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Effects of White Spruce Mast Crop on Female Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Nest-site Selection
Get PDFNest site and habitat selection play an integral part in litter success within mammalian populations. These decisions are made due to a variety of factors, one of the largest being predation. In many mammalian populations, some non-parental males commit infanticide, the conspecific killing of young, which can pose a large threat to a females’ reproductive success. There are a few theories as to why individuals commit infanticide, but it is still greatly understudied. In some species, like Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (North American red squirrel), risks of infanticide increase during years of greater resource competition. The North American red squirrels’ main food source is the seeds of white spruce (Picea glauca), a species that undergoes an episodic masting of cones. During mast years, trees produce a surplus of cones. In this study, I aimed to understand how female red squirrel behavior changed during a mast year through nest site selection to reduce the risk of infanticide. I collected field data during 2024 and used previous data from a population of red squirrels in the Yukon Territory, Canada. As predicted, I found that the distance from territory to nest site increased significantly during one mast year compared to a corresponding non-mast year and that litter success during mast years was also significantly less than during non-mast years. I found that there was a slightly positive trend in distance traveled on survival during the mast year and a negative trend during the non-mast year, but these results were not statistically significant. I also found no differences between years for the nest-site habitat type and spruce density. Since my study found that although females do travel further distances to select nest sites, there was no correlation that this combats the risk of infanticide, it needs to be studied in more depth. Infanticide is a critically understudied phenomenon within evolutionary research and nest site selection may play a fundamental role within this.</p
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once: Boethian Eternality, Synchronic Contingency, and the Problem of Divine Foreknowledge
Get PDFThe writings of Boethius (480-524) were deeply influential in the development of latermedieval thought. His most influential contribution was his work on the problem of free will anddivine foreknowledge. Boethius explored these ideas in his two commentaries on Aristotle's DeInterpretatione 9 and in his later work The Consolation of Philosophy. His proposed solution,divine eternality, continues to be a prevalent view in contemporary arguments surroundingforeknowledge. But his proposed model for divine foreknowledge runs into certain puzzles that itdoes not have the tools to answer. Thus, many people have rejected his solution in favor ofalternative views. I hope to show that a revised model of divine foreknowledge can answer theseobjections. In order to do this, it will be necessary to take a foray into the work of a much latermedieval author, John Duns Scotus (1265-1308), who was a pivotal figure in the history of thefree will debate. Scotus’ own solution to the problem of divine foreknowledge, which I will referto as the synchronic model, faces problems similarly definitive to Boethius. But, he makessubstantial progress in explaining human and divine freedom. In this thesis I will argue that ahybrid Synchronic-Eternality model offers a compelling way forward in resolving the puzzle ofdivine foreknowledge and free will.
This thesis will first trace out Boethius own view, drawing on both his earlycommentaries and the consolation, in order to show the space that Boethius carves out forcontingency. Then, this thesis will explore certain definitive problems facing Boethius’ account.Next, it will then explore Scotus’ own work on contingency and freedom, before surveying theproblems with his solution. Finally, the paper will conclude by proposing an alternative modelfor divine foreknowledge, the Synchronic-Eternality model, which relies on the contributions ofboth Scotus and Boethius, and exploring potential objections to the view</p
The Hate that Polarizes Us: How Regulation of Freedom of Speech Correlates in Political Polarization in Western Democracies
Get PDFLaw regarding speech is well researched in the field of political science. Its effects in democracies causing polarization is not as well understood. I propose that greater restriction on freedom of speech correlates with a rise in polarization in democracies. Using survey data from the Digital Society Project (DSP) as well as Dalton’s (2008) data and measure of polarization, I examine the relationship between internet speech legality and censorship with polarization. I find that since 2000 stricter legal systems result in a greater degree of polarization. However, the effects of direct government censorship of social media on polarization were inconclusive. Additionally, I researched two case studies that aimed to clarify the connection of free speech law and the rise or fall of political polarization in the United Kingdom and Denmark. I find that the UK’s push towards greater speech restriction results in a sharp rise of political polarization. Denmark’s commitment to freedom of speech results in a steady rate of low polarization. </p
