Multifactor classification of forest landscape ecosystems of Jocassee Gorges, southern Appalachian Mountains, South Carolina

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 1933-1946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R Abella ◽  
Victor B Shelburne ◽  
Neil W MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Southern Appalachian ◽  
South Carolina Department ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Ecosystem Classification ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Topographic Positions ◽  
Landscape Ecosystems ◽  
Jocassee Gorges

Ecosystem classification identifies interrelationships within and among the geomorphology, soils, and vegetation that converge to form ecosystems across forest landscapes. We developed a multifactor ecosystem classification system for a 13 000 ha southern Appalachian landscape acquired in 1998 by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Using a combination of multivariate analyses, we distinguished five ecosystem types ranging from xeric oak (Quercus spp.) to mesic eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) ecosystems. Ecosystems segregated along geomorphic gradients influencing potential moisture availability, with soil properties such as solum thickness distinguishing among ecosystems occupying similar topographic positions. Our results suggest that different combinations of geomorphic and soil factors interact to form similar ecosystems across the landscape, and a given environmental factor can impact ecosystem development at some constituent sites of an ecosystem type but not at other sites. A regional comparison of ecosystem classifications indicates that environmental variables important for distinguishing ecosystems in the southern Appalachians vary, with Jocassee Gorges characterized by unique suites of environmental complexes. Our study supports the contention that the strengths of ecosystem classification are providing (i) comprehensive information on the interrelationships among ecosystem components, (ii) a foundation from which to develop ecologically based forest management plans, and (iii) an ecological framework in which to conduct future research on specific ecosystem components or processes.

Snowvision: The Promise of Algorithmic Methods in Southeastern Archaeological Research

2020 ◽  
pp. 165-185
Author(s):  
Colin Wilder ◽  
Sam T. McDorman ◽  
Jun Zhou ◽  
Adam King ◽  
Yuhang Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Vision ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Native American ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
University Of South Carolina ◽  
South Carolina Department ◽  
Digital Archaeology ◽  
The University

This article presents the contexts, methods, contributions, and preliminary findings of Snowvision, a digital archaeology project developed by faculty and students at the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Snowvision uses computer vision to reconstruct southeastern Native American paddle designs from the Swift Creek period, ca. 100-850 CE. In this essay, we first present the context of the Swift Creek culture of the southeastern United States, along with broader related issues in prehistoric archaeology. Then, the relevant methods from archaeology and computer vision are introduced and discussed. We also introduce World Engraved, our public-facing digital archive of sherd designs and distributions, and explain its role in our overall project. We then explore, in some level of technical detail, the ways in which our work refines existing pattern-matching algorithms used in the field of computer vision. Finally, we discuss our accomplishments and findings to date and the possibilities for future research that Snowvision provides.

Cyanobacterial Toxins in Water Sources and Their Impacts on Human Health

2015 ◽  
pp. 120-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zakaria Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Water Treatment Plant ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Cyanobacterial Blooms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Future Research Directions

Cyanobacteria are a group of phytoplankton of marine and freshwaters. The accelerated eutrophication of water sources by agricultural and industrial run-off has increased the occurrence and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms. They are of particular concern because of their production for potent hepato-, neuro-, and dermatoxins, being hazardous to human health. Dissemination of knowledge about cyanobacteria and their cyanotoxins assists water supply authorities in developing monitoring and management plans, and provides the public with appropriate information to avoid exposure to these toxins. This chapter provides a broad overview and up-to-date information on cyanobacteria and their toxins in terms of their occurrence, chemical and toxicological characteristics, fate in the environment, guideline limits, and effective treatment techniques to remove these toxins from drinking water. Future research directions were also suggested to fill knowledge and research gaps, and advance the abilities of utilities and water treatment plant designers to deal with these toxins.

scholarly journals Structural Diversity, Characterization and Toxicology of Microcystins

