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Implicit race bias towads American Indians documented in physicians

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Title: Implicit race bias towads American Indians documented in physicians Author: McDermott, Daniel Abstract: The present study was designed to examine implicit stereotyping and prejudice towards American Indians in a physician sample. An invitation with a link to the online survey was emailed to Southern Arizona physicians. Participants completed both a stereotype and prejudice Implicit Association Test (IAT) to determine if they held implicit bias against American Indians. It was predicted that participants would be quicker to implicitly associate American Indian stimuli with noncompliance compared to non- Hispanic White stimuli in the stereotype IAT and hold an implicit preference for White stimuli in the evaluative IAT. Results show that physicians implicitly stereotype American Indians as non-compliant and hold negative attitudes towards them, relative to non-Hispanic Whites. These findings have implications for acute and long-term medicaldecision making, as well as doctor-patient interactions.

Best practice recommendations to support breastfeeding among low-income women

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Title: Best practice recommendations to support breastfeeding among low-income women Author: Roth, Brianna Marie Abstract: This paper explores the most current research on the identified gap in breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among low-income mothers when compared with the general population. Women that fall into the “low-income” bracket and who participate in the WIC program are nearly 12% less likely to initiate breastfeeding than the general population, and less likely to continue for a year (Hedberg, 2013). The articles examined discuss the barriers and supportive measures that contribute to or hinder breastfeeding success among low-income prenatal and postpartum mothers. The articles focus on providers knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding in relation to the promotion of breastfeeding among low-income women, interventions to extend the duration of breastfeeding once initiated, strategies to encourage best-practice uptake among nursing staff, ways to motivate low-income women to breastfeeding over formula feed, and the benefits of Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Food and Nutrition Service involvement. These articles further discuss the impact women’s confidence regarding breastfeeding has on its success, as well as low-income mother’s experience and perceptions of both professional and peer breastfeeding support. Beyond the review of current literature, this paper will identify best-practice recommendations, a proposed implementation plan, and a proposed evaluation of the implementation process.

Health care expenditures and outcomes in the United States and Japan: you don't always get what you pay for

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Title: Health care expenditures and outcomes in the United States and Japan: you don't always get what you pay for Author: Shulby, Michael William Abstract: For the first time in decades, life-expectancy in the United States declined, while U.S. per capita health expenditures hit an all-time high - more than 2.5 times the average for all other countries. In contrast, Japan spends far less per capita on health care, yet has the highest life expectancy of developed countries. This thesis explores correlations between health care financing and population health outcomes in the U.S. and Japan. Research included an extensive literature review and analysis. Lessons from Japan’s health care system could inform U.S. health reform initiatives such as investing in and expanding primary and preventive services. As Americans shoulder more health costs through co-pays, deductibles, and cost sharing, more transparency and education about the cost of care could affect individual decisions about accessing health services.

Evapotranspiration in Southeast Arizona Semi-Arid Watersheds: Walnut Gulch and Cienega Creek

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Title: Evapotranspiration in Southeast Arizona Semi-Arid Watersheds: Walnut Gulch and Cienega Creek Author: Williams, Mark David Abstract: Two simple evaporation models, the Priestley-Taylor model, and a Penman Monteith based model, were calibrated using data from meteorological-flux stations in the USDA-ARS experimental watershed. The residual eddy covariance technique employed propeller vertical anemometers for measurement of sensible heat. These limited frequency response instruments significantly underestimated the sensible heat flux, resulting in an overestimation of the latent flux. By adjusting the sensible heat frequency response correction factors the energy balance evaporation estimates were more closely matched to the mass-balance estimates. The models performed well during calibration, but poorly for the validation period. The two simple models were also calibrated to BA TS-modeled latent heat fluxes at a site in the Tucson mountains. With calibration, they reproduced the BATS output reasonably well. Finally, the two models were applied to the CienegaCreek watershed, and their results support the assumption of earlier investigators that the precipitation and evaporation essentially balance for the basin's desert grasslands.

