79717 research outputs found
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Integrating augmented reality and artificial intelligence for adaptive real-time task guidance
No full textThis thesis presents an augmented reality (AR) task guidance system enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), demonstrated through two distinct scenarios: an indoor application guiding a user to open a door handle, and an outdoor application supporting spatial navigation and interactive object identification on a university campus. Leveraging a modular architecture, the system integrates a mass-market AR headset with an AI backend that employs real-time object detection, 3D spatial tracking, and conversational interaction powered by a large language model. A key contribution of this work lies in the system-level design of a flexible AR task guidance architecture that integrates perception, tracking, navigation, and natural language interaction, and supports multiple deployment modes across edge and cloud resources. The system supports on-edge (offline) and hybrid deployment configurations, enabling the same task guidance pipeline to adapt to connectivity constraints, computational availability, and interaction requirements without modification of the core design. Further, a quantitative system-level empirical evaluation of the system consistently shows processing times below 100ms for simultaneous tracking of multiple objects, visualization latency within acceptable real-time thresholds, and positional accuracy within centimeters in indoor scenarios. This research work establishes a measured performance baseline and provides a scalable, adaptable framework for low-latency, context-aware AR task guidance suitable for diverse real-world applications
Investigating the host’s innate immune response in OsHV-1 latently infected Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) after heat stress and immune suppression
No full textOstreid Herpesvirus (OsHV-1) is a pathogen of fatal aquatic disease of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). Over the past two decades, mass global Pacific oyster deaths have been linked to OsHV-1 infection. Symptoms of OsHV-1 infection include reduced swimming capacity, shell deformation, tissue degradation, lowered feeding rates, and death. OsHV-1 can establish latent infection in the host after initial exposure and can reactivate under heat stress. We hypothesize that heat stress can lower the innate immune defense and allow latent OsHV-1 to be reactivated from latency. To test this hypothesis, OsHV-1 latently infected Pacific oysters were treated with heat stress (Tm) and an immunosuppressive agent, TPCA-1. Innate gene response in Pacific oyster gill tissue was investigated on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-stress. The expression of the innate immune sensor gene (TLR), adaptor proteins (MyD88 and Rel), and innate immune response effector gene, PKR, was analyzed by Real-Time PCR (qPCR). Our study found that gene transcription of all four genes was down-regulated in oysters experiencing heat stress or immune suppression. The reduced innate immune response may allow the reactivation of OsHV-1 from latency.Keywords: OsHV-1, latency, reactivation, heat stress, TPCA-1, TLR, MyD88, Rel, PKR, qPC
Designing urban ecology projects in Delhi, India
No full textThis paper explores funding options for urban ecology programs in Delhi, India. Delhi has experienced rapid urbanization in the 20th and 21st centuries, with exponential growth over the past few decades. Urban green spaces are increasingly important for sustainable development, ecosystem services, health and well-being, and creating livable cities. With the dismantling of USAID in 2025, alternatives must be found for international development programs. The current trends in urbanization in Delhi, India, were explored, and a survey of available funding options was undertaken. This analysis showed that Corporate Social Responsibility funding, Impact and Foundation Investing, Multi-national organizations, Bilateral funding, Crowdfunding, and Philanthropy were the ideal funding options. Ensuring the program aligns with local, national, and international urban development initiatives should increase the likelihood of securing funding for implementing partners
Building food autonomy using improvisational cooking and wild food integration
No full textBackground: Food autonomy and cooking confidence are critical skills that may strengthen those experiencing housing insecurity. Current research among the underserved population is limited, but teaching kitchens are growing in popularity, and may serve as an effective tool for meaningful experiential culinary education.
Methods: This pilot study utilized a cooking class format to support the development of knowledge and skills related to cooking and flavor science to seven adults (4M, 3F) living in a transitional housing facility in Corvallis, Oregon. Participants completed a single two-hour class session including a didactic portion, hands-on cooking experience, and group meal, and pre-post surveys. Assessments measured confidence, emotions towards cooking and tasting food, and food autonomy.
Results: Results demonstrated increased confidence in all participants and increased likelihood of expressing positive emotions. Male participants and those who had previously tried wild food expressed higher pre- and post-levels of confidence in eating wild food, cooking with wild food, and improvisational cooking.
