California State University, Monterey Bay
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Post‐Fire Sediment Yield From a Central California Watershed: Field Measurements and Validation of the WEPP Model
Get PDFIn a warming climate, an intensifying fire regime and higher likelihood of extreme rain are expected to increase watershed sediment yield in many regions. Understanding regional variability in landscape response to fire and post‐fire rainfall is essential for managing water resources and infrastructure. We measured sediment yield resulting from sequential wildfire and extreme rain and flooding in the upper Carmel River watershed (116 km2), on the central California coast, USA, using changes in sediment volume mapped in a reservoir. We determined that the sediment yield after fire and post‐fire flooding was 854–1,100 t/km2/yr, a factor of 3.5–4.6 greater than the long‐term yield from this watershed and more than an order of magnitude greater than during severe drought conditions. In this first large‐scale field validation test of the WEPPcloud/ wepppy framework for the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model on a burned landscape, WEPP predicted 81%–106% of the measured sediment yield. These findings will facilitate assessing and predicting future fire effects in steep watersheds with a Mediterranean climate and indicate that the increasingly widespread use of WEPP is appropriate for evaluating post‐fire hillslope erosion even across 100‐km2 scales under conditions without debris flows
Behavioral coping with chronic defeat stress in mice: A systematic review of current protocols
Get PDFSocial stress is the most significant source of chronic stress in humans and is commonly associated with health impairment. Individual differences in the behavioral coping responses to stress have been proposed to mediate the negative effects of stress on physical, behavioral and mental health. Animal models, particularly mice, offer valuable insights into the physiological and neurobiological correlates of behavioral coping strategies in response to chronic social stress. Here we aim to identify differences and similarities among stress protocols in mice, with particular attention to how neuroendocrine and/or behavioral responses vary according to different coping strategies, while highlighting the need for standardized approaches in future research. A systematic review was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA statement). A total of 213 references were identified by electronic search, and after the screening, 18 articles were found to meet all the established criteria. We analyzed differences in the stress protocol, the characterization and classification of coping strategies and the physiological and behavioral differences according to coping. The results show that differences in behavioural expression under chronic social stress (coping) may also be associated with physiological differences and differential susceptibility to disease. However, this review also underlines the importance of a cautious interpretation of the results obtained. The lack of consistency in the nomenclature and procedures associated with the study of coping strategies for social stress, as well as the absence of a uniform classification, highlight the importance of using a common language when approaching the study of coping strategies. Thereby, this review encourages the development of a more defined method and criteria for assessing coping strategies, based on both behavioral and biological indicators
Teaching New Mothers the Importance of Prenatal and Postnatal Nutrition
Get PDFMany pregnant women are unaware of the significant impact that prenatal and postnatal malnutrition can have on both their health and their baby\u27s development. Prenatal and postnatal malnutrition can affect pregnancy, childhood, and even adulthood. According to Barker (1997), prenatal malnutrition puts the baby at a high risk for heart disease, low-birth weight, high blood pressure, stillbirth, and many more long-term health issues. To address the issue of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition, I created a two-day workshop for new mothers on how to identify consequences of malnutrition during and after pregnancy, understanding appropriate portion sizes across different food groups and how to create healthy prenatal and postnatal meals
Sexual Wellness Across Abilities: Reimagining Education for Adults with Disabilities
Get PDFMany adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) lack sexuality education and opportunities for personal expression. Because of this, a sexuality education curriculum was developed for Gateway’s program, Without Walls. This program is specifically for adults with Intellectual Disabilities. This curriculum was delivered to 15 students ages 25 to 56. The purpose of this project is to bridge information for this population and make it more accessible. Especially with this group, there is a need for further discussion and a space to ask questions about social-emotional and sexual health. Over the course of 11 classes, the students reported having a better understanding of sexuality and how to care for their overall health. Because of this, the project met its expected outcomes of making the information more accessible and having a positive impact. Due to its success, continuing the program and incorporating staff training as well as other programs is recommended
Benefits of Dual Immersion Programs on Elementary School Students
