Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Regenera+.Uy: Designing A Co-Innovation Process To Apply The Principles Of Regenerative Livestock Production, Oscar Blumetto, M. Bustamante, A. Castagna, D. Caresani, G. Ciappesoni, R. Baptista, I. De Barbieri

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Consumers around the world are beginning to demand products whose production systems have environmental guarantees. Among them, those derived from regenerative agriculture have a growing demand in many markets. A comprehensive environmental assessment was carried out in 9 case studies of mixed livestock production farms (cattle and sheep) in Uruguay as a basis for the development of a system redesign process following the principles of regenerative agriculture. The results show that emission intensity was 16.0, 10.5, and 49.2 kg CO2 eq kg-1 of beef, sheep meat, and greasy wool, respectively. Also, a simulation exercise shows a significative reduction of emission …

Estimating Forage Biomass Using Unmanned Ground And Aerial Vehicles, B. A. Koc, J. Singh, M. J. Aguerre,

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The assessment of the amount of biomass in the field is one of the critical factors that helps to manage and optimize numerous operations associated with forage management in the livestock industry. Pasture management decisions about stocking rate, grazing duration, and fertilizer application rate depend on accurate forage availability measurements. The objective of this study was to develop different nondestructive methods of forage biomass estimation using unmanned vehicles based on the relationship between crop height (CH) and the measured above-ground biomass. The unmanned vehicle-based methods were developed and tested on Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) and Tall Fescue (Schedonorus …

Genetic Modification – Applications For Forage And Grassland Production Systems, J. R. Caradus

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Genetic modification has been extensively used in crops for 25 years but has rarely been a technology used to advance trait expression in forage and grassland species. The exceptions are the use of herbicide tolerance and low lignin traits in alfalfa which are currently commercially available. In crop species genetic modification has been a valuable option for delivering improved economic and environmental outcomes through providing solutions for many of the challenges facing mankind. There are a many beneficial characteristics that genetic modification has the potential to provide in forage and grassland species. Managing these in the environment and understanding consumer …

A Framework For Promoting Diverse Perennial Circular Forage Systems For More Resilient Agricultural Landscapes: Developing Extension And Educational Tools For Resilience And Sustainability, Cassida K. A., W. Lamp, S. Gruss

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The Resilience CAP Team seeks to use diverse, perennial, circular forage systems (DPCFS) to enhance biodiversity, improve soil and plant health, support ecosystem service, all towards achieving greater resilience to global change and improving the farm economy and quality of life. Our project will design a transdisciplinary framework that combines agronomic, ecological, economic, and sociological factors to achieve greater resilience and stability in agricultural systems through use of DPCFS. In this paper, we describe two of the project’s six objectives. Objective 5 is our extension/outreach arm where we will develop extension media, activities, and actionable decision tools to communicate concepts …

Convalescing Soil Functionality Of Degraded Lands: An Experience From Semi-Arid India, A. Chandra, H. Baradwal, A. Ghosh, A. K. Singh, S. S. Manjangouda

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Land loss is not only whittling away India’s gross domestic product by 2.5% every year and affecting its crop yield but also exacerbating climate change events in the country. To test applicability of alternate land use systems for improving soil functionality in restored ecologies, soils were sampled from the 0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm layers of Leucaena leucocephala (LL), Hardwickia binata (HB), Emblica officinalis (EO), Azadiracta indica (AI) based silviculture systems, Acacia nilotica-based silvipasture systems (AN), and natural grassland (NG) and compared with a fallow land (F). They were evaluated for carbon management index (CMI), nutrient supply capacity (NSC), …

Stoloniferous Forage Legumes For Sustainable Mixed Pastures In The Tropics, R. M. Boddey, C De P Rezende, J. Marques Pereira, C. A. Dos Santos, Animal Husbandry Station Of The Extreme South Of Bahia, Brazil, I. O. Ramalho, R. M. Macedo, B. C. G. Homem, D. R. Casagrande, S. Urquiaga, B. J. R. Alves

