Colorado State University

About: Colorado State University is a education organization based out in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Radar. The organization has 31430 authors who have published 69040 publications receiving 2724463 citations. The organization is also known as: CSU & Colorado Agricultural College.

Biogeochemical Redox Processes and their Impact on Contaminant Dynamics

Abstract: Life and element cycling on Earth is directly related to electron transfer (or redox) reactions. An understanding of biogeochemical redox processes is crucial for predicting and protecting environmental health and can provide new opportunities for engineered remediation strategies. Energy can be released and stored by means of redox reactions via the oxidation of labile organic carbon or inorganic compounds (electron donors) by microorganisms coupled to the reduction of electron acceptors including humic substances, iron-bearing minerals, transition metals, metalloids, and actinides. Environmental redox processes play key roles in the formation and dissolution of mineral phases. Redox cycling of naturally occurring trace elements and their host minerals often controls the release or sequestration of inorganic contaminants. Redox processes control the chemical speciation, bioavailability, toxicity, and mobility of many major and trace elements including Fe, Mn, C, P, N, S, Cr, Cu, Co, As, Sb, Se, Hg, Tc, a...

Diversity meets decomposition

Abstract: Over 100 gigatons of terrestrial plant biomass are produced globally each year. Ninety percent of this biomass escapes herbivory and enters the dead organic matter pool, thus supporting complex detritus-based food webs that determine the critical balance between carbon mineralization and sequestration. How will changes in biodiversity affect this vital component of ecosystem functioning? Based on our analysis of concepts and experiments of leaf decomposition in forest floors and streams, we suggest that changes in species diversity within and across trophic levels can significantly alter decomposition. This happens through various mechanisms that are broadly similar in forest floors and streams. Differences in diversity effects between these systems relate to divergent habitat conditions and evolutionary trajectories of aquatic and terrestrial decomposers.

Psychological Testing: Principles and Applications

Abstract: I. INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING. 1. Tests and Measurements. 2. Defining and Measuring Psychological Attributes: Ability, Interests, and Personality. 3. Testing and Society. II. PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT. 4. Basic Concepts in Measurement and Statistics. 5. Scales, Transformations, and Norms. 6. Reliability: The Consistency of Test Scores. 7. Using and Interpreting Information about Test Reliability. 8. Validity of Measurement: Content and Construct-Oriented Validation Strategies. 9. Validity for Decisions: Criterion-Related Validity. 10. Item Analysis. III. DEVELOPING MEASURES OF ABILITY, INTERESTS, AND PERSONALITY. 11. The Process of Test Development. 12. Computerized Test Administration and Interpretation. 13. Ability Testing: Individual Tests. 14. Ability Testing: Group Tests. 15. Issues in Ability Testing. 16. Interest Testing. 17. Personality Testing. IV. USING TESTS TO MAKE DECISIONS. 18. Tests and Educational Decisions. 19. Psychological Measurement in Industry. 20. Diagnostic Testing: Clinical Applications. 21. Issues in Multi-Method Assessment. Appendix: Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. References. Author Index. Subject Index.

Climatic impact of tropical lowland deforestation on nearby montane cloud forests.

Abstract: Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) depend on predictable, frequent, and prolonged immersion in cloud. Clearing upwind lowland forest alters surface energy budgets in ways that influence dry season cloud fields and thus the TMCF environment. Landsat and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite imagery show that deforested areas of Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands remain relatively cloud-free when forested regions have well-developed dry season cumulus cloud fields. Further, regional atmospheric simulations show that cloud base heights are higher over pasture than over tropical forest areas under reasonable dry season conditions. These results suggest that land use in tropical lowlands has serious impacts on ecosystems in adjacent mountains.