Dauphin, Petit Bois, and Horn Island form the Alabama gulf-barrier chain directly south of Mobile Bay. Many studies have targeted local climate stressors and the flux of longshore currents as factors for erosional and accretional changes on these islands, but little attention is paid to the degradation of their vegetative dune-systems as a contributor to their shoreline morphology (Hanley et al., 2014; Smith, 2018; Byrnes, 2010). This study fills this literary gap, utilizing GIS raster classification and Digital Shoreline Analysis System to measure vegetative health and shoreline change on these islands and verify a relationship between these two factors. The distribution of vegetation on the Barrier Islands has been shown to mitigate shoreline changes, particularly ocean-side erosion. This thesis has significance in that it geo-statistically verified the importance of natural infrastructure, vegetative dune systems, in shoreline stability using GIS.

Non-native scale insects can be economically and ecologically important pests of urban forests. Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS), Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is a scale that causes declines in plant vigor for a popular ornamental tree in the southeastern United States, crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.). CMBS has spread rapidly throughout the Southeast and, more recently, into the Middle Atlantic. Despite problems associated with CMBS, important aspects of its ecology, such as the role of propagule pressure in establishment and the relative importance of mechanisms for between-tree dispersal, are not well-understood. We used field and laboratory studies to investigate these aspects of CMBS population ecology, finding that just one female CMBS ovisac can establish new populations and that nymphs are dislodged at low wind speeds (7 m/s) from crapemyrtle twigs. Our results highlight the importance of thorough phytosanitation practices in crapemyrtle nurseries and provide evidence for wind-mediated and phoretic dispersal by CMBS.

Semi-arid native plant communities worldwide are often disturbed either intentionally or incidentally by human activity. In order to restore ecological function after human activities cease, native plant communities need to be restored. Woody plants are important to ecological function for many reasons including reducing erosion and providing food and shelter for wildlife. Unfortunately, woody plant establishment in these areas has proven to be challenging. Direct seeding efforts can be hindered by poor germination and low seedling emergence. To overcome this, seedling transplants are often used in harsh sites. However, transplanted woody seedlings often experience high mortality during the first year, predominantly as a result of stress during the summer. The Waterboxx® device is a tool that collects precipitation and condensates into a polypropylene reservoir, slowly releasing the water into the soil next to the seedling. Low soil fertility can also limit seedling establishment. In two studies, we evaluated the use of Waterboxx® devices with one wick or two wicks, and/or fertilizer as tools for establishing seedlings on a reclaimed waste rock pile. We also looked at the effects of either placing the Waterboxx® on the soil surface or burying the Waterboxx® partway into the ground. The first study focused on different species in the Waterboxx®. Species planted in the first study were Atriplex canescens, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Pinus edulis, Purshia tridentata and Rhus glabra. The second study focused on number of wicks, addition of fertilizer, and method of Waterboxx® instillation. This study was conducted with only one species: C. ledifolius. In both studies, the Waterboxx® device improved survival and vigor. In the second study, fertilizer was detrimental to seedling survival, and Waterboxx® devices installed on top of the soil had no difference in survival or vigor compared to the control, but partially buried devices were better than the control and Waterboxx® devices with two wicks had the best C. ledifolius seedling survival. Based on the results obtained, Waterboxx® devices were a viable method for most of these species in improving their establishment on mine land overburden sites in the semi-arid mountain west and additional research is merited for other areas of the world.

No description available.

The predatory beetle, Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), has been released in the eastern U.S. since 2003 for the management of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). The establishment of L. nigrinus at release sites in Virginia was assessed in 2017 and 2018. Sampling was performed in both years to determine presence or absence L. nigrinus. Stand level HWA densities, tree health, predator-prey ratios, and Laricobius spp. identifications were also assessed at each site. Laricobius nigrinus established at 82% of sites and was the primary species recovered. HWA densities appeared to decline, and tree health appeared to improve in year two. Predator-prey ratios were lower than those indicated in the native range, however much is left to be understood about the dynamics of this system in its introduced range. A separate two-year study to assess the impact of L. nigrinus on HWA was initiated in 2014 (Phase One) at nine sites in the eastern U.S. Significant predation of HWA sistens ovisacs was demonstrated during this period, therefore, it was continued from 2016-2018 (Phase Two) to provide longer-term evaluations. Predator exclusion cages were used to monitor predator and prey populations. In Phase Two of the study, mean ovisac disturbance rates on no-cage branches were significantly greater than caged branches and were as high as 80%, suggesting that L. nigrinus can have a significant impact on the sistens generation. Microsatellite analysis of Laricobius larvae indicated that L. nigrinus was the primary species recovered at study sites. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect native to Asia and western North America, is a significant threat to two native hemlock species in the eastern U.S. Since 2003, a predatory beetle, Laricobius nigrinus, has been released for management of HWA. In biological control programs such as this one, it is important to evaluate the ability of predators to establish and impact prey in areas where they are introduced, as this helps guide future management decisions. As such, a study was conducted to examine the ability of L. nigrinus to establish after being released at 26 locations in Virginia. In those investigations we found that L. nigrinus established at 82% of the sites. Although promising, longer-term studies are needed to understand if the predation of HWA by L. nigrinus helps improve the health of our native hemlocks. A separate two-phase study was carried out from 2014-2016 and 2016-2018 evaluating the impact of L. nigrinus on HWA at nine release sites in the eastern U.S. In Phase Two reported here, cages were used to exclude L. nigrinus on some HWA infested branches while on others, no cage was applied to allow free access to HWA. Comparisons between branches were made to determine the level of predation by L. nigrinus. These studies showed a significant impact by L. nigrinus on the winter generation of HWA with as many as 80% of those insects being attacked on study branches which indicates that this species has potential as an effective predator.