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Brazil has over 80 million ha of tropical pastures formed with species of Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa), mostly grazed by beef cattle and with low fertilizer inputs, especially nitrogen. Recent investigations by our team show that stoloniferous legumes such as forage peanut (Arachis pintoi) and Desmodium ovalifolium are able to persist in mixed swards with Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu) if grazing height is regulated (maximum 30 cm) so that radiation can reach the soil surface allowing stolons to take root. These legumes can persist in mixed pastures and produce milk or animal weight gains similar to the application …

Ecosystem Benefits Of Invasive Annual Grass Removal, S. L. Clark

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Invasive winter annual grasses (IAGs) are altering rangeland ecosystems across millions of hectares in the western US. These winter annuals outcompete native plants for soil moisture and nutrients, leading to devastating impacts on ecosystem functions. The IAG seedbank is short-lived and often does not persist beyond 3 years. Past tools for IAG control have only provided short-term control or caused injury to the native plant community, making it difficult for researchers to assess the ecosystem benefits of IAG removal. A newer herbicide option, indaziflam, provides IAG control for three or more years. Indaziflam’s extended soil residual control and tolerance of …

Exploring Profitable, Sustainable Livestock Businesses In An Increasingly Variable Climate, B. R. Cullen, M. T. Harrison, D. Mayberry, D. Cobon, N. Reichelt, A. Sinnet, Km Christie, F. Bilotto, D-A An-Vo, C. Stokes, L. Perry, T. Davison

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Livestock production systems will need to change in many regions of the world to meet the dual challenges of adaptation to a changing climate and reducing net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ‘Nexus project’ is exploring these options using seven case studies in eastern Australia spanning a range of production systems from semi-arid beef production in northern Australia to mixed beef and sheep production in cool temperate climates of southern Australia. Regional reference groups, made up of 4-6 local farmers and advisers, identified a series of farm systems changes that could be made to meet these challenges. Options were categorised …

A Pharmacist’S Central Role In Improving Hormonal Contraceptive Access, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

In 2019, the roles of Utah pharmacists grew with the implementation of a statewide standing order allowing prescribing abilities for hormonal contraceptives. With the rates of unplanned pregnancies in Utah up to 1 in every 5; pharmacists have a new role in birth control distribution. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns across the state of Utah are able to prescribe self-administered hormonal contraceptive medications including: oral pills, vaginal insertion medications, and birth control patches. Pharmacists are entrusted with the responsibility to evaluate the patient and their needs to ensure all women receiving birth control are educated about the risks and side effects …

The National Status Of Pharmacists’ Ability To Prescribe Hormonal Contraceptives, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

The scope of practice for pharmacists first expanded in California and Oregon with the ability to prescribe hormonal contraceptives to patients in their communities. Since 2016, over 33 states now allow for pharmacist prescribing of birth control in their pharmacy practice laws.

90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a retail pharmacy, making community pharmacies an accessible resource who may otherwise be unable to access contraceptives. The gap in care experienced by certain patient populations is now being filled by pharmacists with their ability to prescribe birth control.

A Brief Early History Of The Unlv Department Of Geoscience, Matthew S. Lachniet

Geoscience Faculty Research

This project represents four years of part-time research and investigation. It started as something simple, a need for a spreadsheet for me, as a new Department Chair in January of 2020, to assemble the tenure and promotion timelines of existing faculty based on their employment starting dates. It then expanded to document every Geoscience faculty member, which revealed so many interesting stories along the way. Once it began it was hard to stop, with the research taking on a mind of its own as it meandered down the historical archive of the Department. And why stop with people? Buildings? Fair …

Using A Two-Way Engagement Community- And Family-Centered Pedagogy To Prepare Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers In A Hispanic-Serving Institution, Olga Ramirez, Mayra Ortiz Galarza, Luis M. Fernandez

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Research on effective methods to prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) in teaching mathematics to K-12 Latin* students has been gaining significant momentum. These efforts have focused, in part, on promoting pedagogical practices that recognize and incorporate the culture and language that K-12 Latin* students and their communities share. As teacher educators, we argue that if we are to further prepare PSTs to serve the needs of such increasingly diversifying K-12 student population, the same pedagogical focus on the learner’s cultural wealth should also be applied to the preparation of PSTs themselves, especially among Latin* PSTs in Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) like …

