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Using LiDAR to Measure Carbon Sequestration via Tree Count: A study on Gonzaga University Campus
No full textAs climate change progresses due to increased levels of C02 in the Earths atmosphere, finding methods of sequestering C02 in a cost-effective way has become more valuable. Tree cover has been shown to play a significant role in carbon offset, accounting for 13% of national emissions in 2021 (Domke, G. M., Walter, B. F., et al, 2023) The amount of carbon stored in a tree is reliant on wood density (which varies with species) and the age of the tree, as evidenced by height (Lefebvre, D., Williams, A. G., et al, 2021). In 1998, the US Department of Energy released a guide for calculating carbon sequestration for trees in urban and suburban areas based on species and height (age). LiDAR derived imagery is an increasingly useful companion tool to this guide as it can measure, track and visualize tree cover by assessing: Number of trees in an area The height of the individual trees Health of the foliage
Height estimates using LiDAR surveys are more time and cost efficient than in person measurements, and have been shown to be more accurate, especially when trees are \u3e20m (65.6ft) tall (Jurjevic, L., X. Liang, M., et al., 2019). For this study, LiDAR was used to assess the number and height of trees on the campus of Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. A small area was selected to produce calculations reflecting the level of carbon sequestration for that area, demonstrating the capabilities of this method
Latent Prints in the Presence of Ignitable Liquids
No full textThere have been inquiries about best practices of packaging and processing for fire debris evidence because in many situations, forensic professionals are faced with the problem of deciding which part of a piece of evidence they are going to use/test knowing that they will likely lose the rest. Through testing, we are determining how destructive ignitable liquids and gaseous fumes are to latent prints and how fast they have to be processed in order to give the detective a time frame to work with to make decisions for a case. Figuring out what limitations there are to preserving a print from these conditions will be extremely helpful in the accuracy of latent examiner’s results as well as increase the probability that forensic teams (and other teams) collect evidence in a way that will prevent damage to possible prints. We are analyzing these limitations through field studies examining temperature changes, surface differences, the chemical makeup of ignitable liquids, plus their reaction to different components of the fingerprint matrix, as well as additional research conducted through literary review and interviews with forensic professionals
A Low Resource Intrusion Detection System Using Osquery
No full textIntrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are fundamental tools in monitoring and alerting system and network administrators to cyber threats occurring on those systems. An IDS is a security application that generates notifications when the system or network that the application is monitoring is under attack. The use of an IDS is a necessary tool in monitoring large networks for existing vulnerabilities that may go unnoticed by system administrators. An IDS can notify administrators when an attack is occurring, and which resources are affected by an attack. Many IDS applications at present contain resource intensive tools that draw on resources that are shared with a system running either one or more services. The intensive consumption of resources can affect two things, the first being that the resource limits of a system can affect the detection rate or accuracy of the IDS and the second is that resource consumption can affect availability of a service running on that system. In this research, I purpose an IDS that consumes minimal resources that will have acceptable detection accuracy and allow for uninterrupted access to services on a system
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: The Case Against Mandatory Minimum Sentencing in Washington State
No full textMandatory minimum sentencing laws in Washington State promise fairness — but often deliver the opposite. By locking judges into rigid punishment schemes, these laws have stripped the courtroom of its most essential tool: discretion. From stacked firearm enhancements to repeat DUI penalties, the system favors formula over context, sidelining individual circumstances in pursuit of uniformity. The result? A justice process that prioritizes speed over substance, where plea bargains are often chosen not out of guilt, but fear. This paper examines the deep cracks beneath the surface — how mandatory minimums disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous defendants, how appellate courts remain handcuffed by precedent, and how even judges and defense attorneys feel cornered by the rules they\u27re sworn to uphold. Drawing on real-world case law (State v. Broadaway, State v. Brown, State v. Houston-Sconiers), data from the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission, and interviews with legal practitioners, the paper challenges the logic that harshness equals justice. It also explores reform efforts like House Bill 1282 and HB 2001 and proposes a new Discretionary Review Boards model to return nuance, equity, and humanity to Washington’s sentencing process
