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Learning Educational Technology Prototyping with Generative AI
No full textIn this study, we use ethnographic methods, grounded theory, and an iterative analytical approach to explore participant experiences and strategies for engaging generative AI in support of both learning how to prototype educational technologies and learning to code. We examine how ChatGPT and Giuseppe (a scaffolded co-coding interface of our own design) influence students’ approaches to prototyping and programming. This study contributes to the field by: identifying specific challenges and affordances of generative AI in prototyping and educational technology development contexts; and offering insights into how educators, students, and learning technology developers can integrate generative AI in formative educational technology design and development experiences. Our findings suggest that while generative AI tools offer significant support for students new to prototyping and coding, their early use requires overcoming (meta)cognitive overload related to project development, programming, and generative AI. We offer strategies for leveraging hybrid intelligence in learning technology development education
Science Communication through Cool Critters: An Informal Learning Experience for Youth
No full textThere are numerous ways to communicate science and assess the effectiveness of that communication. One approach focuses on increasing awareness, enjoyment, interest, opinion, and/or understanding of science. For this study, we created an informal learning experience for youth to communicate the science of animals in Nebraska. We developed Cool Critters, a weeklong summer camp for elementary school-aged students, to increase participants\u27 enjoyment, interest, and opinion of Nebraska animals. In 2023, Cool Critters was led in three educational settings in central Nebraska and reached sixty-six participants. Surveys were used to determine the camp\u27s success in effective science communication and whether voluntary/involuntary participation, gender, or grade level affected responses. Statistical tests detected increases in youths’ enjoyment, interest, and opinion of Nebraska animals from participating in Cool Critters, as self-reported by participants and observed by their parents/guardians. No significant differences were detected in youths’ personal responses to Nebraska animals based on involuntary/voluntary participation, gender, or grade level, with the minor exception of higher enjoyment of Nebraska animals reported before camp for participants entering second grade compared to those entering higher grades. Overall, Cool Critters increased participants’ personal responses to Nebraska animals in a positive way and may serve as an example for development and assessment of other place-based programs for youth
Crop2Cloud Platform: Real-Time Data Integration for Agricultural Water Monitoring
No full textEfficient water management is vital for sustainable agriculture, yet integrating real-time data for precise irrigation remains a challenge. This study designed the Crop2Cloud (C2C) platform, a system that leverages advanced sensors using Internet of Things (IoT), edge and cloud computing techniques, and computed Water Stress Indices (WSIs) and machine learning models (i.e., fuzzy logic), to provide scalable and real-time irrigation decisions. The C2C platform aggregates several data including Volumetric Water Content (VWC) from TDR sensors (Acclima Inc., US) installed at four multiple depths, canopy temperatures (Tc) measured by Infrared Radiometers (IRTs) (Apogee Instruments, US), as well as weather information and estimated Crop Evapotranspiration (ETc) from FAO56 approach. Computed WSIs included the theoretical Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) and Soil Water Stress Index (SWSI) as a ratio of Volumetric Water Content (VWC), measured and that at Field Capacity (FC) and Maximum Allowable Depletion (MAD). Additionally, fuzzy-logic irrigation schedule was developed using different fuzzy rules and three available water use indicators – CWSI, SWSI, and ETc. A designed dashboard can display collected data, computed WSIs, and irrigation recommendations from selected methods: only CWSI, only SWSI, combining SWSI + CWSI, and fuzzy logic. The C2C platform can provide quick and real-time crop performance insights and data-driven decisions for timely water application. However, there are logistical challenges such as sensor damage and power management which impact the platform’s performance and efficiency. Future work will involve refining the system to avoid data gaps and improving scheduling methods to optimize irrigation applications to increase water and energy savings
Contributions to the Taxonomy of the Neotropical Millipede Genus \u3cem\u3eIulidesmus\u3c/em\u3e Silvestri, 1895 (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae: Catharosomatini)
No full textThree new species of Iulidesmus Silvestri, 1895 (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), one of the most species-rich genera of Diplopoda globally that currently encompasses about 90 species, are described from the Andes: I. inga Golovatch, Romero-Rincon, Akkari and Alvear, new species, from Colombia. I. bilobus Golovatch, Romero-Rincon, Akkari and Alvear, new species, from Ecuador, and I. zakharovi Golovatch, Romero-Rincon, Akkari and Alvear, new species, from Peru. The following new combination is proposed: Iulidesmus alagoanus (Schubart, 1950), from Brazil, new combination, ex Habrodesmus Cook, 1896. The female holotypes of Strongylosoma glabrum Peters, 1865, from Colombia, and Strongylosoma vermiculare Peters, 1865, from Venezuela, are revised and illustrated for the first time, both being tentatively assigned to Iulidesmus and presently referred to as I. glabrus (Peters, 1865) and I. vermicularis (Peters, 1865), new combinations, ex Strongylosoma Brandt, 1833. The male paratype of Iulidesmus jeekeli Romero-Rincon and Golovatch, 2024, a previously misidentified species from Colombia, is likewise revised, illustrated, and shown to be conspecific with the holotype.