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noureddine Bouaïcha ◽  
Christopher Miles ◽  
Daniel Beach ◽  
Zineb Labidi ◽  
Amina Djabri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Esters ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Oxidation Products ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Analytical Methodology ◽  
Environmental Controls ◽  
Scientific Disciplines ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) are the most widespread class of cyanotoxins and the one that has most often been implicated in cyanobacterial toxicosis. One of the main challenges in studying and monitoring MCs is the great structural diversity within the class. The full chemical structure of the first MC was elucidated in the early 1980s and since then, the number of reported structural analogues has grown steadily and continues to do so, thanks largely to advances in analytical methodology. The structures of some of these analogues have been definitively elucidated after chemical isolation using a combination of techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, amino acid analysis, and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Others have only been tentatively identified using liquid chromatography-MS/MS without chemical isolation. An understanding of the structural diversity of MCs, the genetic and environmental controls for this diversity and the impact of structure on toxicity are all essential to the ongoing study of MCs across several scientific disciplines. However, because of the diversity of MCs and the range of approaches that have been taken for characterizing them, comprehensive information on the state of knowledge in each of these areas can be challenging to gather. We have conducted an in-depth review of the literature surrounding the identification and toxicity of known MCs and present here a concise review of these topics. At present, at least 279 MCs have been reported and are tabulated here. Among these, about 20% (55 of 279) appear to be the result of chemical or biochemical transformations of MCs that can occur in the environment or during sample handling and extraction of cyanobacteria, including oxidation products, methyl esters, or post-biosynthetic metabolites. The toxicity of many MCs has also been studied using a range of different approaches and a great deal of variability can be observed between reported toxicities, even for the same congener. This review will help clarify the current state of knowledge on the structural diversity of MCs as a class and the impacts of structure on toxicity, as well as to identify gaps in knowledge that should be addressed in future research.

scholarly journals Forest Resource Management Plans: Importance of Plan Components to Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners in South Carolina

1997 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 164-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terrell G. Thrift ◽  
Thomas J. Straka ◽  
Allan P. Marsinko ◽  
Jeffrey L. Baumann
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Private Forest ◽  
Forest Landowners ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Forest Stewardship ◽  
Nonindustrial Private Forest ◽  
Primary Management ◽  
Nipf Landowners

Abstract This study is based on a survey of 100 South Carolina nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners who participated in the Forest Stewardship Program in 1995-1996. The purpose of the study was to determine which components in a management plan are most important to NIPF landowners. Most important are the landowners' objectives, followed by individual stand descriptions and a schedule of prescribed activities. Data are summarized by type of preparer (government, consultant, or industry) and by timber or nontimber primary management objective. South. J. Appl. For. 21(4):164-167.

scholarly journals Economic Impacts of State Parks on State Economies in the South

1990 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Bergstrom ◽  
H. Ken Cordell ◽  
Alan E. Watson ◽  
Gregory A. Ashley
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Future Research ◽  
State Parks ◽  
The Public ◽  
Expenditure Data ◽  
Public Area ◽  
State Economies

Abstract The economic impacts of recreational visits to state parks on the economies of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee were estimated using the U.S. Forest Service IMPLAN input-output modeling system. Recreational expenditure data associated with state parks were obtained from the Public Area Recreation Visitors Study (PARVS). Results suggest that recreational spending may stimulate a considerable amount of economic activity in the state economies studied. Hence, future research into the economic development potential of outdoor recreation seems warranted.

scholarly journals A large salmonellosis outbreak associated with a frequently penalized restaurant

1993 ◽  
Vol 110 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Luby ◽  
J. L. Jones ◽  
J. M. Horan
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Local Health Department ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Salmonella Infection ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
South Carolina Department ◽  
Offensive Odour

SUMMARYBetween January and June 1990, Restaurant A in Greenville, South Carolina repeatedly failed local health department inspection and was repeatedly sanctioned. In September 1990, two persons, hospitalized with salmonellosis after attending a convention catered by Restaurant A, contacted the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. We inspected Restaurant A, interviewed food handlers, and surveyed by telephone persons from every sixth business attending the convention. Of 398 persons interviewed, 135 (34%) reported gastroenteritis. Nine had culture-confirmed salmonella infection. People who ate turkey were 4.6 times more likely to become ill than those who did not eat turkey (95% confidence interval 2.0, 10.6). We estimate that of 2430 attendees, 824 became ill. Sanitarians judged Restaurant A's kitchen too small to prepare over 500 meals safely. The cooked turkey was unrefrigerated for several hours, incompletely rewarmed, and rinsed with water to reduce its offensive odour prior to serving. Stronger sanctions may be needed against restaurants that repeatedly fail local health department inspection.