A Framework for the Negotiated Settlement of Indian Water Rights Conflicts

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Title: A Framework for the Negotiated Settlement of Indian Water Rights Conflicts Author: Shillito, Rose Marie Abstract: Indian water users are claiming significant amounts of water throughout the western U.S.--water which non-Indians are using. Conflicts arise because there simply is not enough water to satisfy all claims to water. However, the negotiated settlement of these conflicts is becoming an accepted method of resolution. The purpose of this study was to develop and illustrate a methodology to facilitate the negotiation process and aid disputants in reaching a solution. A framework was developed using elements of game theory. The creation and evaluation of negotiation resolution scenarios was illustrated. Through the application of the developed framework to an ongoing dispute, the existence of acceptable negotiation scenarios was demonstrated.

Lowering Rates of Moraine Crests From Accumulation of Cosmogenic 36C1 and 10BE: Eastern Sierra Nevada, California

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Title: Lowering Rates of Moraine Crests From Accumulation of Cosmogenic 36C1 and 10BE: Eastern Sierra Nevada, California Author: Shomer, J. Scott Abstract: The accumulation of in-situ 36Cl and 10Be in soils from the crests of 11 moraines near Bishop Creek, California was used to determine time-integrated erosion rates and exposure ages. Previous studies have provided the exposure history and estimates of erosion for the Bishop Creek moraine sequence allowing for the validation of the 36CV10Be model used in this study. With the two isotopes, simultaneous calculations of exposure ages and erosion rates of the soils have been made. Mean erosion rates of the soils calculated using 10Be correlate well with those calculated using 36Cl, and range from 19 to 62 mm/ky. Erosion rates from 10Be have larger uncertainties than those calculated using 36Cl and typically are slightly higher. Meteoric 10Be used in combination with the two in-situ isotopes yielded an average 10Be deposition rate (q) of 0.46 ± 0.16 x 106 atoms cm-2 yr-1, in agreement with previous estimates.

An Evaluation of Limiting Parameters of an In Situ Trichloroethene Bioremediation Project Based on Seven TCE Field Bioremediation Studies

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Title: An Evaluation of Limiting Parameters of an In Situ Trichloroethene Bioremediation Project Based on Seven TCE Field Bioremediation Studies Author: Walecka-Hutchison, Claudia Abstract: Seven aerobic field trichloroethene (TCE) bioremediation projects were evaluated to determine key parameters leading to in situ TCE bioremediation effectiveness. Key parameters identified were: 1) presence of other contaminants, 2) efficacy of the cometabolic inducer, 3) technology design, and 4) site soils and hydraulics. These four parameters were then used to evaluate the pilot bioremediation operation at Air Force Plant #44 in Tucson, Arizona. The pilot operation was poorly designed. Site characterization appeared insufficient; laboratory studies were not representative of site conditions; 1, 1-dichloroethene appeared to inhibit TCE degradation; the purpose of the injected methanol ( cometabolic inducer) was unclear. Well design, specifically screen interval location, also contributed to technology deficiency. Soil type appeared to be the most limiting component; hydraulic conductivity (K) representative of the contaminated clay at the APP #44 site was estimated at 1.5 x 10-5 cm/sec. Over the course of the trial, spatially averaged TCE concentrations decreased by 41 %. Well chloride data calculations indicated that a 27% reduction may be attributable to dilution, thereby suggesting that only a 14% decrease in concentrations may be attributable to biological degradation.

Using BGPR to monitor water content during a pumping test

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Title: Using BGPR to monitor water content during a pumping test Author: Glinski, Gerd Karl-Hans von Abstract: Two 3-day pumping tests were performed in the riparian zone alongside a perennial stretch of the San Pedro River located in southern Arizona, in 2001. A shallow unconfined aquifer was pumped with three fully penetrating wells. Our purposes were to determine whether borehole ground penetrating radar (BGPR) can be used to monitor transient flow in the vadose zone with high spatial and temporal resolution and to determine if these data could be used to advance our understanding of vadose zone flow processes. BGPR measured a dramatic change of water storage in the unsaturated zone during the tests. The ratio of the cumulative storage loss to the drawdown defined instantaneous specific yield. There was an initial period of delayed drainage as the instantaneous specific yield slowly increased to equal the laboratory-derived value. The BGPR measured water content profiles determined effective hydraulic parameters in calibrating a one-dimensional vertical unsaturated flow model.