Conclusions: Food literacy experiential learning through mindful tasting and improvisational cooking of unfamiliar ingredients, complemented by basic introductions to flavor principles and foraging practices enhanced positive emotions and food autonomy around cooking.Keywords: food autonomy, cooking confidence, transitional housing, wild foo
Paseos and outdoor school : developing Latina/o/x families’ interest and expertise in the outdoors
No full textThis dissertation examines how culturally grounded family outdoor experiences (paseos) can support Latina/o/x families’ engagement with nature and shape students’ learning experiences in outdoor school. Although outdoor and environmental education are often framed as opportunities for broad participation, Latina/o/x families have historically been underrepresented in formal outdoor learning programs, and few studies have examined how family engagement can serve as a bridge into these spaces. Drawing on the Cultural Learning Pathways framework, the concept of repertoires of practice and learning pathways as culturally and structurally situated, this study explores how learning develops across settings through participation, positioning, and meanings of place.
Using a qualitative, multi-method design, I analyzed vignettes, participant observations, interviews with Latina/o/x parents and students, and student-produced artifacts (mind maps and posters) collected across three paseos and a subsequent outdoor school program. Five vignettes were used to analyze learning processes during the paseos, and three vignettes focused on students’ and families’ experiences in outdoor school. The analysis attended to how place, positions, and actions shaped participants’ scopes of possibility and access to identity resources as learners.
Findings show that paseos may have functioned as relational, cultural, and learning spaces that expanded families’ repertoires of practice, supported feelings of belonging and agency, and prepared students to engage meaningfully in outdoor school. Family participation appeared to support learning by helping students see themselves as capable participants in science activities. The study also points to how these pathways were sustained, transformed, and at times constrained within the institutional context of outdoor school.
This dissertation contributes to research on outdoor science education and family engagement by demonstrating how culturally informed, community-based experiences can operate as learning pathways that bridge informal and formal learning settings. It concludes with design principles for incorporating paseos as culturally informed pathways to support equitable participation in outdoor and science learning
Bees of the Pacific Northwest : Oregon Bee Atlas species occurrence records for bumble bees (Hymenoptera : Apidae : Bombus)
No full textThe Oregon Bee Atlas (Atlas) is an initiative to document wild bee occurrence and floral relations in the state of Oregon. Specimens are sampled by volunteers who are enrolled in the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Melittologist program. Museum quality specimens are collected using aerial nets, pan traps, and vane traps. Here we describe the species occurrence data for Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) records (GBIF.org, 20 February 2026) published through the Oregon State Arthropod Collection (Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon) Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT) to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) as part of a larger release in Best (2026)
Strengthening Oregon’s Community Lifelines : Adapting PM-Prep for Disaster Preparedness in Economically Disadvantaged Populations
No full textDespite evidence supporting disaster preparedness, many low-income older adults have not taken steps to prepare. As Baby Boomer populations are rising quickly, and poverty rates for older Oregonians increase, urgent measures are necessary. These individuals face challenges, including mobility issues, social isolation, and lack of transportation, which can delay their ability to respond to natural disasters. The Marion County Older Adult Preparedness Program (MC-OAPP) adapts and implements the Peer Mentored Preparedness (PM-Prep) program, specifically targeting low-income older adults (65+) living independently in Marion County, Oregon. A phased pilot approach will be used, starting with recruiting and training community leaders, and peer mentors, and preparing physical spaces and equipment to implement the program, before expanding to the broader older adult population. A repeated measures design will be used to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the MC-OAPP from 2025-2026, using pre and posttests, and follow-up assessments to assess the impact of the program over 12 months. The initiative aims to increase disaster preparedness knowledge and behaviors through four comprehensive 2-hour classes. These sessions focus on emergency planning, emergency supplies, evacuation procedures, communication strategies, safety and shelter, and health and medical needs. The program incorporates culturally and linguistically adapted materials, grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, to accommodate sensory limitations and involve providers experienced in age-related issues. By boosting self-efficacy, and community resilience, the MCOAPP strives to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters for Oregon seniors
Experimental evaluation of end-notched glulam beams and comparison with international design standards
No full textNotched glulam beams are widely used in practice in cases of limited construction height at the support, to provide lateral stability, to support inclined members, or for joint details. By notching the tension side of a beam, stress concentrations are introduced around the notch due to the abrupt reduction in cross-sectional area. Stress concentrations may lead to crack initiation and subsequent propagation, thereby limiting the load-carrying capacity of the beam. Strength-improvement techniques around notches are still nascent but are of interest as they may limit the effects of crack initiation and improve structural performance. Current design provisions in the US are highly restrictive, based on empirical tests of solid-sawn lumber reported in 1935, and do not include provisions for strengthening notches. In addition, modern manufacturing processes can now achieve very large glulam beam sizes which provides additional uncertainty in the application of present design methods.
