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The Utah Statesman, April 29, 2024
Get PDFWeekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/newspapers/2867/thumbnail.jp
The Utah Statesman, September 23, 2024
Get PDFWeekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/newspapers/2874/thumbnail.jp
Colorful Lizards and the Conflict of Collection
Get PDFInvasive species threaten biodiversity, and their management is economically burdensome. Research on the indirect effects of introduced species are often focused on indirect ecological effects, with little focus on the more difficult to capture but critically important societal impacts. Often understated are the social costs of invasive species such as conflicts between invasive species managers and public stakeholders. Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) are popular in the pet trade and have been introduced throughout Florida, USA, and their presence often attracts private collectors. After locating a population of panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) within a suburban neighborhood in central Florida, we administered anonymous questionnaires to residents to explore how this introduction and the ensuing species collection has affected them. Respondents had knowledge of chameleon presence but most expressed low concern about chameleon presence. Respondents who had observed chameleons in the area expressed more concern for their safety given the activities of private collectors. Our study highlights the importance of recognizing the social impacts of species introductions in urban environments, particularly the attention these species can draw and the mixed perception of these species among stakeholders
Analysis of Contemporary Choral Music
No full textThis capstone is a culmination of work from the past two years to create an upper-level music theory elective called “Analysis of Contemporary Choral Music.” In this document, I will describe the process of designing the course, how it was implemented, how I participated in the teaching of the course, and what I learned through each process. This project, which I started in the fall of 2022 as an URCO grant, was created with three goals in mind: Getting more choral music into music theory classrooms Getting more music theory into choral classrooms Doing these things while reflecting the diversity of human experience
The solution of creating a music theory elective allowed me to provide a model for how choral music could be included in music theory classrooms, and the structure of the course helped emphasize how music theory could be used in the choral classroom. Reflecting diversity was an important part of much of the process but was best shown through the intentional selection of repertoire, aiming to show the diversity of contemporary choral music
Viking and Native North American Interactions: The Spread of Disease in the Norse Discovery of North America
Get PDFThis paper evaluates the potential for spread of disease in the Norse and Native North American interactions around 1000 CE. At this time, the Vikings were expanding their territory in search of land and natural resources following the Viking Raids in mainland Europe. They traveled to Iceland, then Greenland, and finally the eastern coast of northern Canada. Norse explorers faced numerous obstacles on their journeys, but they still prospered in North America for a time. The Vikings hunted the land and sea mammals, used the land, and found ways to thrive while having hostile relations and contact with the Native North Americans. As a reference for how disease spreads between European and Native American contact, this paper used Kyle Harper’s four variables of disease spread: (1) timing and intensity, (2) population density of Native populations before contact, (3) physical geography, and (4) ecological transformation. Incorporating evidence from reviews, conclusions, analyses and other scholarly research, this paper aims to provide a reasonable defense that the Norse did not spread disease to the Native North Americans they encountered. A bulk of the source material for this paper is secondary sources; they are used to explain archaeological, ecological, anthropological, and epidemiological evidence that supports the conclusion. This paper uses The Eddas along with Viking sagas as a way to establish the locations of the Viking settlements, the extent of the contact, and what types of interactions the Norse had with the Native North Americans. Discovering who the Vikings came into contact with is another purpose of this paper and is targeted using both scholarly reports and primary sources. This paper argues that the Norse did not spread disease to the Native North Americans, or that if they did, it was on so small a scale that it had no real impact on either population. This conclusion works as a contrast to the later European contacts with Native Americans in which disease was spread rampantly and conditions were prime for the transmission of both parasite and pathogen. By examining the contact between the Vikings and Native North Americans, scholars can see the differences in these two periods and forms of contact. The implications of these differences are vast, highlighting the importance of close examination of colonialism and imperialism
Child Sexual Abuse: Research Summary
Get PDFDuring the fall of 2023, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline for public perceptions related to the awareness, understanding, and attitudes about challenges that Utah women and girls face (see Background & Methods for details). The goal of the study was to support the work of 18 areas of focus (spokes) within the movement called A Bolder Way Forward, which is dedicated to helping more Utah girls and women thrive. One of the 18 areas of focus is child sexual abuse, and this summary shares findings that illuminate present circumstances and establishes a baseline to track progress in a few key areas
General Catalog 2024-2025
No full textThis catalog contains information on the Academic Departments and Programs as well as Course Descriptions for the above school year at Utah State University.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/universitycatalogs/1164/thumbnail.jp