Barn Swallow Size Across Elevation and Latitude: Testing Bergmann's Rule
Get PDFEcological rules provide researchers and conservationists with the knowledge of how organisms respond to environmental and ecological changes. One of these ecological rules is called Bergmann’s rule. This rule suggests that endothermic animals at higher latitudes and elevations tend to be larger in body size than those at lower latitudes and elevations, presumably as an adaptation to reduce heat loss in colder climates. Most studies that support this rule focus on sedentary animals, while migratory animals tend to vary more in their support for the rule. Since research has focused on sedentary species, there is a need for more in-depth analysis of migratory species, as their wide range of thermal environments can test the boundaries of Bergmann’s Rule. Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) are a generalist species of migratory aerial insectivore whose large breeding distribution spans wide latitudinal and elevational ranges. Understanding how body size changes across elevation and latitude can provide insight into how this migrating bird may or may not follow Bergmann’s Rule. In this study, we analyze the relationship between Barn Swallow body mass and elevation and latitude of breeding sites across the northern hemisphere, including 1,377 individuals from subspecies of Barn Swallows: (H. r. erythrogaster, H. r. gutturalis, and H. r. rustica). We found different results for the three subspecies: consistent with Bergmann’s rule, H. r. erythrogaster was heavier at higher elevations, while in H. r. gutturalis body mass showed no significant relation within mass across elevation or latitude, and H. r. rustica displayed a decrease in mass across elevation and an increase in mass with latitude at low-elevation breeding sites. Further research is needed to determine how climate, migration distance, or adaptation contribute to differences among subspecies in patterns of body size across latitude and elevation. </p
Exploring the Cognitive Influence of Classifiers in Mandarin Chinese
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This paper examines the extent of the effects of immediate experience with language on thinking in primarily native speakers of Mandarin Chinese and English, in order to compare the innate thought patterns of speakers of either language. By testing monolingual Chinese speakers and monolingual English speakers on their categorical perception through linguistic priming and similarity rating tasks, it is possible to observe the extent of linguistic influence on thinking. Specifically, the influence of the Mandarin Chinese classifier system on object categorization was the focus of this experiment. While of course not isolated from factors like culture, the monolingual speakers give insight into a more contained effect from language, allowing for a case for the “thinking-for-speaking” effect. Ultimately, no effect was observed, maintaining the questionable validity of the linguistic relativity hypothesis.</p
Safety, Comfort, and Inclusion: Soundscapes in CU Boulder Residence Halls
Get PDFThis study investigates the soundscapes of residence halls at the University of Colorado Boulder, with a focus on how auditory environments impact students’ perceptions of safety, comfort, and inclusion. Using a mixed-methods approach—combining participant surveys based on ISO/TS 12913-2:2018 standards, binaural audio recordings, and sound intensity measurements—the research characterizes the acoustic environments of three distinct dormitories: Kittredge Central Hall, Andrews Hall, and Cheyenne Arapaho Hall. These residence halls, associated with Residential Academic Programs (RAPs) and Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), cater to students with shared academic and social interests, offering unique soundscapes shaped by their respective resident activities and dynamics. Findings reveal that the presence and perception of specific sounds significantly influence how students experience their living environments, particularly in relation to feelings of safety and belonging. The study contributes to a growing body of work on campus soundscape analysis and highlights the importance of considering acoustic design in the development of inclusive residential spaces.</p
Stoicism and Eternal Recurrence: Unraveling the Metaphysical Puzzle
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In this essay, I explore the Stoic doctrine of eternal recurrence by examining its compatibility with other core Stoic metaphysical commitments, such as their theses of causal determinism, god’s benevolence and perfect rationality, and time. In essence, the Stoics maintained that the Universe will ‘end’ during the period of conflagration, when all things will be destroyed by fire, before returning to the same period of world-order, i.e. the Universe as we know it now. While the Stoics held that everything will be the exact same in each period of world-order, it remains ambiguous as to what exactly will be the “same again.” I begin by examining three historical interpretations of the doctrine: the Nemesian model, Alexander’s Revisionary model, and what I will call the “Origen-al” model. The first two models are