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Analysis on Modifications to an Outdoor Field-Scale Rotating Algal Biofilm Reactor With a Focus on Biomass Productivity and Power Usage
Get PDFA rotating algal biofilm reactor (RABR) was operated outdoors for one calendar year to see how the microalgae grown were affected. The algae are grown in wastewater that contains nitrogen and phosphorous, which are elements found in fertilizer. The design used was modified from a previous design, and this project tested the modifications to see if they improved how much microalgae were grown. In February 2025, the objectives of the field study were updated to focus on growing as much microalgae as possible instead of removing as much nitrogen and phosphorous as possible. This updated design increased the fluid flow rate to reduce the amount of heat that was lost to the environment. This led to more than doubling how productive the RABR was compared to the previous design, even though the modified design is the same volume. This RABR configuration shows promise for further testing, and the microalgae grown on the RABR may be used to create bioplastic, while a salt called struvite that forms in the microalgae could be used to create sustainable fire retardants. Both of these bioproducts have potential to be profitable to produce
The Sexual Objectification Experiences of AMAB Non-Binary People
Get PDFThe current study combines two narrative-based methods to understand how AMAB non-binary people experience sexual objectification. Sexual objectification is the process of being treated as an object instead of as a whole person while also being sexualized. Individual people can sexually objectify others (i.e., catcalling, asking “What gender are you really?”, repeatedly asking female people about when they’re giving birth); institutions and systems can also objectify people (i.e., listing sex on driver’s licenses instead of gender; providing binary bathrooms, sports teams, and schooling; labeling female reproductive care “women’s health”).
The current study employed a process chart task that guided participants through processing an SOE immediately after objectification; this activity prompted participants to describe the SOE, note their immediate thoughts/emotions, analyze what the SOE communicated and if they agreed with that sentiment, create a non-internalizing thought, note their following thoughts/feelings, and document how they were going to take care of themselves following the activity. After ten participants completed the process chart activity, nine completed a semi-structured interview where they answered a standardized set of questions about their experiences with sexual objectification (included in the appendices); participants were provided the opportunity to elaborate. Six months after completing the interview, eight participants met for a focus group where they reflected on their experiences collectively and provided feedback on the research results and process.
Through the process chart, participants internalized and externalized responsibility for their SOEs and described their subsequent self-care practices. In the interview, participants reported their experiences as people who held multiple marginalized identities, were socialized as boys/men, and used self-acceptance and authenticity to resist blaming themselves for sexual objectification. Through the focus group, participants unanimously provided feedback that they benefited from research participation, enjoyed connecting as a community, and would like to see increased connection with other participants throughout the research process in studies. These three research tasks served as a project that integrated research participants into each step of the research process, making this research endeavor mutually beneficial and a rigorous exploration of AMAB non-binary people’s SOEs. Future directions for therapeutic and research work with transgender and non-binary people are discussed
An Online Scientific Twitter World: Social Network Analysis of #ScienceTwitter, #SciComm, and #AcademicTwitter
Get PDFUnderstanding who makes up online affinity spaces as well as how information flows within those spaces is important as more people access news, research topics, collaborate with others, and entertain themselves. During a month-long period in summer 2021, we collected 100,000 tweets from 53,311 Twitter users who used the hashtags #ScienceTwitter, #SciComm, and #AcademicTwitter. We then classified users and determined the type of social network they formed. Scientists, the public, and educators formed this affinity space. They built connections by initiating activities and interacting with others, which created a Community Clusters social network structure, characterized by several medium-sized groups of closely connected users and a fair number of isolates. All three categories of people were in positions of influence in this network leading and controlling the conversations. The results show that scientists, the public, and educators share the space and contribute to communication in this online world. This research is important as it illustrates that online affinity spaces about scientific topics are not solely spaces for scientists to communicate but rather act as spaces where people with varied expertise can exchange ideas and learn from one another
Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (Equine Cushing\u27s Syndrome)
No full textPituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing’s disease, is an endocrine disorder that affects a horse’s pituitary gland. Involving a veterinarian early in the diagnosis and treatment of PPID will greatly enhance the horse’s welfare and longevity. A veterinarian diagnoses PPID by observing symptoms and testing blood. Treatments for this disease include medicinal intervention and dietary changes
The Status of Women in Utah Politics: A 2025 Update
Get PDFUtah is exceptional in many ways, with its beautiful nature, high quality of life, and growing economy. WalletHub recently ranked Utah as the fourth best state to live based on 51 key indicators.1 While scoring above average on many metrics, Utah lags far behind in one crucial area—gender equality, which includes the presence of women in elected posts. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) began reporting on the status of women in Utah politics in 2014, with updates in 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025. Research shows that when both men and women serve together in communities, counties, and states, all residents are better served and are more likely to thrive.2 Although the state has shown progress in women’s political representation in recent years, much remains to be done, as Utah still ranks last in WalletHub\u27s “Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality”3 report, with four of 17 key indicators focused on political representation.
Obviously, 2024 was a big year for national and local elections, with mixed outcomes in advancing women’s representation. This report provides current information on the status of women in Utah politics, updating past years’ research on the subject. It provides both Utah and national data for the following seven areas: Congress, statewide executive offices, state legislatures, counties, mayors, city councils, and boards of education. The brief concludes with a summary of findings and a brief discussion of what we can do to increase representation in Utah
What Utahns can do to Strengthen Girls & Women: Findings From Community Conversations Across Utah
No full textFor many people, Utah is a great place to live.1 The state consistently ranks high in national rankings and boasts high volunteerism, affordability, happiness, outdoor recreation, social mobility, and more.2 These top rankings emphasize qualities we can—and should—be pleased with. However, extensive research continues to show that women and girls are not thriving in many critical ways, and that has detrimental effects for Utah families and communities.3 From economic insecurity, limited access to mental healthcare, sexism in the workplace, and unequal representation in all sectors of leadership, Utah women face a myriad of challenges, often without the resources or support necessary to improve areas of concern.