Functional Data Learning Using Convolutional Neural Networks, Jose Galarza, Tamer Oraby

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper, we show how convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be used in regression and classification learning problems for noisy and non-noisy functional data (FD). The main idea is to transform the FD into a 28 by 28 image. We use a specific but typical architecture of a CNN to perform all the regression exercises of parameter estimation and functional form classification. First, we use some functional case studies of FD with and without random noise to showcase the strength of the new method. In particular, we use it to estimate exponential growth and decay rates, the bandwidths of …

Analysis Of Legacy Gravity Data Reveals Sediment-Filled Troughs Buried Under Flathead Valley, Montana, Usa, Ali Gebril, Mohamed A. Khalil, Robert Matthew Joeckel, James Rose

Conservation and Survey Division

Shallow, dominantly silt- and clay-filled erosional troughs in Quaternary sediments under the Flathead Valley (northwestern Montana, USA) are very likely to be hydraulic barriers limiting the horizontal flow of groundwater. Accurately mapping them is important because of increasing demand for groundwater.We used a legacy Bouguer gravity map measured in 1968. The directional derivatives of the map are computed, and the map was enhanced by implementing edge detection tools.We produced generalized derivative, maximum horizontal gradient, total gradient and tilt gradient maps through two-dimensional Fourier transform analysis. These maps were remarkably successful in locating buried troughs in the northern and northwestern parts …

Development Of An Empirical Ground-Motion Model For Post-Mining Induced Seismicity Near Gardanne, France, Pierre Gehl, Pascal Dominique, Hideo Aochi, Mickael Delatre, Jannes Kinscher, Isabelle Contrucci

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Since the closure of mining activities in 2003, the coal basin of Gardanne in South-East France has experienced thousands of small-magnitude earthquake events, mostly triggered by the flooding of mine workings. Some of these events have been powerful enough to be strongly felt by the population, generating nuisance and concern about potential damage to buildings. The aim of this study is to improve the characterisation of the level of ground motion at the surface, by developing a ground-motion model for post-mining induced seismicity, based on several years of recorded data. A Bayesian-based method is applied to the data in order …

Improving The Proof Of The Born Rule Using A Physical Requirement On The Dynamics Of Quantum Particles, Yakir Aharonov, Tomer Shushi

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We propose a complete proof of the Born rule using an additional postulate stating that for a short enough time Δt between two measurements, a property of a particle will keep its values fixed. This dynamical postulate allows us to produce the Born rule in its explicit form by improving the result given in [1]. While the proposed postulate is still not part of the quantum mechanics postulates, every experiment obeys it, and it cannot be deduced using the standard postulates of quantum mechanics.

Spacetime Geometry Of Acoustics And Electromagnetism, Lucas Burns, Tatsuya Daniel, Stephon Alexander, Justin Dressel

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Both acoustics and electromagnetism represent measurable fields in terms of dynamical potential fields. Electromagnetic force-fields form a spacetime bivector that is represented by a dynamical energy–momentum 4-vector potential field. Acoustic pressure and velocity fields form an energy–momentum density 4-vector field that is represented by a dynamical action scalar potential field. Surprisingly, standard field theory analyses of spin angular momentum based on these traditional potential representations contradict recent experiments, which motivates a careful reassessment of both theories. We analyze extensions of both theories that use the full geometric structure of spacetime to respect essential symmetries enforced by vacuum wave propagation. The …

Swarm Intelligence Methods For Extreme Mass Ratio Inspiral Search: First Application Of Particle Swarm Optimization, Xiao-Bo Zou, Soumya D. Mohanty, Hong-Gang Luo, Yu-Xiao Liu

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Swarm intelligence (SI) methods are nature-inspired metaheuristics for global optimization that exploit a coordinated stochastic search strategy by a group of agents. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is an established SI method that has been applied successfully to the optimization of rugged high-dimensional likelihood functions, a problem that represents the main bottleneck across a variety of gravitational wave (GW) data analysis challenges. We present results from the first application of PSO to one of the most difficult of these challenges, namely the search for the Extreme Mass Ratio Inspiral (EMRI) in data from future spaceborne GW detectors such as LISA, Taiji, …