ultimately rejected on the basis that either they are inconsistent with the linear and circular conceptions of time or they undermine the Stoics’ closed cosmology. The Origen-al model, however, fares better. While Hudson (1990) defends a view combining the Origen-al model with the linear conception of time, I argue that the Stoics’ definition of time undermines this conception and instead supports the circular notion of time. To reconcile circular time with the fact that Chrysippus will live the very same life an infinite number of times, I introduce the ‘shm-identity’ view of Stoic eternal recurrence. On this account, each period of world-order has the exact same physical and temporal properties, but can be individuated according to the phase of god’s life in which they exist. This framework preserves sameness without committing to numerical identity, and allows for an infinite number of ontologically distinct yet qualitatively identical cosmic cycles. Ultimately, the shm-identity view remains coherent within the Stoic doctrine of eternal recurrence and consistent with their other core metaphysical commitments. </p
“But I Still Want One”: An Examination of the Impacts of Climate Anxieties and Awareness on Young People's Childbearing Intentions
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My study investigates the intersection of climate change awareness and family planning along the axes of gender and class among 18 to 25-year-old respondents. I used a mixed-methods survey approach to explore young adults' attitudes around childbearing in the context of climate change. Findings reveal that while climate anxiety sometimes seems to influence family planning, financial stability, and personal desire are the most salient factors to respondents. Notably, women report higher levels of climate anxiety compared to men, yet a desire for children transcended gender and class. Despite consistently reporting negative emotions toward climate change, respondents saw children as an investment toward the future and emphasized the importance of education and hope. My study reveals a disconnect between climate concerns and actual decisions to forgo children, suggesting that financial problems may lead to a ~10% increase in plans not to have children. This research contributed to the growing body of literature on climate anxiety and reproductive choices while also emphasizing the critical role of finances in this choice. Future research should explore the impact of political beliefs and look deeper into the specific financial concerns driving these decisions.</p
Natural and Controlled Dust Charging and Transport on the Lunar Surface
Get PDFThere are two key aspects of lunar dust behavior: natural dust mobilization due to solar wind plasma and controlled dust charging for size separation in support of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). Understanding dust charging and transport mechanisms is crucial for studying surface dynamics on airless planetary bodies, mitigating hazards, and enhancing sustainability for future lunar exploration. In this thesis, dust mobilization driven by ion-induced secondary electrons in a simulated solar wind plasma is examined, extending previous studies on photoelectron and electron beam-induced charging. Using nitrogen ions (100–1000 eV), it is demonstrated that dust movement correlates with secondary electron emission, which depends on ion energy, material properties, and the resulting electrostatic potential. Our findings support the patched charge model (PCM), suggesting that solar wind interactions can significantly contribute to dust mobilization, particularly in permanently shadowed regions where UV radiation is absent. Additionally, presented is an Electron-Beam Regolith Separation technology designed for ISRU applications. This system charges dust particles using an electron beam and separates them by size via high-voltage deflection electrodes. This experiment explores the charge-to-mass-dependent deflection behavior of lunar regolith simulants, identifying key factors affecting separation efficiency and system limitations. These results contribute to advancing electrostatic dust separation methods for future lunar resource utilization.</p
Small Molecule Treatment of Testicular Function in Aged FGF Signaling-Deficient Mice
Get PDFThis study investigates the effects of a new small molecule drug, STMX259, on the testicular function of a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling-deficient mouse line (dnFGFR mice). I hypothesize that STMX259, a drug previously shown to enhance FGF signaling, could rescue the declining testicular function in aged dnFGFR mice. dnFGFR mice received daily injections of either a vehicle or 15 mg/kg of STMX259 from postnatal day (PND) 435 to PND 449 and were sacrificed on PND 450. For this project, I will analyze (1) testicular morphology (including the presence of mature sperm and size of seminiferous tubules) and (2) staining intensity of a critical steroidogenic enzyme and a marker for mitosis to assess the overall effect of STMX259 on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Staining and morphological parameters yielded no significant difference, but a continuous trend pointing toward functional improvement may yield encouragement for further exploration. </p
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