Resumen
Tres nuevas especies de Iulidesmus Silvestri, 1895 (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), uno de los géneros más diversos de Diplopoda a nivel mundial que actualmente incluye cerca de 90 especies, son descritas para los Andes: I. inga Golovatch, Romero-Rincon, Akkari and Alvear, nueva especie, para Colombia. I. bilobus Golovatch, Romero-Rincon, Akkari and Alvear, nueva especie, para Ecuador, e I. zakharovi Golovatch, Romero-Rincon, Akkari and Alvear, nueva especie, para Perú. Se propone la siguiente nueva combinación: Iulidesmus alagoanus (Schubart, 1950), de Brasil, nueva combinación, ex Habrodesmus Cook, 1896. Los holotipos hembras de Strongylosoma glabrum Peters, 1865, para Colombia, y Strongylosoma vermiculare Peters, 1865, para Venezuela, son revisados e ilustrados por primera vez, ambos tentativamente asignados a Iulidesmus y actualmente referidos como I. glabrus (Peters, 1865) e I. vermicularis (Peters, 1865), nuevas combinaciónes, ex Strongylosoma Brandt, 1833. El paratipo macho de Iulidesmus jeekeli Romero- Rincon y Golovatch, 2024, una especie de Colombia previamente identificada erróneamente, también se revisa, ilustra y muestra que es conespecífica del holotipo
Devising Optimized Maize Nitrogen Stress Indices in Complex Field Conditions from UAV Hyperspectral Imagery
No full textNitrogen Sufficiency Index (NSI) is an important nitrogen (N) stress indicator for precision N management. It is usually calculated using variables such as leaf chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD) and vegetation indices (VIs). However, no consensus has been reached on the most preferred variable. Additionally, conventional NSI (NSIuni) calculation assumes N being the sole yield-limiting factor, neglecting other factors such as soil water variability. To tackle these issues, this study compared various variables for NSI calculation and evaluated two new N stress indicators in minimizing the impact of confounding water treatment. The following ground- and aerial-derived variables were compared for NSIuni calculation: SPAD, sampled leaf and canopy N content (LNC, CNC), LNC and CNC estimated using hyperspectral images acquired by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, and three VIs (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Red Edge Index (NDRE), and Chlorophyll Index) from the hyperspectral images. Results demonstrated that ground-measured variables outperformed aerial-based variables in deriving N-responsive NSI. Especially, LNC derived NSIuni responded to N treatment significantly in ten out of thirteen site-date datasets. For the second objective, a modified NSI (NSIw) and the NDRE/NDVI ratio were compared to NSIuni. NSIw reduced water treatment effects in over 80% of the datasets where NSIuni showed evident impacts. NDRE/NDVI performed similarly to NSIw, with the notable advantage of not requiring prior knowledge of soil water spatial distribution. This research pioneers the optimization of N stress indicators by identifying the best variables for NSI and mitigating the effects of soil water variability. These advancements significantly contribute to precision N management in complex field conditions
Integrated Pest Management: State Infrastructure Status after 50 Yr of Federal Support (1973 to 2023)
No full textIntegrated pest management uses a variety of tools coupled with historical, current, and projected information for economical pest protection of crops and other resources while accounting for risk to humans and the environment. Following the 1972 US Federal IPM Policy, funding for integrated pest management programming has continued for 50+ years. However, multifaceted changes during this time have significantly affected state-level integrated pest management infrastructure, prompting a comprehensive survey to assess conditions, limitations, and growth potential of US integrated pest management programs. A survey was sent to 50 US states and 3 territories with integrated pest management programs in November 2022. Questions assessed integrated pest management-related staffing, funding, challenges, and other subjects. Information on invasive and emerging pests and barriers to providing integrated pest management to underserved populations was also requested. Results indicated 1,000+ integrated pest management specialists exist across state