Utah’s women and girls are vital to the strength, prosperity, and future of the state, but too many face barriers that limit their ability to thrive. Fortunately, Utah is also full of engaged, passionate individuals who frequently ask the question, “What can I personally do to strengthen the impact of Utah girls and women?” To answer that question meaningfully, we must recognize that while many cultural threads tie Utahns together, there are distinct characteristics and priorities for Utah’s various communities—and the same can be said for the barriers and challenges women face. Because it is important to consider the contexts, cultures, and environments that contribute to Utah women and girls’ experiences, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) hosted a series of events in all 29 counties across Utah to identify next steps for increasing opportunities and strengthening the impact of women and girls at the local level. Girls and women face challenges unique to the area in which they live, and the goal of these gatherings was to identify those barriers and determine strategies and initiatives from local residents themselves that they and their leaders can implement
Evaluating Online Naloxone Trainings Targeting Rural and Tribal Communities
Get PDFDrug overdose deaths have been a persistent problem within tribal and rural Utah communities. During the COVID-19 epidemic, the need to pivot to online programming was imperative to provide important lifesaving training on how to administer Naloxone. In response, Utah State University Extension created an online Naloxone training. Evaluation results found increases in knowledge and attitude at the end of the training. Results suggest that online Naloxone training can be an effective way to reach rural and tribal community members
From Insight to Action: Advancing Extension Programming for Utah Agriculture
Get PDFUtah State University Extension programs, including evening events and a hands-on cattle boot camp, address gender disparities in Utah agriculture education. While open to everyone, these initiatives empower women through skill-building, peer support, and expert instruction, leading to increased confidence and knowledge, which ultimately enhances their roles and profitability in livestock production
In-Orbit Commissioning Results of the ESA Φsat-2 Mission
Get PDFThe commissioning of the ESA Φsat-2 mission marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Earth observation technologies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing. Launched on August 16, 2024, aboard the SpaceX Transporter 11 rideshare flight, the Φsat-2 mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of running an entire data processing chain onboard, from Level 0 to Level 2, showcasing the latest advancements in edge computing and AI. The mission began with the successful separation of the Φsat-2 spacecraft from the launcher, followed by the establishment of communication 90 minutes post-launch over the Troll ground station. The Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) was completed within two days, transitioning the mission into the platform commissioning phase. This phase involved initial checks, including the activation of the payload and a series of image acquisitions over Portugal, Spain, and Greece.
The platform commissioning phase, which lasted approximately four weeks, involved verifications on power generation, communications, and attitude determination and control, ensuring the spacecraft\u27s readiness for the nominal mission scenario. Concurrently, the payload commissioning phase commenced, focusing on the complete chain and including the multispectral camera, payload pre-processor, and AI accelerator. The payload calibration campaign began during the second month of operations, moving the mission towards its operational phase.
During the commissioning and calibration phase, over 100 GB of data was acquired, including Level 0 data over calibration sites, Level 1 onboard processed data to verify the correct application of the calibration parameters, the accuracy of the band co-registration and geolocation processor and finally Level 2 data to identify to compare the abilities of the AI applications to match the results obtained with synthetic data. Once in the operational phase the mission\u27s primary objective is to fine-tune six onboard AI applications, which include deep compression, cloud detection, street detection, vessel detection, fire detection, and marine anomalies detection.
The Φsat-2 mission is among the first to implement a complete data processing chain onboard, from Level 0 to Level 2, leveraging AI and edge computing to generate actionable information directly on the spacecraft. This capability allows for immediate availability of processed data to users upon download, significantly reducing the time between data acquisition and utilization. Looking ahead, the Φsat-2 mission will continue to focus on the fine-tuning of its AI applications before transitioning to routine acquisitions. The mission\u27s full data catalogue, including Level 1 and Level 2 data, will be made freely available starting in February 2025. This open-access approach aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the Earth observation community, paving the way for future operational missions that leverage AI and edge computing technologies.
This paper will provide an overview of the main results achieved so far, including an overview of the spacecraft performances and a focus on data quality obtained directly from onboard processing. In summary, the commissioning of the Φsat-2 mission represents a significant leap forward in Earth observation capabilities, demonstrating the potential of AI and edge computing to revolutionize data processing and utilization in space
Navigating the EZIE Path: Insights From a CubeSat\u27s Trailblazing Journey Through NASA Mission Development
Get PDFThe Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) is a low-cost, multi-spacecraft mission that seeks to capture the magnetic signature of the powerful electrojet currents flowing within the Earth\u27s upper atmosphere. Equipped with the innovative Microwave Electrojet Magnetogram instrument, three identical 6U CubeSats fly in a pearls-on-a-string configuration in sun-synchronous, low Earth orbit, crossing the auroral oval over 8,000 times during its 18-month lifetime. As a NASA-sponsored, Category 3, Risk Classification D mission, EZIE accommodates a higher-risk tolerance and moderate budget while offering a substantial return in science. In less than 40 months of development, the project managed the convergence of sponsor policies, program standards and commercial methods while compiling many lessons learned that will serve as a blueprint to the benefit of future, similarly scoped projects.
This paper offers a reflection on EZIE\u27s innovative approach to mission development from high-concept proposal to launch, delving into the balance between legacy- and forward-facing processes achieved through adaptability, strategic problem-solving and cooperation with mission affiliates. The valuable insights offered into this delicate interplay combined with the EZIE’s groundbreaking approach to answering longstanding questions about these mysterious Earth-space exchanges reinforce the mission’s unique contribution to the realm of space exploration