comparisons, including a higher number of total insect visitors and a more diverse assortment of pollinator types. Our data supports the notion that native plant species should be prioritized in urban green spaces, as it provides the appropriate flora to support ecosystem balance in a setting threatened by human activities.
