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How Does Irrigation Affect American Kestrel (\u3cem\u3eFalco sparvarius\u3c/em\u3e) Nest Site Selection and Parasite Infection?
Get PDFIrrigated agricultural lands can provide important habitat and forage locations for wild birds. The costs and benefits of irrigated agricultural areas compared to wildlands remain unclear. Green vegetation attracts insects and small mammals, creating an abundant food source for predators. In addition, the use of chemicals on crops may reduce vectors of disease. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) are a small species of falcon that make extensive use of both irrigated and non-irrigated landscapes. We examined nest site selection and Haemosporidian parasite loads in a partial migrant population of American Kestrels in irrigated and non-irrigated landscapes. If irrigated lands were beneficial, we predicted that resident American Kestrels, which choose nest sites first, would be more common in irrigated landscapes than migrant kestrels. If chemically treated irrigated lands reduced insect loads, we predicted that kestrels in irrigated areas were less likely to be infected with blood parasites than kestrels in wildlands. To test these predictions, we categorized irrigated and non-irrigated groups based on whether 40% or more of the land within a 1 km buffer around the nest site was irrigated. We classified whether kestrels migrated the preceding winter through hydrogen stable isotope analysis of claw tissue. Finally, we collected blood samples from adult breeding kestrels and used quantitative PCR to identify whether or not individuals were infected with blood parasites. We found that resident American Kestrels in southwest Idaho were more likely to nest in irrigated landscapes than migrant kestrels (p = 0.006). However, blood parasite loads were not dependent on landscape type and infection rates showed no significant difference between irrigated and non-irrigated land (p \u3e 0.2). The positive relationship between resident kestrel nest site selection and irrigated landscapes is indicative of irrigation potentially creating more suitable conditions for nesting. The lack of a relationship observed between blood parasite loads and landscape type suggests that kestrels are at equal risk of becoming infected regardless of whether they live in irrigated or wild systems. These results provide interesting insights into the effects of continuously expanding agriculture on American Kestrels in southwest Idaho
Exploitation for All: The Factors that Enable Pig Butchering Schemes to Weaponize Cybersecurity\u27s Weakest Link
Get PDFThis paper discusses pig butchering schemes and how they leverage human weaknesses through advanced social engineering and manipulation techniques that are enabled through the use of human trafficking, forced labor, and government corruption in Southeast Asia. Details regarding scammer exploitation and the formation of a victim-offender identity is presented, followed by the explanation of factors that allow organized crime groups to exist. Essential tactics used by scammers are examined to understand how they weaponize people\u27s vulnerabilities for the duration of the scam to build a relationship with the victim and earn their trust in order to financially exhaust them through fraudulent investment opportunities. Recommendations for a solution are given, including proposing better legislation to protect consumers, AI, and promoting user responsibility
Lance and Shield: Benchmarking Adversarial Attacks and Defense of AI
Get PDFAs deep learning reshaping the future of image-based applications, I find myself repeatedly drawn to a single, unsettling question: just how trustworthy are these celebrated AI models when faced with real-world adversaries? Motivated by a concern for the reliability of AI-based cancer detection systems, my project dives directly into the mechanisms and consequences of hard-label black-box adversarial attacks methods that exploit the very blind spots most AI systems leave unguarded. I implement and benchmark three leading attacks (i.e., RayS, OPT, and SignOPT) across several state-of-the-art deep learning architectures such as, ResNet50, DenseNet121, and VGG16, using image datasets. Just as important, I challenge these attacks with advanced defenses: adversarial training, robust self-training, and multi-instance robust self-training. By measuring attack success rates, query efficiency, and the subtlety of perturbations, I aim to uncover not only which models withstand attack but why some defenses fail. My ongoing results demonstrate a critical approach to model robustness, with the goal of spotlighting the urgent gaps in current medical AI security and ultimately, guiding the design of safer, more trustworthy diagnostic tools. Through this work, I hope to push the conversation around medical AI from theoretical risk to practical resilience
Inheritance
No full textA novel that explores how generational trauma can manifest as shame and secrets through the lens of a Japanese American mother trying to coexist with both her daughter and her controlling, traumatized mother
FlowerMD: A Flexible Library of Organic Workflows and Extensible Recipes for Molecular Dynamics and Machine-Learned Coarse-Grained Simulations of Isotropic and Anisotropic Systems
Get PDFMolecular dynamics (MD) simulations are essential tools for understanding and predicting material behavior at the atomic and molecular scale. While numerous open-source software packages exist for different stages of MD simulations, assembling a seamless, end-to-end workflow for complex multi-step simulations remains a significant challenge. In this work, we develop FlowerMD, a flexible and extensible Python-based software package that automates molecular simulation workflows, improving both reproducibility and ease of use.
