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Psychological Correlates of Audiological and Self-Report Indicators of Hyperacusis in Adults With Misophonia
Purpose:
Misophonia and hyperacusis are distinct sound sensitivity conditions that can co-occur and are linked to heightened emotional distress and impaired functioning. This study investigated the convergence between audiometric-based and self-reported indicators of hyperacusis and examined how each related to misophonia severity and psychological outcomes in adults with misophonia.
Method:
Participants (N = 60) completed self-report measures and underwent loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing.
Results:
Analyses revealed discrepancies between self-reported and LDL-defined hyperacusis, with no significant associations between LDL-based classifications and psychological or misophonia-related outcomes. In contrast, hyperacusis identified via a standardized self-report measure was significantly associated with heightened emotional and behavioral reactivity in misophonia, as well as greater severity and elevated internalizing symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and stress.
Conclusions:
Findings raise concerns about the clinical utility of LDLs as standalone indicators in misophonia populations. They highlight the value of subjective assessments for identifying clinically relevant variables associated with hyperacusis and misophonia comorbidity. Our results support that self-report tools may better capture the lived experience and psychological features associated with co-occurring hyperacusis and misophonia. However, until more research is established, we recommend employing audiometric and self-report metrics to assess for hyperacusis in this population. Future research should focus on identifying psychometric measures that can accurately distinguish between the two conditions and on developing standardized protocols for assessing hyperacusis in individuals with misophonia
Identifying Priorities to Guide Extension Water Quality Programming in Utah
Utah State University Extension water quality faculty conducted a statewide water quality needs assessment to identify priority contaminants and resource gaps. The results found that elevated nutrient levels and sedimentation were the top concerns where additional resources would be beneficial. In addition, insufficient funding for improvements and low public engagement were identified as key challenges in addressing water quality issues. Results revealed current unmet needs with regional variation to inform Extension resource allocation and programming
Growth and Development of Lettuce and Mizuna Under URRM-Representative Conditions
The Utah Reusable Root Module (URRM) is a zero-discharge plant growth system under development for operation in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. Qualification of the URRM requires defining expected crop performance under representative operating conditions to evaluate nominal biological behavior. This study presents experimental results documenting the growth of mizuna (Brassica rapa var. japonica) and Outredgeous lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under URRM-representative conditions defined by the use of a silicone rubber fringe top cover for root-zone containment. Ground-based experiments were conducted using the Greenhouse System, URRM Simulator – Replicate 1, and URRM Simulator – Replicate 2, all filled with peat-based growth media maintained at approximately 60% volumetric water content (θᵥ = 0.60 cm³ cm⁻³) and fertigated with the same nutrient solution formulated for URRM operations. All growth metrics reported here correspond to initial planting cycles established without residual root material at the planting surface. Thus, the results do not reflect potential effects associated with sequential replanting in previously occupied positions. Crop establishment and growth were evaluated through emergence, early leaf development, canopy diameter, plant height, fresh shoot biomass, and variability metrics across developmental stages. Emergence and early seedling development under URRM-representative conditions were comparable to uncovered controls, indicating that the silicone rubber fringe containment approach did not impede plant establishment. Canopy diameter proved to be a practical, non-destructive, and easily measurable indicator of early development through approximately 12 days after seeding (DAS). Following establishment, plant height and fresh shoot biomass were used to characterize continued vegetative growth. From 10 to 24 DAS, plant height increased steadily in both crops, with the most rapid increase occurring between 17 and 24 DAS; thereafter, lettuce exhibited a reduced rate of vertical growth consistent with a sigmoidal pattern. Fresh shoot biomass accumulated rapidly in both crops; however, mizuna reached harvest-relevant biomass by 24 DAS, whereas lettuce required approximately one additional week (28–31 DAS) to reach comparable final biomass under conservative light conditions (300–500 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ PPFD). These results provide a data-informed reference describing expected mizuna and lettuce growth under URRM-representative conditions and support evaluation of system performance during qualification testing and early operations
General Education Subcommittee Minutes January 8, 2026
Call to Order Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025 Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals New Business Adjourn: 9:30 a
VegClassify: A Hybrid Deep Learning–NDVI Greenspace Classification Tool and GUI
VegClassify is a hybrid, high-resolution greenspace classification tool integrating a fine-tuned deep learning model with automated NDVI threshold optimization. The tool improves accuracy and reduces subjectivity in vegetation classification using NAIP imagery. This graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to extend and simplify the use of the previously established greenspace image classification tool. The GUI provides an accessible, user‑friendly environment for running the VegClassify workflow without requiring users to interact directly with Python scripts or command‑line tools. It supports loading NAIP or other high‑resolution imagery, running deep‑learning–assisted NDVI threshold optimization, visualizing classification outputs, and exporting vegetation masks.
