Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Today, with 89 percent- of Internet users having gone online from their home, and 51 percent- of all online users having accessed the Internet from work, the Pew Internet and American Life Project broadens the scope of analysis, examining Internet usage patterns from places other than individuals' home and place of work. The contemporary picture of Internet access is shown not as a black and white, low-resolution image-home v. work- but a colorful, high resolution picture, with Americans
accessing the Net from multiple physical locations.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: American political science has for many years accepted a simple distinction between political parties and interest groups: parties are acknowledged to be primarily election seekers and groups as policy seekers, although admittedly some overlap exists. But how well does such a distinction apply to modern political party “clubs,” such as the Log Cabin Republicans, whose goals diverge at times significantly from their parent party organization, and whose activities often appear to mimic those of interest groups. Is a group such as the Log Cabin Republicans more appro-priately classed as a hybrid form of interest group, rather than as a party “club,” as it actively advocates issues specific to the group – and not necessarily the larger political party? Through
analysis of party and group literature and behavior, and interviews with club activists, this paper
explores the organizational activities of the Log Cabin Republicans in an effort to understand this group and its relationship to its parent party, as well as to consider if a broader theory of party club behavior may be necessary.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript

Publication Type: Poster Presentation
Abstract: Preliminary soil and sub-soil hydraulic parameter estimates needed for SWAT simulations to determine sub-surface water movement were collected using downhole geophysical measurements. Gamma-ray logs are useful for distingishing sandstone from shales by measuring natural-gamma radiation emitted from rocks penetrated by a borehole. Downhole gamma-ray measurements can be related to a watershed soil and rock formation by analyzing corresponding drill-core and cuttings collected at the drill site. Correlation of gamma-ray measurements of sub-soil texture and density can be used to provide an estimate of textural data for different layers within the soil and sub-soil profile needed by two FORTRAN programs (WTCHARTETA and WTDRAINVR). These programs are used to determine parameters needed for new water table routine that recently has been incorporated in SWAT. Use of gamma-ray downhole logging methods can be in cased or uncased drill holes and can provide useful and reasonably inexpensive methods to obtain parameters needed to calculate the water table.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Illegal logging is a pervasive problem throughout the world that costs governments an estimated $15 billion annually in lost royalties. The United States is the world’s largest wood products consumer and one of the top importers of tropical hardwoods. Some are concerned that U.S. demand for tropical timber might be a driver of illegal logging. The United States has no specific domestic laws that address all aspects of illegal logging. Three policy options from a U.S. Congressional perspective that aim to reduce illegal logging were analyzed in this study. Options include amending the Lacey Act to include foreign plant species, establishing requirements in free trade agreements for the conservation of forest reserves and enforcement of environmental laws, and targeting funds to address gaps in timber management in foreign countries from federal conservation programs. For region-specific and short-term solutions to illegal logging, improving the enforcement and monitoring capacity of foreign countries through grants under international conservation programs might be most efficient. Further, amending the Lacey Act might have widespread effects on reducing illegal logging, but only among U.S. importers and exporters that ship timber to the United States. Although each policy option is centered on the U.S. timber trade, addressing illegal logging through U.S. federal laws and policies might provide other timber importing countries with ideas to follow suit.