integrated pest management programs. integrated pest management programs involve diverse networks and stakeholders including university-based, federally funded, and society-based entities. The survey identified a clear need for a robust integrated pest management programmatic network containing trained multidisciplinary integrated pest management specialists to address the challenges caused by a changing climate, invasive species, pest and pesticide resistance, regulatory changes, and technological advances. A strong and collaborative group of integrated pest management specialists must be maintained and strengthened to address pressing and pervasive threats to food security and human health and wellbeing caused by existing, new, and emerging pests. A unified vision and stable support are needed to enhance and empower multistate integrated pest management programs, creating a national system so all can access the information, services, and tools for protection of health, home, and livelihood
Terminating a Verbal Farmland Lease in Nebraska
No full textSome farm leases are not written but are verbal or handshake agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For verbal leases in Nebraska, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease. If the lease does not address termination, the lease automatically terminates on the last day of the lease
How Beliefs Shape What We Consider When Choosing What to Eat
No full textWhat determines which foods we consider? One factor, certainly, is what we like to eat, and if liking what we eat were the sole relevant outcome of food consumption, there would be little to say about incomplete consideration. However, diet quality has important, well-documented effects on health outcomes (as well as other important considerations, such as differential environmental impact). Close to 75 percent of American adults are overweight or obese, which increases the likelihood that the individual will experience one or more serious non-communicable diseases. A food’s healthiness is an important consideration for many people when making food choices, but, unlike tastiness, healthiness is more difficult to assess. Products carry nutrition facts panels displaying myriad pieces of information about nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Whereas you get a sense of whether you like the taste of something within milliseconds, health outcomes occur over long timescales and innumerable meals, making it nearly impossible for an individual to identify the contribution of any particular food item to their current health status. In our attempts to make sense of the healthiness of foods, many of us form beliefs about the attributes of foods—which may include nutrients, such as how much protein is in a product; production practices, such as organics; or the absence of something, e.g. gluten free products—to help us categorize foods as healthy or not. Thus, even if we’re all trying to make healthy food choices, we may base those health judgments on different combinations of criteria, leading us to different beliefs about which products are healthy
Groundwater In Nebraska
Get PDFWhat is groundwater? Groundwater is water that fills and moves between spaces in underground rocks, gravel, sand, or other materials
Nebraska Crop Budgets Updated for 2025
Get PDFFor the 2025 production season, 83 crop budgets were developed for Nebraska. These budgets show slightly lower per-unit costs compared to 2023 and 2024. The primary factor behind the reduction in input costs is the lower estimated costs of fuel and fertilizer. In most cases, machinery depreciation and opportunity costs remained relatively stable, while land values and rental rates increased slightly. Additionally, seed and interest costs also rose in the 2025 budgets. Budget scenarios for individual producers may vary depending on the timing of their input purchases and fluctuations in prices.
The Nebraska crop budgets are updated annually to serve as a resource for producers, agricultural managers, and professionals in developing their own enterprise budgets. These budgets provide valuable insights for identifying market opportunities using cost-of-production data, assessing input options, and making timely risk management decisions. Understanding projected enterprise costs can enhance confidence in the decision-making process