Seminole State College of Florida

Abstract Dystocia is well-documented in captive eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi; EIS), and differences in plasma biochemical parameters have been noted between snakes that successfully oviposited versus those that had dystocia. The objectives of this study were to 1) measure 13 minerals in EIS eggshells from wild bred and captive bred snakes, and 2) determine if mineral content of EIS eggshells differed depending on the origin (wild bred Georgia vs. wild bred Florida vs. captive bred) and dystocia status (captive bred successfully hatched vs. dystocia) of the snakes. Four clutches of dried, previously hatched or surgically removed and stored eggshells were randomly selected for each EIS group, and three eggshells from within each clutch were randomly selected for analysis on a dry matter basis by spectroscopy. Differences were found between EIS origin groups for four minerals: manganese (F = 6.015, P = 0.006), selenium (F =32.6, P < 0.001), potassium (F= 3.976, P = 0.026), and zinc (F = 3.316, P = 0.050). Significant differences in eggshell mineral composition were also determined for dystocia vs. successfully oviposited captive bred EIS for: magnesium (F = 6.425, P = 0.016), phosphorus (F = 4.148, P = 0.016), and sodium (F = 5.287, P = 0.028). No significant difference in mineral content was found within clutch for any mineral. These findings suggest that differences in environment and diet may play a role in the mineral composition of EIS eggshells and further research is needed to further elucidate how these differences increase the risk of dystocia in captive EIS.

Abstract As global agricultural systems face increasing challenges from pest pressures and environmental degradation, a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and resilient practices is imperative. The field of biosecurity, encompassing strategic and integrated approaches to managing risks to human, other animal, and plant life, has gained prominence as globalization facilitates the movement and spread of invasive species. This paper presents a comprehensive biosecurity framework that seamlessly integrates integrated pest management (IPM) strategies with sustainability principles to enhance the effectiveness of pest control strategies. By combining proactive and preventive measures, biosecurity practices, and IPM methodologies, we can create a holistic approach to safeguarding ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. This review outlines the key components of the biosecurity framework, benefits, challenges, and practical applications of incorporating IPM into biosecurity measures.

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the integration of practice guidance documents, insurance criteria, engineering standards of care, and professional engineering judgement in the evaluation of residential foundations experiencing differential movement using a series of case studies. A review of the literature reveals the magnitude and frequency of residential structural defects as an important issue for forensic engineering practice. Once described as a hidden disaster, soil movement inflicts more damage to houses, buildings, roads, and pipelines than floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Without a clear consensus on what constitutes a residential foundation structural defect, the practicing forensic engineer must develop processes for evaluating residential foundations experiencing adverse effects, often bounded by insurance constraints. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Texas Section has developed the most germane guidance document for the evaluation of residential foundations. This paper will also introduce an n-dimensional methodology in applying engineering judgement.

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) is a significant environmental concern and public health risk (e.g., water contamination, eutrophication, and beach closure). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program to regulate and address this matter. This program mandates the control of CSOs for more than 700 municipalities obligated to devise Long-term Control Plans (LTCPs) to curb combined sewer overflows and reduce them to safe levels. The LTCP involves diverse strategies, including sewer separation, green infrastructure improvements, and conventional gray infrastructure upgrades. This study investigates several municipalities’ solutions for CSO problems that use conventional methods and wireless sensor technology as real-time control, mainly focusing on a comparative analysis of two cities, Richmond, Virginia, and South Bend, Indiana, such as their average rainfall, the frequency of overflows, and the capacity of treatment plants. The findings indicate that integrating sensor technology could significantly enhance modeling endeavors, bolster the capacity of existing structures, and substantially enhance preparedness for storm events. The EPA’s Storm Water Management Modeling (SWMM) software is utilized. Through an analysis of SWMM data, the study suggests the potential for leveraging wireless sensor technology to achieve more robust control over CSOs and significant cost savings as a part of LTCPs.