scholarly journals Objective Church Environment Audits and Attendee Perceptions of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Supports within the Church Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3598
Author(s):  
Marilyn E. Wende ◽  
Andrew T. Kaczynski ◽  
John A. Bernhart ◽  
Caroline G. Dunn ◽  
Sara Wilcox
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
The Church

Interventions in faith-based settings are increasingly popular, due to their effectiveness for improving attendee health outcomes and behaviors. Little past research has examined the important role of the church environment in individual-level outcomes using objective environmental audits. This study examined associations between the objectively measured physical church environment and attendees’ perceptions of physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) supports within the church environment, self-efficacy for PA and HE, and self-reported PA and HE behaviors. Data were collected via church audits and church attendee surveys in 54 churches in a rural, medically underserved county in South Carolina. Multi-level regression was used to analyze associations between the church environment and outcomes. Physical elements of churches were positively related to attendees’ perceptions of church environment supports for PA (B = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.05) and HE (B = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.09) and there was a significant interaction between perceptions of HE supports and HE church environment. Self-efficacy and behaviors for PA and HE did not show an association with the church environment. Future research should establish a temporal relationship between the church environment and these important constructs for improving health. Future faith-based interventions should apply infrastructure changes to the church environment to influence important mediating constructs to health behavior.

Collisions and Damage of Offshore Structures: A State-of-the-Art

1985 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. P. Ellinas ◽  
S. Valsgard
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Offshore Structures ◽  
The State ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Major Interest ◽  
Offshore Industry ◽  
Available Information

Over the recent years, following the very rapid increase in the construction and installation of offshore structures, there has been a considerable growth of interest in the assessment of the probabilities and consequences of collision and damage of such structures. This is reflected by the very large number of papers published over the last 15 yr and the multitude of conferences and meetings held on the subject. Many research programs have been completed or are in progress at many centers and institutions over the world. Accidental loading and damage are now accepted design parameters recommended for consideration in a number of Codes for the design in offshore structures. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art with respect to the probabilities and consequences of collisions and accidental loading in general, and methods for the assessment of the design of steel offshore structures against damage. Most of the available information in the field of offshore collisions and accidental loading emanates from research and experience related to ship safety. However, in this paper emphasis is placed on research activity and available information concerned with offshore structures, such as platforms, semisubmersibles, etc. There is a considerable amount of information available on methods for evaluating the extent and effects on damage of these structures and in estimating their residual strength in the damaged condition. As this is an area currently of major interest in the offshore industry, the paper presents comprehensive information and some new results relating to all major structural components. The state-of-the-art with regards to methods and principles for design against damage is also reviewed and commented upon. The paper concludes with general recommendations and indications of areas where future research could be most usefully directed.

Diagnostic and Demographic Differences Between Incarcerated and Nonincarcerated Youth (Ages 6-15) With ADHD in South Carolina

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 554-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel L. Soltis ◽  
Janice Probst ◽  
Sudha Xirasagar ◽  
Amy B. Martin ◽  
Bradley H. Smith
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Urban Youth ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Statistical Manual ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Diagnosis Codes ◽  
South Carolina Department ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Youth With Adhd

Objective: Analyze diagnostic and demographic factors to identify predictors of delinquency resulting in incarceration within a group of children/adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Method: The study followed a cohort of 15,472 Medicaid covered children/adolescents with ADHD, ages 6 to 15 inclusive, between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2006. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev. [ DSM-IV-TR]), 2000 Codes were used for qualifying diagnosis codes. Available demographic characteristics included race, sex, and residence. The outcome was incarceration at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice during 2005-2006. Results: Among youth with ADHD, incarceration was more likely among black, male, and urban youth. Children/adolescents with comorbid ODD and/or CD were at greater risk compared with those with ADHD alone. Conclusion: Within ADHD-diagnosed youth, comorbid conditions and demographic characteristics increase the risk of incarceration. Intervention and treatment strategies that address behavior among youth with these characteristics are needed to reduce incarceration.

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