Geostatistical and numerical analysis of flow in a crystalline rock mass

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Title: Geostatistical and numerical analysis of flow in a crystalline rock mass Author: Kostner, Albert Abstract: The stochastic continuum approach, as an alternative to the discrete fracture-network approach, is applied to hydraulic conductivity data from fractured crystalline rock at Fanay-Augeres, France. Small-scale measurements are transformed into binary indicator values. Viewing the transformed data as defined over a continuum, the statistical correlation structure of the stochastic process is determined. Estimates of hydraulic conductivity and its probability field are obtained using ordinary and median indicator kriging. Indicator kriging results are input into sequential conditional indicator simulation, generating equally likely sets of hydraulic conductivities. An adjoint-state, finite element inverse model is used to derive the effective hydraulic conductivity of an equivalent homogeneous porous medium. Stochastic realizations of hydraulic conductivities are input into a flow model to study their effect on the variability of resulting hydraulic heads and flow rates. Results show that flow in the fractured medium can be analyzed without any reference to geometric fracture data.

Analysis of the utility of remote sensing data for urban hydrologic modeling

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Title: Analysis of the utility of remote sensing data for urban hydrologic modeling Author: Goodwin, Kathryn Lynn Abstract: In this thesis analysis, a methodology is presented for evaluating uncertainty m hydrologic predictions that are based on remote sensing data for parameter estimation. The methodology is applied to the HEC-1 model for a highly developed basin in Scottsdale, Arizona to compare three remote sensing data sources; NSOO 1, Landsat, and SPOT. Hydrologic parameters are estimated using the three remote sensing data sources and the uncertainty in those estimates is determined by a procedure incorporating three sources of uncertainty; image misclassification, error in parameter assignments for a particular landuse class, and aggregation of image pixels to subbasins. The parameter uncertainty is then propagated to model output uncertainty by several different uncertainty analysis methods in order to assess the accuracy of methods more efficient than Monte Carlo Simulation. The results of the analysis were compared for (1) the remote sensing images (2) the different sources of uncertainty in each image, (3) two uncertain parameters, and ( 4) the different uncertainty analysis methods. The results showed that spatial and spectral image resolution was important in identifying model parameters and in the prediction of peak flow.

Movement of metal contaminants in ground water in the Pinal Creek Basin, Arizona: model assessment and simulation of reactive transport

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Title: Movement of metal contaminants in ground water in the Pinal Creek Basin, Arizona: model assessment and simulation of reactive transport Author: Brown, James Gary Abstract: Copper-mining activities in the Pinal Creek basin have generated a plume of acidic ground water in the regional aquifer in Pinal Creek basin. From 1984 to 1994, contaminant concentrations decreased in response to contaminant source removal, remedial pumping, and uncontaminated recharge. Two multi-species reactive transport models, PHREEQC and HYDROGEOCHEM, were assessed to determine which would best aid in analysis of physical and chemical processes that control contaminant concentrations. Only PHREEQC successfully simulated transport accompanied by oxidation-reduction reactions. Reactive transport was simulated with a one-dimensional PHREEQC mixing-cell model that accounted for advection, dispersion, precipitation, dissolution, diffuse double layer adsorption, and the oxidation and reduction of iron and manganese, respectively. Simulated and measured chemistry differed in part because ground water was at times undersaturated or supersaturated with respect to gypsum. Oxidation-reduction reactions may be slow relative to advection and the water may not be in equilibrium with redox minerals.

History of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

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Title: History of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Author: Canales, Francisco Description: A paper submitted to The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, History of Medicine course.

