"Future fit your catalog" Panel [Presentation]:World Cat Local Implementation as part of a Consortia of Libraries within the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutitons

Power Point from Panel presentation giving implementation and search result displays and linking (17 slides)

Stewards of our natural resources

Describes the routine activities that make up the work day of the University's Natural Resources Institute. Hours at the microscope, data recording, analysis, and publications. Responsible for a broad program of research and conservation education. Its main concern is with fresh and salt water fisheries, seafood processing and marketing, estuarine studies, game animals, forestry, and water pollution problems. (PDF contains 4 pages.)

The growth of Sarotherodon (Tilapia) niloticus L. in Opa Reservoir, University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

The growth of Sarotherodon (Tilapia) niloticus in Opa reservoir, University of Ife was determined from the fish scales. Compared with the growth in other similar water bodies the growth was comparatively faster in this newly-impounded reservoir

Information Literacy: Experiences at Texas A&M University at Galveston

Texas A&M University at Galveston is initiating a coordinated Information Literacy Program. It is a three-tiered approach with the beginning level pitched to English 104 (entry level English classes), and progressing at the top tier to senior or graduate level "capstone" classes that are writing-intensive. Although I have been doing "library lectures" throughout my career, this is the most organized approach I have been involved with and I am still at the "more questions than answers" stage of figuring out how to best educate our students; and how to measure that success. My presentation will be both illustrative and inquiring. What works in your shop?

Potential Application of Adsorptive Media to Enhance Phosphorus Uptake in Stormwater Basins and Wetlands at Lake Tahoe : literature review. Report to the University of California Davis Tahoe Research Group

Phosphorus removal by wetlands and basins in Lake Tahoe may be improved through designing these systems to filter storm water through media having higher phosphorus removal capabilities than local parent material. Substrates rich in iron, aluminum and calcium oftentimes have enhanced phosphorus removal. These substrates can be naturally occurring, byproducts of industrial or water treatment processes, or engineered. Phosphorus removal fundamentally occurs through chemical adsorption and/or precipitation and much of the phosphorus can be irreversibly bound. In addition to these standard media, other engineered substrates are available to enhance P removal. One such substrate is locally available in Reno and uses lanthanum coated diatomaceous earth for arsenate removal. This material, which has a high positive surface charge, can also irreversibly remove phosphorus. Physical factors also affect P removal. Specifically, specific surface area and particle shape affect filtration capacity, contact area between water and the surface area, and likelihood of clogging and blinding. A number of substrates have been shown to effectively remove P in case studies. Based upon these studies, promising substrates include WTRs, blast furnace slag, steel furnace slag, OPC, calcite, marble Utelite and other LWAs, zeolite and shale. However, other nonperformance factors such as environmental considerations, application logistics, costs, and potential for cementification narrow the list of possible media for application at Tahoe. Industrial byproducts such as slags risk possible leaching of heavy metals and this potential cannot be easily predicted. Fly ash and other fine particle substrates would be more difficult to apply because they would need to be blended, making them less desirable and more costly to apply than larger diameter media. High transportation costs rule out non-local products. Finally, amorphous calcium products will eventually cementify reducing their effectiveness in filtration systems. Based upon these considerations, bauxite, LWAs and expanded shales/clays, iron-rich sands, activated alumina, marble and dolomite, and natural and lanthanum activated diatomaceous earth are the products most likely to be tested for application at Tahoe. These materials are typically iron, calcium or aluminum based; many have a high specific surface area; and all have low transportation costs. (PDF contains 21 pages)

Food and feeding habits of Tilapia zilli (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Ondo State University fish farm

The food and feeding habits of Tilapia zillii in the fish farm of Ondo State University, Akungba - Akoko, Nigeria, were studied by gut analysis. Examinations of 150 specimens showed that Nymphea formed the main bulk of food consumed. Spirogyra, Pithophora and Compsopogon occurred frequently while Pistia detritus and plant remains featured less frequently. Variation in the frequency of occurrence of the various food items was observed among the various sizes of samples. The samples within the middle - size group fed on both higher plant and filamentous algae while the young and higher fish consumed exclusively filamentous algae. On the basis of food items found in the gut, Tilapia zillii was classified as primary consumers

