This paper reviews the economic methodology used to justify a proposed 357 hectare (800 acre) Industrial Park that would breach the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, a boundary that had b...This paper reviews the economic methodology used to justify a proposed 357 hectare (800 acre) Industrial Park that would breach the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, a boundary that had been established to constrain urban sprawl and protect the surrounding wetlands and farmlands. We will examine the socio-economic setting of the region, the ownership of the farmland parcels designated to become industrial sites, and the misuse of the promoters’ narrow economic analysis. Then we shall explain and compute correctly the likely job creation based on the author’s own survey of recently constructed industrial plants similar to those proposed for this site. Rather than an industrial park, we offer instead a newly-designed multi-purpose Recreational–Ecological–Agricultural Park (REAP) & Nature Preserve which would maintain the integrity of the rural landscape, connect the densely-populated neighborhoods to the mangrove shoreline, and open nature’s treasure chest to urban Miami and the wider public.展开更多
Fecal samples from 277 goats on eleven farms in Florida were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of the multiple species of Eimeria that infect goats in this region. The number of oocysts per gram of fe...Fecal samples from 277 goats on eleven farms in Florida were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of the multiple species of Eimeria that infect goats in this region. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was determined by the modified McMaster technique. Species identification was done following sporulation. Eimeria oocysts were found in 97% of the fecal samples. Goats less than one year of age shed significantly more oocysts than goats greater than one year of age (P < 0.01). Goats of the Nubian breed had the highest OPG counts when compared to Boer, Boer-Spanish crosses, and Saanen breeds. Nine Eimeria spp. were identified. Eimeria arloingi (91%), E. ninakohlyakimovae (82%) and E. alijevi (79%) were the most prevalent species. Other species present were E. caprina (60%), E. christenseni (60%), E. hirci (46%), E. caprovina (29%), E. aspheronica (15%), and E. jolchijevi (9%).展开更多
A stratified random sampling approach was employed to quantify total biomass across prevalent non-commercial forest understory species found in six counties of northwest Florida, USA. The moisture content (wet basis...A stratified random sampling approach was employed to quantify total biomass across prevalent non-commercial forest understory species found in six counties of northwest Florida, USA. The moisture content (wet basis) and calorific values of these species were also measured. Total green biomass from forest understory species was estimated to be around 12 million metric tons, mostly comprised of Cliftonia monophylla (titi, buckwheat tree) and Cyrilla racemiflora (white titi, swamp titi). This understory forest biomass would be sufficient to generate about 28.8 million GJ of electricity or 1589.25 million liters of ethanol. A need was identified to determine the inventory of forest understory biomass at the state level and assess the overall sustainability of utilizing forest understory biomass for bioenergy.展开更多
Changing landscapes and land-use practices are altering habitat for Florida wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo osceola). However, an understanding of habitat determinants of nest success is lacking for this unique turk...Changing landscapes and land-use practices are altering habitat for Florida wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo osceola). However, an understanding of habitat determinants of nest success is lacking for this unique turkey subspecies, potentially limiting conservation success. We examined female wild turkey nest site selection and nest success at microhabitat and patch levels using logistic regression in an Information-Theoretical framework in Florida, 2008-2010. We captured and radio-equipped adult female turkeys, and followed birds to nests. Nests were monitored to document success, and habitat was measured at multiple levels at nest and random sites. Females selected nest sites in dense vegetation (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover [Serenoa repens] and higher palm stem densities) that may have provided lateral and vertical cover for concealment at the microhabitat level (i.e., area within 7 m of the nest), while selecting for a more open habitat (i.e., decreasing hardwood and conifer stem densities) at the patch level (i.e., area within 28 m of the nest). Similarly, successful nests were in more dense vegetation at the nest site (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover) in an otherwise more open habitat (i.e., lower basal area) than unsuccessful nests. Habitat management that creates patches of dense shrub vegetation such as saw palmetto within an open landscape may be best for Florida wild turkey nesting habitat and success.展开更多
Semen characteristics of naturally fertile pairs and their correlation with fertility of eggs in Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) were examined. Six pairs were used in this experiment, and all of the...Semen characteristics of naturally fertile pairs and their correlation with fertility of eggs in Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) were examined. Six pairs were used in this experiment, and all of them that had bred before were housed in open individual pens. These pairs were isolated physically each other but not visually and audibly. Semen was collected twice (Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon) from February 26 to June 4, 1993. The standard methods at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center were used collecting and evaluating the semen and spermatozoa. and incubating the eggs. There were statistically individual variations (p<0.05) about successful collecting attempts, semen volume, semen concentration, spermatozoon’s motility,spermatozoon’s number per collection, live spermatozoon’s number, male’s response to semen collection, and morphology of spermatozoa except the giant cell. There was a significantly (p<0.05, correlation coefficient was (0.73 or (1 .00) negative correlation between fertility of eggs and the multiple value of semen (sperm) characteristics of naturally fertile pairs in Florida sandhill crane.展开更多