The underlying Python codebase that implements the VegClassify hybrid deep learning–NDVI threshold method was originally published in:
Wang, H., Zhao, X., Gholami, S., McGinty, C., Chamberlain, B., & Qi, X. (2026). A Hybrid Deep Learning and NDVI Threshold Approach for High-Resolution Urban Greenspace Classification. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 129332.
This GUI serves as an application‑layer wrapper for that Python tool, enabling broader accessibility for research, planning, education, and applied landscape analysis
Aspen Graffiti are Close to Trails and on Large-Diameter Trees
Key results
1. Close to the trail
75% of all graffiti was within 60 feet of the trail.
2. On the largest trees
Graffiti was concentrated on the largest diameter aspen (larger than 8 in diameter).
3. Higher growth in marked aspen
Aspen with graffiti had 24% higher radial growth, relative to unmarked aspen. This is likely because people carve the healthiest aspen
Majority of Utahns Support Keeping Bears Ears National Monument as Originally Designated
Bears Ears National Monument in Southeastern Utah was established in 2016 by President Obama after a coalition of Native American petitioned for its designation. In 2017, during his first administration, President Trump reduced the size of the monument by 85%. It was subsequently restored to the original boundaries in 2021 by President Biden. In 2022, the Utah Legislature provided $5 million in funding for the Attorney General’s office to challenge the Bears Ears National Monument designation, and the State of Utah filed a lawsuit in August 2022 challenging the designation (1)
Optimal Drought Management Actions for Cattle Operations on the Laguna Pueblo and Zuni Pueblo Indian Reservations
In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Laguna Pueblo and Zuni Pueblo reservations in New Mexico. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study that evaluated the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers regarding optimal strategies, i.e., those which would maximize profits, for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept risk (risk-neutral) or avoid it (risk-averse)
Biostimulant Applications in Watermelon Production
Watermelon is a water-intensive vegetable crop that is sensitive to drought and requires adequate nutrient supply for good yield and fruit quality. It is an important vegetable crop grown on 142,000 acres in the United States and 586 acres throughout Utah. Utah experienced its driest year on record in 2020 during a five-year drought (2019 to 2023). This affected local ecosystems, including the Great Salt Lake, which experienced record-low water levels. The drought also negatively affected the agricultural sector, including watermelon growers. Higher-than-average fertilizer prices in recent years have also threatened watermelon production. Growing awareness of agriculture\u27s water use and its contribution to nutrient pollution in waterways has prompted investigations into reducing water and fertilizer applications to achieve more sustainable watermelon production in Utah. Plant biostimulants have been shown to increase drought tolerance and enhance nutrient efficiency and may be a novel method to combat these challenge
Vines in the Landscape: Goldflame Honeysuckle
Goldflame honeysuckle is a moderately growing vine with a mature height of 10–15 feet and can spread around 3–6 feet in a single growing season. It grows well on fences, arbors, and trellises; however, canopy coverage is usually sparse and may not be suitable as a privacy screen. The vine grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the blooming season. It is hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Unlike Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica), Goldflame honeysuckle is non-invasive and does not aggressively spread by runners