Pressures on the biota in the aquatic ecosystem of (Chi) Cross River National Park, Okwango Division

A preliminary survey of Cross River National Park (Nigeria), Okwangwo Division was carried out. The combined natural and human pressures being exerted on the aquatic resources were also investigated. Information on the existing fishing communities in and around the park area are given. The fishermen, their fishing methods and fishing grounds were identified. Limiting factors (natural and human) to the fisheries production, are analysed. Positive measures for conservation, protection and management of healthy and natural aquatic environment are suggested

The hydrology of a small fish pond at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi Experimental Fish Farm

The monthly and seasonal water requirements of a small fish pond (0.068ha; maximum capacity of 613.83m super(3)) at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi Fish Farm (Benue, Nigeria) were determined during the period of February to August 1996. The sources of water for the pond were rainfall, (103.4cm), run-off (6.3cm) and regulated inflow (95.0cm). The water loss for the period were Evapotranspiration, (106.74cm), Seepage (71.64cm) and regulated discharge (25.00cm). Evapotranspiration was identified as the main source of water loss while rainfall was the major source of water gain. The mean monthly water deficit was 24.56~c11.43cm while the mean monthly surplus was 9.84~c8.05cm. The quantity of water required to maintain the optimal water level in the pond was 474.00m super(3). Preliminary water budget of the study area showed that rainfed aquaculture can be effectively carried out at Makurdi during the months of June to October with supplementary inflows during the dry season months

Sex-ratio and fecundity of catfish, Clarias gariepinus in Opa reservoir, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

The sex-ratio of Clarias gariepinus in Opa Reservoir was 2:1 (male/female). The fecundity of C. gariepinus in Opa reservoir ranged between 1,567 and 650,625 egg. The fish species had extended spawning period which probably spreads the risk of predation on the eggs. The population of the fish species could be improved by stocking with the female breeders

Some aspects of the limnology of Makwaye (Ahmadu Bello University) Lake, Samaru, Zaria

The monthly variations in the physico-chemical parameters and zooplankton abundance were followed from December, 2003 to March 2004 in Makwaye (Ahmadu Bello University Farm) Lake, Samaru, Zaria. In this lake, all physico-chemical parameters investigated showed wide variations within the months except hardness, which exhibited highly significant variation both between stations and within months. Chemical variables including Na, Mg, Zn, Pb, Fe, K and Cu showed significant variations within the months. Three groups namely Cladocera (32.62%), Rotifera (29.33%) and Copepoda (38.05%) were observed. These indicated low species richness

Predicting the fisheries potentials of inland reservoirs and lakes: a case study of Kubanni Reservoir, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The depth, alkalinity, total dissolved solids and conductivity of Kubanni Reservoir were monitored biweekly between December 2003 and April 2004. The range values and their means were 0.8-4.64m, 42-67mg/l, 52-71mg/l and 104-142 mhos/cm; 2.8m, 42.6mg/l, 59.8mg/l and 119.6 mhos/cm respectively. Total Dissolved solids correlated significantly (P<0.05) with depth and conductivity while alkalinity correlated highly and significantly(P<0.05) with conductivity, total dissolved solids but negatively correlated with depth. The electrical conductivity was positively and highly correlated with depth while Morpho-Edaphic Index (MEI) which increased with depth decrease correlated positively with conductivity. Based on the average value of the MEI the potential fish catch of the reservoir was estimated to be 38kg/ha. This estimate was compared with other values obtained from other African reservoirs/lakes and management considerations under "private liability company" are proffered

(Report of the) Institute of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone

Details are given of the Institute and its activities, in particular the research projects being undertaken. These include studies on the marine molluscs of Sierra Leone, the cockle fishery, a preliminary investigation on the fouling organisms affecting the raft-cultured oyster populations, larval oyster ecology in relation to oyster culture, preliminary studies on the reproductive cycle of the mangrove oyster (Crassostrea tulipa), and catch composition of fishes taken by beach-seines at Lumley (Freetown). Records of the west African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) are noted.