Human Centered Design
No full textThis research project explores the impact of design on mental and physical health, emphasizing its role within healthcare and therapy settings. Delving into the specific connections between environmental design and human well-being, this study investigates how thoughtful design principles influence quality of life. It also explores the physical health benefits gained from well-designed spaces, access to natural light, ergonomic considerations, and good air quality. Recognizing the holistic approach in Eastern medicine, Haven explores how traditional healing philosophies can connect with modern design principles. Unique challenges are presented in patient-centered settings. where the impact of design extends beyond aesthetics. Design elements such as comfortable healing spaces, color psychology, natural artwork, and plants are examined for their potential to alleviate stress and anxiety. Concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and other Eastern practices consist of elements such as balance, energy flow, and interconnectedness. The incorporation of natural elements and the use of Feng Shui in mindful spaces can positively influence mental health outcomes. Furthermore, components of Eastern medicine can guide design choices. Through a review of existing literature, studies, and case analyses, this research uses evidence to state the vital role of design in creating optimal healing environments. Bridging the gap between Western and Eastern practices leads to a more inclusive and effective strategy for healthcare design. By combining insights from both sides, a comprehensive approach to designing for wellness is created. By understanding this relationship, Haven provides a foundation for advancements in design strategies that aim at improving well-being. There are four dimens ions of the physical environment that are impactful to wellness. Sensory design elements such as color and texture, engagement qualities such as distractions, relational aspects such as privacy and connection, and emotions such as feeling safe, calm, and creative. These dimensions of the physical environment can serve as measurements for design success when it comes to facilitating mental health recovery. Exposure to greenery has been found to improve mental health as it creates relaxing visual stimulation. Elements that contribute to recovery most highly are soft and neutral colors, natural light, and experiencing aspects of nature. Things that induce anxiety are clashing colors, harsh lighting, clutter, and busy patterns. It has also been found in studies that patients are more likely to feel calm in open areas that allow them to maintain their personal space. Studies reveal that incorporating Feng Shui principles into the design of patient rooms positively impacts recovery rates. Feng Shui is essentially using natural elements to manipulate man-made structures and improve wellness. There are a large number of similarities between the ancient findings of Feng Shui and the modern architectural theory of Biophilia. Seemingly opposing constructs supply an alternative approach to healthcare design when combined. These theories address the link between our physical senses and our emotional spirit when analyzing a design. The five elements of eastern practices (wood, earth, fire, metal, and water) can be translated into a design context. Each of these materials has different characteristics, colors, and shapes attached. Everything in the universe can be found in these. Understanding these traits and elements can help to effectively design any space based on the desired psychological effects. Biophilia states that “every human being is born with an inherent attraction to nature or other living creatures, both conscious and unconsciously.” Natural presence in daily life is incredibly valuable and important for physical and spiritual well-being. In conclusion the combination of Western and Eastern approaches can be combined to shape the future of healthcare design. Moving forward, the goal should be to create inclusive healing spaces that embrace ancient traditions and redefine the standard of what good design is. As designers, we have the power to drastically improve the experience and well-being of those we create spaces for. Most individuals view visiting a healthcare facility as a stressful event. The power of design can make these feelings worse, or help turn it into a more positive experience. There is an opportunity to cater design to human senses and reap the potential health benefits. Through this lens, design becomes a proactive tool for promoting health and preventing illness. This approach aligns with a growing recognition in the healthcare industry of the importance of treating the whole person, not just isolated elements
Thickened Carbonated Beverages
No full textDysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects many individuals around the world with an array of underlying medical conditions, and rates of dysphagia are expected to increase as the population ages. Dysphagia affects the swallowing reflex, which can lead to a greater risk of aspiration and subsequent infections. In order to mitigate this, thin liquids are thickened following IDDSI standards so they can be more easily swallowed by those with dysphagia. Research has shown that carbonation in beverages improves the swallowing reflex over non-carbonated beverages. There are different methods and products that can be used to thicken beverages for use by individuals with dysphagia; SimplyThick thickener is the only common thickener marketed to thicken carbonated beverages. The purpose of this experiment is to compare different thickeners, both commercially available and those that can be made in a home kitchen, and the effect they have on carbonated beverages
Engineering Faculty Perspectives on Student-Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) In Course Completion: A Work-In-Progress
No full textHow do engineering faculty perceive student use of GAI assistance in undergraduate course completion