In this study, experimental tests were performed on tension-side end-notched glulam beams. Three (3) test variables were considered: reinforced, kerfed, and control conditions. A total of 48 tests were performed on Douglas-Fir/ Larch glulam beams. Specimen cross-section width ranged from 265.11 mm to 327.03 mm and heights ranged from 377.83 mm to 609.60 mm. Specimens were grouped into six (6) configurations, with eight (8) tests per group: Control-10%, Control-25%, Control-50%, Reinforced-25%, Reinforced-50%, and Kerfed-25% where the percentage represents the notch depth relative to the total specimen height. Control specimens were used as a reference for assessing the influences of the addition of self-tapping screw (STS) reinforcement and the addition of kerf cuts along the tension face to mimic a tapered notch. Specimens were notched on one end and tested in three (3) point bending with simple supports. Key performance data were recorded, including crack initiation load, peak load, midspan deflection, and deformations around the notch. Pullout tests of individual STS were also conducted.
The observed dominant failure mode was crack initiation and propagation perpendicular to grain, originating from the notch corner. Shear strengths of the kerfed and reinforced specimens were substantially larger than the control groups. STS reinforced specimens had a shear strength increase of approximately 50% compared to the control specimens for both 25% and 50% notches. The kerfed specimens exhibited shear strength increase of 27.7% for 25% notches. The experimental results were also compared to predicted capacity using the current National Design Specifications (NDS) and other available international codes. Overall, the results show a need for a reinforcement provision in the NDS to permit increases in design strength of notched glulam beams. Comparisons of observed and predicted strength showed that, on average, the NDS was unconservative for the smaller notch sizes while the European code (EN 1995) was conservative and within 20% across all notch sizes
It's not magic! From stars and sparkles to critical AI literacy
No full textClosing keynote presentation slides from the 2025 AI4Libraries Conference
Seasonal dynamics of macroinvertebrates assemblages in agricultural channels and their responses to cleaning
No full textAgricultural channels provide essential drainage and irrigation functions but require periodic cleaning to maintain hydraulic capacity. Such maintenance, which involves sediment and vegetation removal, can alter benthic habitats and disrupt aquatic communities. This study examined aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages in eight agricultural channels of Oregon’s Willamette Valley from 2021 to 2024, with a focus on seasonal dynamics and responses to channel cleaning. Benthic sampling across wet-season phases (early, middle, late) was combined with diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson), ordination analyses (NMDS), beta diversity partitioning, and PERMANOVA to assess changes in abundance and community structure. Results showed consistently higher macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity during the late wet season, coinciding with stabilized hydrology and favorable habitat conditions. Core groups such as Oligochaeta, Nematoda, Ostracoda, Orthocladiinae, and Chironomidae persisted across years, underscoring their resilience in disturbance-prone environments. Uncleaned reference channels exhibited relatively stable and predictable seasonal patterns, whereas cleaned channels showed reduced diversity, increased species turnover, and disrupted seasonal structuring in the early and middle phases following disturbance. Nonetheless, signs of recovery were evident within one-year post-cleaning, with convergence toward pre-disturbance community composition. Beta diversity analyses suggested that recovery was supported by colonization from upstream habitats, while dispersion analyses indicated greater variability in cleaned channels. These findings highlight the importance of timing and site-specific context in channel maintenance, suggesting that delaying sediment removal until after the late wet season may minimize ecological impacts. Incorporating macroinvertebrate monitoring into channel management can improve the balance between agricultural drainage efficiency and biodiversity conservation in working landscapes