FlowerMD provides modular components that simplify the end-to-end execution of MD workflows, from system initialization and force field application to simulation execution. It also automates multi-step simulation workflows through Recipes—predefined, modular workflows that integrate complex processes into a cohesive pipeline. We demonstrate this functionality by developing Recipes for fusion welding, tensile testing, and surface wetting, showcasing FlowerMD’s ability to automate intricate molecular simulations. FlowerMD Recipes are transferable across different chemistries, simulation resolutions (atomistic vs. coarse-grained), physical models (isotropic vs. anisotropic), and force fields (traditional vs. ML-driven). A key advantage of FlowerMD is its user-friendly design, allowing researchers without extensive programming expertise to efficiently set up simulations. With a high-level API and predefined workflows, it eliminates the need to manually integrate multiple software packages, enabling researchers to focus on scientific analysis rather than technical implementation.
Additionally, we integrate machine learning-based potentials into coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD), focusing on both isotropic and anisotropic particles. For isotropic CGMD, we develop a force-matching neural network that learns Lennard-Jones (LJ) potentials to accurately reproduce interparticle forces. For anisotropic CGMD, we implement a force and torque matching model that captures orientation-dependent interactions in non-spherical particles. These capabilities enable FlowerMD to bridge the gap between traditional force fields and ML-driven molecular simulations, offering a scalable and reproducible framework for complex simulation workflows
Teacher Motivations to Voluntarily Participate in K-12 Microlearning Professional Development: A Mixed Methods Study
Get PDFProfessional development (PD) is crucial for improving teaching effectiveness, but state mandates and traditional models often fail to engage teachers by meeting their diverse needs, fitting into busy schedules, offering choices, or fostering meaningful instructional changes. The mixed methods study addresses this gap by investigating the specific motivations of K-12 public school teachers to voluntarily engage in microlearning professional development (mLPD) as an alternative to traditional PD approaches. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Adult Learning Theory (ALT), the research examines how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations influence participation, exploring the appeal of microlearning’s brevity, relevance, and autonomy. Quantitative data from the Work Task Motivation Scale for Teachers (WTMST) revealed high levels of intrinsic motivation, with participants valuing autonomy, competence, and relevance. Qualitative findings confirmed these trends, highlighting the significance of choice, job-embedded learning, and practical applicability, with time efficiency, thematic content, and supportive formats cited as key motivators. Integrating quantitative and qualitative results emphasized microlearning’s potential to address barriers in traditional PD by fostering intrinsic motivation and aligning with educators’ professional identities. Practical implications include designing PD programs prioritizing flexibility, contextual relevance, and collaborative opportunities. The study contributes to the literature by bridging motivational theories with innovative PD strategies, offering actionable insights for fostering lifelong learning in K-12 education
Dataset for ICESat-2 ATL06_SR derived snow depth transects of Idaho watersheds: Reynolds Creek, Banner Summit, Mores Creek, and Dry Creek (2018-2024)
No full textThis dataset contains geolocated customized ICESat-2 ATL06 data calculated from ATL08 classified ground photon returns calculated using the SlideRule EarthData package; snow free reference elevations calculated from snowfree airborne lidar digital terrain models (DTMs); mean DTM slopes; snow cover status; and calculated ICESat-2 snow depths for four mountainous Idaho sites: Reynolds Creek, Banner Summit, Mores Creek, and Dry Creek. Datasets have reference DTM elevations calculated without co-registration between the ICESat-2 data and the reference DTMs, an aggregated co-registration, and an individual co-registration. Snow cover was classified using the glacier-snow-cover-mapping package applied to near co-incident Landsat 8/9 and Sentinel-2 imagery. All processing code is openly available at https://github.com/CryoGARS-Glaciology/ICESat2-AlpineSnow and https://zenodo.org/records/17101987
Experimental System for Investigating Curved Lipid Membranes