Stochastic analysis of transient flow to a well in a randomly heterogeneous aquifer

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Title: Stochastic analysis of transient flow to a well in a randomly heterogeneous aquifer Author: Blattstein, Ayelet

Evaluating experimental streamflow forecasts for use in reservoir modeling on the Colorado River basin

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Title: Evaluating experimental streamflow forecasts for use in reservoir modeling on the Colorado River basin Author: Lindenmayer, Laura Elizabeth Abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation uses a 24-month planning and operations model to simulate reservoir operations, energy generation, and water demands on the Colorado River Basin. The Lower Basin's 24-month Study model does not currently make use of weather forecasts, nor does it use information about future climate. To aid in -better management of scarce water resources, especially during periods of drought, we have demonstrated a methodology for incorporating seasonal forecasts and climate information in the inflow time series for the 24-month Study model. The method uses a hydrology model forced with different sets of meteorological data. The streamflow scenarios output from the hydrology model are then used as input to the 24-month Study. The important outputs of the 24-month Study model are Lake Mead inflows and elevations. The methodology presented by this research makes it possible to incorporate outside information into the water resources decision-making process.

Determination of ground-water flow paths using stable isotopes as geochemical tracers: upper and middle Verde River watersheds, Arizona, USA

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Title: Determination of ground-water flow paths using stable isotopes as geochemical tracers: upper and middle Verde River watersheds, Arizona, USA Author: Bryson, Jeannie Raye Abstract: Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen, major ions, and trace elements were used as geochemical tracers to identify ground-water flow paths and potential source waters that eventually discharge into the Verde River, one of Arizona's last remaining perennial rivers. Identifying and quantifying the various source waters to the Verde River provides an improved understanding of how ground water moves and sustains perennial base flow in the river on a regional scale. More specifically, these chemical constituents allow for the identification and quantification of source-water contributions to the river. In addition, two- and three-component mass-balance equations incorporating stable-isotope data were used to construct a conceptual model of ground-water flow for the upper and middle Verde River watersheds study area. A stable-isotope end member value was calculated for four ground water regions, which were delineated based on geologic structure, hydrology, and chemical characteristics of the ground water. Mixing calculations indicate that ground water discharging as springs in the headwaters of the Verde River is predominantly from regional aquifers in Big and Little Chino Valleys but includes water from higher-elevation sources in the northwestern part of the study area. An abrupt change in the chemical signature of the Verde River base flow about 48 km downstream from the headwaters indicates where ground water from the highest elevation sources in the study area discharges to the river. Ground water from low elevation sources in the southeastern part of the study area enters the river about 135 km downstream from the headwaters. The spatial and temporal variability of recharge was determined using stable-isotope measurements from precipitation and ground water samples within the watershed (fig.l.l ). Stable-isotope values from winter precipitation samples are within the range of stable-isotope values measured in ground-water samples throughout the study area. Summer precipitation samples from North American monsoons are enriched with respect to ground-water values and therefore are only a small contributor to ground-water recharge. Recharge to ground water that discharges to the river is predominantly from winter precipitation on the basis of temporal trends of stable-isotope data.

Comparative analysis of step and pulse time domain transmission techniques using laboratory sands and saline pore water

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Title: Comparative analysis of step and pulse time domain transmission techniques using laboratory sands and saline pore water Author: Peterson, Lars Matthew Abstract: Step and pulse time-domain transmission methods are used to measure the velocity of an electromagnetic signal transmitted through sand-filled columns with variable water content. Pore water electrical conductivities ranging from 0.3 dS/m to 10 dS/m are tested, and four different laboratory sands are used: #30, #60, graded, and a mixture of graded and #60 sand. While the composition of the electromagnetic signals used in each of the two methods is different, all other conditions at the time of measurement are identical; consequently, differences in the behavior of the methods are attributable to the variations in the composition of the step and pulse signals as well as differences between the time-picking methods of the two techniques. The relationship between the travel time of the signal and the volumetric water content of the sand column is shown to change with changing pore water salinity, and it changes at different rates for sands of different porosities. The slope of travel time versus volumetric water content increases with increasing pore water electrical conductivity when measured with a step signal. The slope of travel time versus volumetric water content decreases with increasing pore water electrical conductivity when a pulse signal is used. While the root mean square errors for the two techniques are similar, the magnitude of the change in slope is smaller for the step signal, suggesting that this method may give more precise measurements under field conditions where pore water electrical conductivity changes over time. The combination of the two measurement techniques is shown to provide more stable results over the range of pore water electrical conductivities tested, which remain closer to theoretically predicted values than either of the two methods used alone.