Pseudo-Differential Operators On The Circle, Bernoulli Polynomials, Roger Gay, Ahmed Sebbar

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We show how the classical polylogarithm function Li_s (z) and its relatives, the Hurwitz zeta function and the Lerch function are all of a spectral nature, and can explain many properties of the complex powers of the Laplacian on the circle and of the distribution (x +i0)^s .We also make a relation with a result of Keiper [Fractional Calculus and its relationship to Riemann’s zeta function, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mathematics (1975)].

Curbing Crop Farmers And Herders Clashes In Nigeria: The Ranching Option, T. T. Akpensuen, M. B. Foreman

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Nigeria is a West African country with a huge population and over 70% of the population are peasant and subsistence farmers scattered in rural areas. Due to a decrease in arable and grazing lands, there are clashes between crop farmers and herders which have increased significantly in the last two decades. Some of the causes of the clashes include the destruction of crops by cattle, contamination of drinking water sources, sexual harassment of women by herders, animal rustling and killings, impunity and ineffective governance security agencies, tremendous increase in population, urbanization, desertification, industrialisation, insurgency, banditry, ethnic and religious inclination, effects …

Public Policies For The Development Of A Sustainable, Forage-Based Cattle Sector In Colombia, Argentina, And Costa Rica: A Comparative Analysis, S. Burkart, M. Diaz, Moreno Lerma

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Projected increases in global food demand highlight the importance of Latin America as one of the major future food suppliers, particularly regarding animal-source foods such as beef or milk. Despite the importance of the cattle sector for the region, its negative environmental impacts are numerous and the shift towards sustainability is perceived as slow and uncoordinated. This study aims to identify achievements and difficulties in the implementation of public policies for a sustainable cattle sector in Colombia, Argentina, and Costa Rica, for which policies focused on the use of silvo-pastoral systems and forage-based solutions are prioritized. Based on the review …

Grasslands, Rangelands, Pastoralists – What Do We Mean?, D. M. Kelly, Ann Waters-Bayer, K. L. Johnson, Maryam Niamir-Fuller, Chris Magero, Tungalag Ulambayer

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The terms grasslands and rangelands are often confused, but the terms used to describe the people who live and manage these areas are even more confusing. The myriad of words used about these people includes: pastoralists, farmers, ranchers, herders, transhumants, indigenous peoples, nomads, graziers, gauchos. The terms used vary across the world, and meanings vary across time and space. One definition of pastoralists is “livestock-keepers who specialise in taking advantage of variability, managing grazing itineraries at a variety of scales so that livestock feed better than without a herder” (Krätli 2019). The United Nations Decade of Family Farming defines farmers …

Barriers/Drivers Of Diverse Perennial Systems: Policy Recommendations, M. L. Krome, A. S. Finan, J. Obudzinski, N. Serrano

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Despite growing documentation of perennial- and grass-based systems’ importance in addressing many ecological, infrastructural, farmer profitability, and climate concerns, these systems do not predominate on most United States farm and ranch lands. To better understand what impedes their wider adoption, we undertook four focus groups of diverse current and potential farmers using perennial systems. We were especially interested in how these farmers access, or don’t, insurance, credit, and federal programs, identifying patterns among farmers embracing more sustainable practices. Our virtual focus groups comprised 16 farmers in ten states, transecting climate zones and representing both rural and urban production systems and …

A New Soil Erosion Model For Alpine Meadow In The Source Park Of The Yellow River, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China, Huilong Lin, Rong Tang

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The source park of the Yellow River (SPYR), as a vital ecological shelter, is suffering different degrees of degradation and desertification, resulting in soil erosion in recent decades. It is urgent to find a soil erosion model suitable for the SPYR to grasp the amount and spatial distribution pattern of soil erosion, and to provide data support for soil erosion zoning and grading management. Base on largescale systematic sampling, 521 measured soil 137Cs data and environmental variables affecting soil erosion were used to verify the applicability of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Revised Wind Erosion Equation …

Applying The Concepts Of Animal Husbandry To Human Health, John Madany

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Instead of a new paradigm, we need to modify an old paradigm. We must focus on restoring soil health and reviving human health. Ruminants can be used to heal the land and the people. Pastoralists, by managing ruminants, can preserve their own health while promoting soil health.