Beginning in the 1980s,dramatic ecological changes happened to the bay and the adjacent Everglades.Several U.S.government organizations such as the U.S.Geological Survey and National Park Service united to try to rest...Beginning in the 1980s,dramatic ecological changes happened to the bay and the adjacent Everglades.Several U.S.government organizations such as the U.S.Geological Survey and National Park Service united to try to restore these ecosystems.As part of the whole project,this study establishes a baseline of variability for the last 100 to 4000 years in seagrass abundance(an indicator of water quality),展开更多
Tree species in coastal forests may exhibit specialization or plasticity in coping with drought through changes in their stomatal morphology or activity, allowing for a balance between gas exchange and water loss in a...Tree species in coastal forests may exhibit specialization or plasticity in coping with drought through changes in their stomatal morphology or activity, allowing for a balance between gas exchange and water loss in a periodically stressful environment. To examine these responses, we sought to answer two primary research questions: a) how is variation in B. simaruba’s stomatal traits partitioned across hierarchical levels, i.e., site, tree, and leaf;and b) is variation in stomatal traits an integrated response to physiological stress expressed across the habitat gradient of Florida Keys forests? At eight sites distributed throughout the Keys, five leaves were collected from three mature trees for stomatal analysis. Leaf carbon stable isotope ratio (δ13C) was determined to infer the changes in water use efficiency caused by physiological stress experienced by each tree. The results showed that substantial proportions of the total variance in three traits (stomatal density, stomatal size, and δ13C) were observed at all levels, suggesting that processes operating at each scale are important in determining trait values. A significant negative correlation between stomatal density and size across scales was observed. Path model analysis showed that environmental variables, distance to ground water and ground water salinity, affect leaf δ13C indirectly, via its effects on stomatal traits, not directly to leaf δ13C. Therefore, the combination of small and densely distributed stomata seems to represent a strategy that allows B. simaruba to conserve water under conditions of physiological drought induced by either higher ground water salinity or flooding stress at very low elevation.展开更多
The most intense and catastrophic hurricanes on record to hit the Florida Keys during 1900 to 1950 were in 1919, and 1935. From 1950 to 2000, the most intense hurricanes to hit or affect the Florida Keys were in 1960,...The most intense and catastrophic hurricanes on record to hit the Florida Keys during 1900 to 1950 were in 1919, and 1935. From 1950 to 2000, the most intense hurricanes to hit or affect the Florida Keys were in 1960, 1965, and 1992. In this paper, we will present a brief parametric analysis of the hurricanes that have hit the Florida Keys in the last 100 years. This analysis will include the descriptive statistics, best fit probability distribution of the latitude of the catastrophic hurricanes and a confidence interval that detects the average latitude of hurricanes (category 3 or higher) which have hit the Florida Keys in the last 100 years.展开更多
文摘This paper reviews the economic methodology used to justify a proposed 357 hectare (800 acre) Industrial Park that would breach the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, a boundary that had been established to constrain urban sprawl and protect the surrounding wetlands and farmlands. We will examine the socio-economic setting of the region, the ownership of the farmland parcels designated to become industrial sites, and the misuse of the promoters’ narrow economic analysis. Then we shall explain and compute correctly the likely job creation based on the author’s own survey of recently constructed industrial plants similar to those proposed for this site. Rather than an industrial park, we offer instead a newly-designed multi-purpose Recreational–Ecological–Agricultural Park (REAP) & Nature Preserve which would maintain the integrity of the rural landscape, connect the densely-populated neighborhoods to the mangrove shoreline, and open nature’s treasure chest to urban Miami and the wider public.
文摘Fecal samples from 277 goats on eleven farms in Florida were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of the multiple species of Eimeria that infect goats in this region. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was determined by the modified McMaster technique. Species identification was done following sporulation. Eimeria oocysts were found in 97% of the fecal samples. Goats less than one year of age shed significantly more oocysts than goats greater than one year of age (P < 0.01). Goats of the Nubian breed had the highest OPG counts when compared to Boer, Boer-Spanish crosses, and Saanen breeds. Nine Eimeria spp. were identified. Eimeria arloingi (91%), E. ninakohlyakimovae (82%) and E. alijevi (79%) were the most prevalent species. Other species present were E. caprina (60%), E. christenseni (60%), E. hirci (46%), E. caprovina (29%), E. aspheronica (15%), and E. jolchijevi (9%).