The Role of Water Speedwell in the Distribution and Rates of Metal Removal from Pinal Creek, Near Globe, Arizona

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Title: The Role of Water Speedwell in the Distribution and Rates of Metal Removal from Pinal Creek, Near Globe, Arizona Author: Robbins, Elizabeth Abstract: Aquatic plants can be significant sinks for dissolved metals in metal contaminated streams. This study found water speedwell (Veronica anagallis aquatica) growing in Pinal Creek both bio-accumulates metals (Mn, Zn, Ni, and Co) and provides surfaces for metal precipitation. Analysis of plant tissue found that roots accumulate up to 80 g Mn/kg dry root, with the majority of metals associated with the external plant surface. Fine sediments around water speedwell colonies have 2-10 times higher metal concentrations than surrounding sediments. SEM photos of the plant surface show clumps of manganese oxides associated with what appear to be manganese-oxidizing bacteria. First order metal removal rates by water speedwell of 1 x 10^-3, 2 x 10^-3, and 5 x 10^-3 per hour for manganese, nickel, and cobalt, respectively were estimated by laboratory experiments. Water speedwell enhances metal removal in streams by providing surfaces conducive for metal oxyhydroxides precipitation.

Ina Road landfill stormwater management system design

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Title: Ina Road landfill stormwater management system design Author: Fryar, Colby Abstract: This report describes the design of the Ina Road Landfill Stormwater Management System. Such a system is required by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to efficiently and safely remove stormwater drainage from the landfill to better protect the environment and the public during storm events. Stormwater drainage systems are required at landfills to efficiently collect and remove stormwater, limit moisture that can penetrate waste, protect the integrity of the buried mass and the final cover system from washing out and reduce risk of flooding to neighboring property. The State requires that landfill stormwater management systems be designed to handle a minimum size storm event based on historical precipitation records.

Groundwater conditions at Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California

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Title: Groundwater conditions at Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California Author: Cole, Eric Christopher Abstract: A study is presented which describes and evaluates the groundwater resources of Mammoth Lakes, with an emphasis on the aquifer characteristics of the primary hydrogeologic unit. The boundaries of the study area are roughly coincident with the limits of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California. Groundwater-level measurements, aquifer test results and pumpage records are analyzed in relation to the local geologic framework. Drawdowns due to pumpage are examined, and used to estimate the long-term aquifer characteristics. The comparison of aquifer parameters calculated from long term and short-term pumping periods provides the basis for determining the sustainable pumpage of wells. Due to the nature of groundwater occurrence, and the presence of hydrologic boundaries, the amount of groundwater in storage is limited. Therefore, groundwater development must be based on groundwater inflow and other sources of recharge, as opposed to withdrawing groundwater from storage over the long term.

Effluent recharge to the upper Santa Cruz River floodplain aquifer, Santa Cruz County, Arizona

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Title: Effluent recharge to the upper Santa Cruz River floodplain aquifer, Santa Cruz County, Arizona Author: Scott, Paul Samuel Abstract: The Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant (NIWTP) discharges treated wastewater to the Upper Santa Cruz River in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Results of a study designed to estimate effluent recharge to the floodplain aquifer underlying the river are presented. The study's centerpiece comprised two 48-hour synoptics during which intensive data on water budget components were collected. Complimenting these data were periodic water level readings and sample collections through 1995, a seismic refraction survey, and continuous operation of two meteorological towers. These data in conjunction with historical records were used to construct water budgets for the synoptic runs and for 1995, and to estimate effluent recharge for the conditions experienced during the synoptic runs (21.8 acre-feet/day in June and 0.7 acre-feet/day in December), and for 1995 (3,674 acre-feet). An additional effluent recharge estimate for 1995 (5,806 acre-feet), was made using a chloride and boron mass balance approach. The study also provided a basis for recommendations on the monitoring requirements of a long-term effluent recharge estimation program.
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