Get PDFThis senior capstone research project aims to share the benefits of dual immersion programs in elementary school years. Understanding what a dual immersion program is and knowing the different models within the program allow parents to select which program is best suited for their students. A key point in clarification is that a dual immersion program does not aim to replace an English, or standard, education program, but adds a target language to enhance the students learning. This study looks at the overall benefits that students can gain in elementary school, from kindergarten through fifth grade, sometimes through eighth grade. Through the use of literature review, teacher surveys, as well as personal experiences, the findings indicate that bilingualism, biliteracy, and multicultural competence are part of all important products of a dual immersion program
Family Engagement: Identifying and Meeting Family Needs
Get PDFFamily engagement in early education is insufficient. The Early Learning Program is an agency which serves low income families by providing early childhood education and a variety of different services like health and dental screenings for children and nutrition and parenting workshops for the parents and family to do together. The project is aimed to evaluate the agency\u27s Family Strengths and Needs assessment tool and provide updates to better serve families by focusing on areas that are lacking. As a result, the assessment language was clarified and the method of delivery improved so that future assessments will gather more accurate information. This leads to the recommendation of annual updates and planned workshops based on assessment results. Updates in return can help increase family engagement and boost families success while meeting their needs based on the families strengths and needs assessment
Diversity Coordinator Training
Get PDFThe Restorative Justice Program in The Schools is an agency that helps students, facilities and family members resolve conflict in a restorative method and helps them understand the result of their actions. Historically, students of color continue to have a higher suspension rate than white students. Providing coordinators with answers to help students with their questions about race and ethnicity in the schools can help eliminate students\u27 own misunderstandings that contribute to disputes that result in suspensions. The contributing factors are minimal parental engagement and implicit bias and discriminatory practices. The consequences include academic achievement gap and increased drop out risk. The project\u27s purpose is to provide a comprehensive workshop training for RJP school coordinators to have conversations with students about race and ethnicity so students will be able to engage in the conversation. The most important findings were that the school coordinators needed guidance on the topic of race and ethnicity and were more comfortable speaking about ethnicity rather than race. After the workshop training their confidence increased about the topic. It is recommended that the workshop training continues to be implemented and be updated every academic year
Beyond the Field: Exploring Identity, Spiritual Growth, and Community through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Get PDFFor this Capstone Project, the researchers investigated Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) representatives’ views on bringing student-athletes to have a relationship with Christ and why they think it is important. Based on an analysis of the data and the relevant research literature, the researchers used what they have learned to formulate an action that responds to improving FCA in a way that inspires, informs, or involves a particular audience. This is important because student-athletes need a sense of community and safe space to express their relationship with God. It is argued that having a relationship with Christ is important, especially for student-athlete
Fostering Success: Enhancing Support to Empower Foster Youth
Get PDFFor this Capstone Project, the researcher collaborated with a local organization that serves foster youth. Interviews were conducted with several employees to see what they thought could be done to improve the experiences of foster youth, an underserved population that often lacks the necessary support to succeed in school and society. Based on an analysis of the data and an examination of relevant research literature, three key themes emerged: increasing community awareness of the organizations services; enhancing foster parent and peer training; and promoting understanding of foster youth experiences. Each of these options could potentially help foster youth get the help they need to succeed. Following a thorough evaluation of the options, a recommended action was implemented to help foster youth access the help they need to succeed
Raising Middle School Students\u27 Awareness of Relationship Risks Associated with Technology
Get PDFIncreasing middle school students\u27 awareness of relationship risks associated with electronic technology is the main focus of this capstone project. With the prevalence of technology in teenagers\u27 lives, many may not fully grasp the potential dangers of digital communication with friends and romantic partners. Although there are many advantages to using smartphones, tablets, and other technologies, there may also be drawbacks. Physical health concerns, eye strain Digital eye fatigue, eye strain, and pain can result from prolonged screen use. Overuse of tablets and smartphones can lead to bad posture, which can cause back and neck pain. Sleep disturbances by inhibiting the generation of melatonin, blue light from screens can cause sleep patterns to be disturbed, particularly right before bed