文摘A stratified random sampling approach was employed to quantify total biomass across prevalent non-commercial forest understory species found in six counties of northwest Florida, USA. The moisture content (wet basis) and calorific values of these species were also measured. Total green biomass from forest understory species was estimated to be around 12 million metric tons, mostly comprised of Cliftonia monophylla (titi, buckwheat tree) and Cyrilla racemiflora (white titi, swamp titi). This understory forest biomass would be sufficient to generate about 28.8 million GJ of electricity or 1589.25 million liters of ethanol. A need was identified to determine the inventory of forest understory biomass at the state level and assess the overall sustainability of utilizing forest understory biomass for bioenergy.
文摘Changing landscapes and land-use practices are altering habitat for Florida wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo osceola). However, an understanding of habitat determinants of nest success is lacking for this unique turkey subspecies, potentially limiting conservation success. We examined female wild turkey nest site selection and nest success at microhabitat and patch levels using logistic regression in an Information-Theoretical framework in Florida, 2008-2010. We captured and radio-equipped adult female turkeys, and followed birds to nests. Nests were monitored to document success, and habitat was measured at multiple levels at nest and random sites. Females selected nest sites in dense vegetation (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover [Serenoa repens] and higher palm stem densities) that may have provided lateral and vertical cover for concealment at the microhabitat level (i.e., area within 7 m of the nest), while selecting for a more open habitat (i.e., decreasing hardwood and conifer stem densities) at the patch level (i.e., area within 28 m of the nest). Similarly, successful nests were in more dense vegetation at the nest site (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover) in an otherwise more open habitat (i.e., lower basal area) than unsuccessful nests. Habitat management that creates patches of dense shrub vegetation such as saw palmetto within an open landscape may be best for Florida wild turkey nesting habitat and success.
文摘Semen characteristics of naturally fertile pairs and their correlation with fertility of eggs in Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) were examined. Six pairs were used in this experiment, and all of them that had bred before were housed in open individual pens. These pairs were isolated physically each other but not visually and audibly. Semen was collected twice (Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon) from February 26 to June 4, 1993. The standard methods at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center were used collecting and evaluating the semen and spermatozoa. and incubating the eggs. There were statistically individual variations (p<0.05) about successful collecting attempts, semen volume, semen concentration, spermatozoon’s motility,spermatozoon’s number per collection, live spermatozoon’s number, male’s response to semen collection, and morphology of spermatozoa except the giant cell. There was a significantly (p<0.05, correlation coefficient was (0.73 or (1 .00) negative correlation between fertility of eggs and the multiple value of semen (sperm) characteristics of naturally fertile pairs in Florida sandhill crane.
文摘Beginning in the 1980s,dramatic ecological changes happened to the bay and the adjacent Everglades.Several U.S.government organizations such as the U.S.Geological Survey and National Park Service united to try to restore these ecosystems.As part of the whole project,this study establishes a baseline of variability for the last 100 to 4000 years in seagrass abundance(an indicator of water quality),
文摘Tree species in coastal forests may exhibit specialization or plasticity in coping with drought through changes in their stomatal morphology or activity, allowing for a balance between gas exchange and water loss in a periodically stressful environment. To examine these responses, we sought to answer two primary research questions: a) how is variation in B. simaruba’s stomatal traits partitioned across hierarchical levels, i.e., site, tree, and leaf;and b) is variation in stomatal traits an integrated response to physiological stress expressed across the habitat gradient of Florida Keys forests? At eight sites distributed throughout the Keys, five leaves were collected from three mature trees for stomatal analysis. Leaf carbon stable isotope ratio (δ13C) was determined to infer the changes in water use efficiency caused by physiological stress experienced by each tree. The results showed that substantial proportions of the total variance in three traits (stomatal density, stomatal size, and δ13C) were observed at all levels, suggesting that processes operating at each scale are important in determining trait values. A significant negative correlation between stomatal density and size across scales was observed. Path model analysis showed that environmental variables, distance to ground water and ground water salinity, affect leaf δ13C indirectly, via its effects on stomatal traits, not directly to leaf δ13C. Therefore, the combination of small and densely distributed stomata seems to represent a strategy that allows B. simaruba to conserve water under conditions of physiological drought induced by either higher ground water salinity or flooding stress at very low elevation.
文摘The most intense and catastrophic hurricanes on record to hit the Florida Keys during 1900 to 1950 were in 1919, and 1935. From 1950 to 2000, the most intense hurricanes to hit or affect the Florida Keys were in 1960, 1965, and 1992. In this paper, we will present a brief parametric analysis of the hurricanes that have hit the Florida Keys in the last 100 years. This analysis will include the descriptive statistics, best fit probability distribution of the latitude of the catastrophic hurricanes and a confidence interval that detects the average latitude of hurricanes (category 3 or higher) which have hit the Florida Keys in the last 100 years.