Recent investigations on zooplankton in the Limnological Institute of the University of Freiburg, in Falkau (Germany). [Translation from: Acta cient.Venezolana 18, 94-97, 1967. ]

Histochemical experiments are conducted in order to study the interrenal cells of European brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri).

Changes in Fish Communities in the Upper Patuxent River from 1966 to 1977

Ten year comparison of fish survey's with respect to diversity evenness and composition of fish communities. The upper Patuxent River was divided into Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain regions, not only for geographical purposes, but also because of the clustering of sewage treatment plants in the Coastal Plain region. In the Piedmont Plateau region, the fish species diversity changed very little from 1966 to 1977 ( Little Patuxent -- 2.82 to 2.66; Middle Patuxent -- 2.86 to 2.83; and main stem -- 2.46 to 2.63), except in a section of Little Patuxent River at and below the City of Columbia where the species diversity index showed a significant reduction from 2.97 to 1.99, and in a section of the main stem Patuxent River immediately downstream from the Brighton Dam of the Triadelphia Reservoir where the index increased significantly from 1.66 to 3.20. In the Coastal Plain region, a significant reduction in the fish species diversity index occurred between 1966 and 1977 below the two sewage treatment plant outfalls : Savage -- 2.69 to 0 and Patuxent-Crofton -- 3.06 to 1.33. Also, the substantial reduction in the species diversity index which had already occurred in 1966 below the six other plant: outfalls of Fort Meade No. I, Fort Meade No. 2, Maryland House of Correction, Maryland City , Parkway and Bowie, remained depressed in 1977. On the other hand, below the Horsepen Sewage Treatment Plant (a tertiary plant practicing dechlorination) the species diversity index increased from 1.91 to 2.8. (PDF contains 48 pages)

Herpetofaunal Inventories of the National Parks of South Florida and the Caribbean: Volume II. Virgin Islands National Park

Amphibian declines and extinctions have been documented around the world, often in protected natural areas. Concern for this alarming trend has focused attention on the need to document all species of amphibians that occur within U.S. National Parks and to search for any signs that amphibians may be declining. This study, an inventory of amphibian species in Virgin Islands National Park, was conducted from 2001 to 2003. The goals of the project were to create a georeferenced inventory of amphibian species, use new analytical techniques to estimate proportion of sites occupied by each species, look for any signs of amphibian decline (missing species, disease, die-offs, etc.), and to establish a protocol that could be used for future monitoring efforts. Several sampling methods were used to accomplish these goals. Visual encounter surveys and anuran vocalization surveys were conducted in all habitats throughout the park to estimate the proportion of sites or proportion of area occupied (PAO) by amphibian species in each habitat. Line transect methods were used to estimate density of some amphibian species and double observer analysis was used to refine counts based on detection probabilities. Opportunistic collections were used to augment the visual encounter methods for rare species. Data were collected during four sampling periods and every major trail system throughout the park was surveyed. All of the amphibian species believed to occur on St. John were detected during these surveys. One species not previously reported, the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis), was also added to the species list. That species and two others (Eleutherodactylus coqui and Eleutherodactylus lentus) bring the total number of introduced amphibians on St. John to three. We detected most of the reptile species thought to occur on St. John, but our methods were less suitable for reptiles compared to amphibians. No amphibian species appear to be in decline at this time. We found no evidence of disease or of malformations. Our surveys provide a snapshot picture of the status of the amphibian species, so continued monitoring would be necessary to determine long-term trends, but several potential threats to amphibians were identified. Invasive species, especially the Cuban treefrog, have the potential to decrease populations of native amphibians. Introduced mammalian predators are also a potential threat, especially to the reptiles of St. John, and mammalian grazers might have indirect effects on amphibians and reptiles through habitat modification. Finally, loss of habitat to development outside the park boundary could harm some important populations of amphibians and reptiles on the island.