Sonnet 29”: The Transcendent Power of Rich Love
No full textShakespeare\u27s Sonnet 29 highlights the journey of the human condition from lowly self-deprecation to high self-sentiments when affected by love. This paper analyzes the poignant fourteen lines penned by William Shakespeare and draws parallels between their sentiment and modern research on love\u27s positive impact on preexisting low self-esteem and self-worth. Sonnet 29 develops a story of the natural stages from self-deprecation due to low self-esteem into heightened self-worth due to the potent integration of love. Modern, scientific research by Harris and Ulrich, Răşcanu, and Zhang and Hawk, lends credence to the assessment of love\u27s powerful and positive impact on a person\u27s self-worth and self-esteem that this essay affirms that Shakespeare\u27s words are attesting to. From the narrator\u27s coveting of others\u27 lives, to their deep-seated jealousy of things they do not possess that others do, to the realization of the love the narrator possesses, Shakespeare lays a blueprint for his audience to follow these natural transitions of human nature. Ultimately, with Shakespeare being supported by modern science, Sonnet 29 reflects the naturality of love\u27s positive and uplifting impact on the human condition when steeped in low self-worth and self-esteem
Modulation of Notch Signaling by Fringe Proteins: Potential Impacts on Osteoclast Differentiation
No full textOsteoporosis is characterized by excessive bone resorption and impaired remodeling, leading to increased fracture risk, particularly in postmenopausal women. Current treatments, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, inhibit osteoclast activity but suppress necessary remodeling, resulting in brittle bones. Modulating Notch signaling offers a promising alternative to reduce bone resorption while preserving physiological remodeling. Notch signaling, mediated by cell-to-cell interactions, regulates osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling through HES1 target genes. The Fringe family of glycosyltransferases, including Lunatic, Manic, and Radical Fringe, modifies Notch signaling by altering sugar residues on Notch receptors, thereby influencing osteoclast function. To investigate Fringe contribution to osteoclasts, we used retroviral vectors to increase expression of individual Fringe family members in macrophages isolated from mouse bone marrow. Fringe overexpressing cells were differentiated into osteoclasts via treatment with CSF1 and RANKL, two cytokines that are both necessary for osteoclastogenesis. Compared to controls, we found enhanced number and size of osteoclasts as well as increased osteoclast marker biochemical activity with all three Fringe overexpressing groups. Given the recognized role of Fringe proteins as modulators of Notch signaling, future work will investigate sensitivity of Fringe-overexpressing cells via expression quantification of the Notch target gene Hes1 following exposure to Jagged1, a Notch ligand. These findings suggest that Fringe proteins promote osteoclastogenesis highlighting their role in bone remodeling and their potential as therapeutic targets
A Biological and Chemical Assessment of Rock Creek: Evidence of Moderate Eutrophication
Full text linkThis study presents a biological and chemical assessment of Rock Creek in Spokane County, WA. Water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrate communities were analyzed to infer overall stream health. Nutrient concentrations and biological indices suggest moderate eutrophication and intermediate water quality. Findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and potential restoration to preserve ecosystem function
The Chinese American Experience
No full textThis paper examines and identifies conflicts of second-generation Chinese Americans, focusing on the interplay of cultural values, gender roles, and societal stereotypes. Through an interview with Connor Chan, a 23-year-old Chinese American, the study illuminates the tension between traditional Chinese patriarchy and evolving American norms. Intergenerational conflicts arising from differing acculturation experiences are explored, highlighting the emotional strain of navigating two distinct cultural landscapes. The research addresses the persistence of traditional gender roles, where male breadwinners are emphasized, contrasting with Americas idea of female empowerment. This dissonance creates internal and external pressures for second-generation individuals. Furthermore, the paper confronts the “model minority” stereotype, revealing the detrimental impact by masking the diverse challenges faced by Chinese Americans. Connor\u27s experiences with racial micro-aggressions, like the use of the umbrella term Asian and the where are you from? question, underscore the sense of otherness experienced. Socioeconomic factors influencing educational opportunities are also considered. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity within the Chinese American community, avoiding generalizations, and acknowledging the unique obstacles they face in forming their identities. By analyzing Connor’s experiences within existing literature, this research offers insights into the ongoing negotiation of cultural identity among second-generation Chinese Americans, revealing the complex dynamics of heritage and assimilation in the U.S