Network, organizational, and policy learning literatures indicate that when interest groups face failure they will seek out alternative ideas and strategies that will enhance their potential for future success. Research with regard to interest groups and legal change has found that interest groups, using arguments that were once accepted as the legal standard for Supreme Court decisions, were unwilling or unable to alter their arguments when the Court reversed its position on these legal standards. This research project examined the conflicting findings of these literatures. Using the Advocacy Coalition Framework as a guide, this project studied the separationist advocacy coalition in cases regarding state aid to elementary and secondary sectarian schools from 1971 to 2002. The legal briefs filed by members of the separationist advocacy coalition with the Court were examined using content analysis to track changes in their legal arguments. Elite interviews were then conducted to gain an understanding of the rationale for results found in the content analysis. The research expectation was that the separationist advocacy coalition would seek out and incorporate into their briefs new and innovative legal arguments to promote their policy goals. The research results demonstrated that prior to legal change interest groups did seek out and incorporate new legal arguments borrowed from other fora and sought to expand or reinterpret established legal arguments to better aid their policy goals. The changes that seemed to have the potential for adoption by the Court were quickly incorporated into the briefs of the other members of the coalition. Following legal change interest groups continued to analyze the decisions of the Court in order to seek out the best possible legal arguments to use in their briefs; however, the main focus of legal arguments examined and used by the coalition narrowed to those cited by the swing justice in the funding cases. Two innovative arguments were developed, but were either ignored or considered unsuitable, and were not used by the other members of the coalition. Counter to this project's research expectations new and innovative legal arguments were not adopted by the coalition. As the Court discontinued the use of various legal arguments the coalition quickly responded to these changes and dropped those obsolete legal arguments. Therefore, contrary to prior research, the interest groups and the coalition altered their arguments following legal change. Only those interest groups who no longer participated in coalition discussions reverted back to using pre-legal change arguments. Learning continued to occur in the coalition following legal change; however, the focus of analysis and the pool of arguments deemed worthy of use narrowed considerably. / Ph. D.

Advancements in cold tolerance of seeded bermudagrass and introduction of sulfonylurea herbicides have given turf managers new tools. Seedling bermudagrass response to sulfonylurea herbicides applied before or soon after seeding has not been characterized. Field observations have indicated that variability exists among sulfonylurea herbicides used for perennial ryegrass control. Objectives of the conducted research were to evaluate sulfonylurea herbicides for safety and utility while establishing seeded bermudagrass, and to elucidate variability in perennial ryegrass control with foramsulfuron. Field experiments were conducted in Blacksburg, VA to assess turfgrass and smooth crabgrass response to flazasulfuron, foramsulfuron, metsulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium, applied 1 and 3 weeks after and before seeding. Herbicides applied 3 weeks after seeding (WAS) were generally more injurious than when applied 1 WAS. Foramsulfuron, metsulfuron, and sulfosulfuron are safe to apply 1 and 3 WAS, causing no reduction in turf cover. Herbicides applied before or after seeding injured bermudagrass in the following order from most to least injurious: flazasulfuron = trifloxysulfuron > rimsulfuron > metsulfuron = sulfosulfuron > foramsulfuron. Flazasulfuron and trifloxysulfuron-sodium are not safe to use within 3 weeks of seeding, while foramsulfuron and metsulfuron can be used anytime before or after seeding bermudagrass. Flazasulfuron, foramsulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium were evaluated for perennial ryegrass control as affected by environment. Among environmental variables collected soil temperature averaged 7 DAT correlated best with perennial ryegrass response of the three tested products. Soil temperatures below 18 C perennial ryegrass reduced control 9 WAT from 78 to 31% for foramsulfuron while flazasulfuron and trifloxysulfuron-sodium efficacy were not significantly affected. Temperature dependence on perennial ryegrass control can be ranked from most to least as follows; foramsulfuron > trifloxysulfuron-sodium > flazasulfuron. Studies were conducted to determine absorption and translocation of 14C flazasulfuron when applied to perennial ryegrass roots or foliage. Roots treated with 14C flazasulfuron absorbed 41% of recovered 14C while 25% of 14C moved from treated roots to foliage. It appears root absorption is an important component of flazasulfuron efficacy since most of the absorbed 14C remained in treated leaves and root absorbed 14C moved rapidly to foliage. / Ph. D.