Challenges Of Grassland Policies Implementation In Kenya And The Sustainable Development Goals, N. Daari

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Since independence, Kenya has found herself at the crossroads caused by economic recession, criminality, corruption and ineptitude leadership that has led to persistent household extreme poverty. It is time now to search for solutions to address the challenges facing sustainable livelihood development in Kenya. This study, therefore examines the challenges of grasslands related policies and their implementation in Kenya and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A review study of the literature on grasslands and rangelands related policies and laws, SDGs frameworks, government and academic literature was carried out. The study results show that; Kenya has faced challenges of grasslands policies …

Below Ground Benefits Of Cactus Opuntia Stricta Under Rangeland Conditions In Laikipia, Kenya, K. T. Oduor, Jose C. B. Dubeux, W. O. Owino, M. Ruiz-Moreno, L. M. D. Queiroz, I. L. Bretas

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Cactus Opuntia stricta primarily invades arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), which form more than 80% of Kenya’s landmass. The ability of the plant to tolerate poor soils and accumulate biomass under low precipitation has resulted in studies into its potential use by pastoral communities for biofuel and livestock feed. However, few studies have assessed the below-ground benefits associated with cactus under rangeland conditions. In this study, we evaluated the root contributions of the invasives cactus Opuntia stricta under rangeland conditions in Laikipia, Kenya. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with ten (10) replicates, each measuring …

Applying The Transdisciplinary Adaptive Systemic Approach To Securing The Long-Term Future Of Grassland Ecosystems, C. G. Palmer, Z. W. Tessema, A. Bantider, B. Gusha, J. Tanner

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Contemporary grasslands all exist as complex adaptive systems, specifically complex social-ecological systems – whether these are in protected areas or are part of private or communal agricultural landscapes. These systems are subject to the current planetary condition that includes rapidly growing human populations and demand for natural resources, the widespread use of pollutants, and climate change consequences. All complex adaptive systems have characteristics in common - they comprise multiple elements, which interact, and the multiple interactions cause intersecting feedback loops. As a result, a current system condition reflects its history, future condition is difficult to predict, and interventions have unpredictable …

Collaborative Management Of Common Pasture Resources: Institutional Concerns On Sustainable Pasture Use In Mongolia, Nyamdorj Doljinsuren, Tserendash Sainkhuu, Ariunbold Batkhuu

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Mongolia is a landlocked country which is elevated on average to 1,580 m above sea level with a range of 532 m (Khukh Nuur Lake depression) and 4,374 m (Khuiten mountain peak, Mongolian Altai range), in Asia. Historically, animal husbandry was dominantly widespread in the country. Today, 73% of the country's territory accounts for agriculture, where 31.6% of the national population belong. Agriculture contributes 13% of the gross domestic production of the country after mining and industry and construction sectors (The Statistical Yearbook 2021). Animal husbandry produces 96% of gross agriculture product, occupying 70% of the country's territory as pasture …

Saving Rangelands From Pastoralists? Understanding The Long-Term Socio-Ecological Consequences Of The Current Rangeland Conservation Model In The Indian Himalaya, Rashmi Singh

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Following the mainstream narrative of biodiversity conservation, state-led policies of pastoralist removal from protected areas have been a common practice across parts of Asia and Africa. In the Himalayan region, restrictive access and removal of pastoralist communities from protected areas have been assumed to be the best remedy for rangeland conservation. But does this practice translate into any benefits for conservation? This paper critiques the current conservation model adopted in the Indian Himalayas. I argue that this model simply recreates a landscape favouring the state’s interests, produces exclusions, and may also negatively affect both society and ecology. I build on …