No full textA large variety of investigations on the transport properties of lipid membranes are carried out in artificial systems employing planar Bilayer Lipid Membranes. While this experimental system is extremely valuable, it does not entirely replicate the biophysical properties of cell membranes. All cell membranes are curved, and the resulting stress adjusts the properties of the membrane regarding transport and functionality of embedded transporters. To mitigate this shortcoming, we focused our work on developing and testing an experimental system that enables the formation of curved membranes in a controllable manner. In this respect, we used a classical bilayer chamber for preparing a flat membrane, which was further exposed to a variable differential pressure achieved by the means of a solution column. The changes in geometry (i.e., from flat to curved) were assessed by estimating the membrane capacitance from the capacitive currents measured in response to triangle voltage stimuli. Our investigations suggest that curved membranes may be easily formed by using this system and that the changes in geometry are not only controllable but also reversible for a large range of differential pressures
Building Big Meadow: A Cultural History of the Troy, Idaho CCC Camp
No full textWhen Franklin Deleno Roosevelt launched his New Deal program in 1933, conservation was one of the first issues to be tackled. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created March 31, 1933, as a way to combat unemployment and conserve the natural landscapes around the nation. The state of Idaho was one of the first to implement the CCC, quickly rising through the ranks and having the most camps per person of any state in the country. In the near decade of the CCC’s existence, over 86,000 men were shipped to Idaho to work on national and state lands. One of these camps was the Big Meadow Creek CCC camp, just five miles north of the rural town of Troy, Idaho. This year-round camp not only built roads and fought forest fires, but it also gave the community its first constant source of clean water. Though frequently forgotten when discussing the town’s history, the work this camp did continues to impact the land and people that call north Idaho home
Mental Health Aid for Students with Disabilities at the University of Idaho
No full textCollege students with disabilities are experiencing mental health concerns at a far higher rate than students without disabilities (Aguilar & Lipson, 2021). College students with disabilities are more likely to report non-suicidal self-harm, suicidal ideation, social anxiety, depression, and stress than students without disabilities (Fleming et al., 2018). While this demographic is more likely to seek out mental health services, barriers exist that may reduce the effectiveness of and the amount of time students work with these resources (e.g., accommodations and financial barriers) (O’Shea et al., 2021). Recent literature has indicated a need for qualitative research on students with disabilities who also have co-occurring mental health issues and their experiences as college students outside of academics (Solís García et al., 2024). This proposed research methodology presentation is a mixed-methods exploratory study seeking to understand the lived experience of college students with disabilities in different domains of university life including academics, social spheres, and use of mental health services. The study will aim to elucidate the interaction between mental health issues and disabilities as identified in gaps in knowledge present in quantitative research. Furthermore, survey and interview data will serve to point to effective supports specific to this population. By analyzing first-hand experiences of students with disabilities and mental health issues, current resources may be optimized to better fit students’ needs and create a safer, more mental health-conscious campus environment.
References
Aguilar, O., & Lipson, S. (2021). A Public Health Approach to Understanding the Mental Health Needs of College Students with Disabilities: Results From a National Survey. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 2021(3), 273. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1325421.pdf
Fleming, A. R., Edwin, M., Hayes, J. A., Locke, B. D., & Lockard, A. J. (2018). Treatment- seeking college students with disabilities: Presenting concerns, protective factors, and academic distress. Rehabilitation Psychology, 63(1), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000193
O’Shea, A., Kilcullen, J. R., Hayes, J., & Scofield, B. (2021). Examining the effectiveness of campus counseling for college students with disabilities. Rehabilitation Psychology, 66(3), 300–310. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000349
Solís García, P., Real Castelao, S., & Barreiro-Collazo, A. (2024). Trends and challenges in the mental health of university students with disabilities: A Systematic Review. Behavioral Sciences, 14(2), 111. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs1402011