A contract to lease an enterprise A contract to lease an enterprise (Act No. 513/1991 Coll., the Commercial Code) was replaced by an agreement of usufructuary lease of an establishment with effect from 1. January 2014, when the New Civil Code came into force. Due to a new legislation, thesis in some chapters mentions comparison between present and former legal regulations, especially represented by Act No. 513/1991 Coll., the Commercial Code. Some chapters explain concept of usufructuary lease of an establishment from the historical point of view. The thesis deals with Czech legal regulation of the agreement of usufructuary lease of an establishment. It is an agreement regulated by Section 2349 atc. Act No. 89/2012 Coll., the New Civil Code. Usufructuary lease of an establishment is a contractual type related to contract of purchase of an establishment. Firstly, the thesis explains term establishment and defines objects we can classify as an establishment. The work also deals with the term part of an establishment ( branch) and other contextual terms. The main part is devoted to contracts essentialia negotii and the content of the contract from the view of the changes that have occurred with the effect of the Civil Code No. 89/2012 Coll. Especially problematic issues are rights and obligations,...

This thesis compares assets deals under Czech and German law. It provides an analysis of the concept of a business undertaking from the point of view of Czech and German law, draws attention to the various transfer mechanisms of a business undertaking, and assesses and compares the position and risks of the purchaser and third parties when buying a business. The first part of the thesis defines the concept of a business undertaking under Czech law and explains its nature under German law, taking into account that German law has no legal definition of a business undertaking. The chapter concludes with an explanation of the similar aspects of the understanding of a business undertaking in both countries, while also highlighting the differences under Czech and German law. In the second part of the thesis, business undertakings as an object of purchase are examined by means of a comparative method. An analysis of the two different ways of structuring the transfer of a business undertaking is provided: transfer of the whole business undertaking vs its transfer as an aggregate of individual items through a singular succession. The third part of the thesis is dedicated to the position of the purchaser, focussing mainly on the risk of assumption of debts pertaining to the business undertaking and the...

<p>It is more common now to purchase products and services on the Internet. More and more companies choose to sell their services and products this way. Some services and products the customers can get delivered directly to their computers. Therefore, it is important for entrepreneurs to know when they risk a permanent establishment in another country due to their Internet based activity. If the company gets a permanent establishment in the other country, the other country can tax the income which is relatable to the company’s permanent establishment. The definition of a permanent establishment in Swedish legislation mainly correspond with the OECD:s definition of a permanent establishment. To get a permanent establishment the business shall operate through a fixed place and have a certain degree of permanence. The business should also be wholly or partly carried out in that fixed place. If these requirements are not fulfilled the company will not get a permanent establishment. The OECD does not consider a website a permanent establishment, but the server on which the website is stored can be a permanent establishment. If a website and a server work together they can be considered a “dependent” agent for the company and thereby, the company gets a permanent establishment. The fixed place for the server is the room where it is placed. For the server to be considered a permanent it has to be at the fixed place for six months. The business shall wholly or partly be carried out in that fixed place. The server is considered an automatic equipment; therefore, personnel are not required to be present at the fixed place. Not everyone has the same interpretation concerning if a server shall give a permanent establishment. Therefore, we would like to see a sketch of an international common legislation in income taxation concerning Internet based activity. It would make it easier for all parties to have a common interpretation of the legislation.</p> / <p>Det blir allt mer vanligt att köpa varor och tjänster via Internet. Fler och fler företag väljer att sälja sina tjänster och produkter med hjälp av Internet. Vissa tjänster och produkter kan köparen få levererade direkt till sin dator. Det är därför viktigt för företagare att veta när de riskerar att få fast driftställe i ett annat land på grund av sin internetbaserade verksamhet. Får företaget fast driftställe i det andra landet kan detta land beskatta den inkomst som är hänförlig till det fasta driftstället. Definitionen för fast driftställe i den svenska lagstiftningen stämmer till stor del överens med OECD:s definition av fast driftställe. För att få fast driftställe skall affärsverksamheten drivas från en bestämd plats, ha en viss grad av varaktighet och verksamheten skall helt eller delvis drivas från den bestämda platsen. Uppfylls inte dessa krav kan företaget inte få ett fast driftställe. OECD anser att en hemsida inte kan ge fast driftställe, men servern som hemsidan finns lagrad på kan vara ett fast driftställe. Verkar en hemsida och en server tillsammans kan dessa anses vara en ”beroende” agent för företaget och därmed får företaget ett fast driftställe. Den bestämda platsen för en server anses vara det rum som den befinner sig i. För att servern skall anses vara stadigvarande skall den vara sex månader på den bestämda platsen. Verksamheten skall drivas helt eller delvis genom den bestämda platsen. En server ses som automatisk utrustning och därmed krävs inte att personal är närvarande på den bestämda platsen. Alla har inte samma tolkning gällande om en server skall ge fast driftställe. Därför ser vi gärna att en gemensam internationell lagstiftning i inkomstbeskattning tas fram gällande internetbaserad verksamhet. Det skulle underlätta för alla parter att ha en gemensam tolkning av lagstiftningen.</p>