35967 research outputs found
Sort by
Recognizing U.S. Misconceptions of Guatemala : The Problem with False Narratives
No full textColor poster with text and photographs.It is only after experiencing the country first-hand with an open mind that a person can truly return with an accurate narrative. Prior to going on a Faculty-led Immersion to Guatemala, I noticed a pattern of advice I, and others attending, would receive from both friends and family--individuals who had yet to travel to Guatemala. This ranged from advice to be careful, to watch our backs and stay in groups, to that people carry around machetes. If not "safety tips”, some of us were told we would come back feeling grateful for our lives in the United States. This left us ill-informed of social customs, home life, traditions, and the people of Guatemala. Instead, information was given which created a false picture. It became easier to prepare for the worst, to have feelings of fear and pity, to have a lack of trust, and to stray from embracing the country and its culture. The goal of this presentation is to show that the best method to prepare adolescents to defend themselves from common U.S. misconceptions about other countries is to provide opportunities for abroad and immersive experiences, including service projects, market trips, and living with host families.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
SILICON USE BY PHYTOPLANKTON: COMPARISONS BETWEEN FRESHWATER AND MARINE SYNECHOCOCCUS AND A FRESHWATER DIATOM
No full textSilicon (Si) plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, primarily through its uptake by diatoms for formation of cell walls, or frustules. Observations over recent decades in Lake Michigan show rising dissolved silica (dSi) levels along with declining diatom biomass and increasing picoplankton, which suggest shifts in Si cycling that may involve changes in Si use by phytoplankton. This study aimed to examine Si accumulation, uptake and cellular storage in a common freshwater cyanobacteria, Synechococcus elongatus and compare with a marine cyanobacteria, Synechococcus bacillaris, known to accumulate Si, and a freshwater diatom, Cyclotella meneghiniana. Laboratory cultures were used to measure growth in Si-replete and Si-free conditions, biogenic silica (bSi) accumulation, dSi depletion, Si uptake kinetics, and intracellular Si storage. Results showed that freshwater S. elongatus exhibited growth dependence on Si, with growth stimulation and bSi accumulation only happening after Si was supplied into previously Si-free cultures, indicating a requirement for Si. In contrast, the marine S. bacillaris grew equally well with or without Si but still accumulated bSi and depleted dSi in Si-replete cultures. C. meneghiniana showed the highest growth rates and Si uptake with significantly higher bSi content per cell than the cyanobacteria and Michaelis-Menten uptake kinetics. However, bSi per biovolume was higher in the smaller cells of S. elongatus than in the diatom suggesting significant Si accumulation relative to its smaller cell size. Internal Si analysis showed substantial pools of intracellular dSi in both cyanobacteria, although the diatom had a higher bSi to internal dSi ratio, due to structural Si in frustules. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy confirmed elemental Si composition in all three species while the fluorescent dye PDMPO labeled silica only in the diatom, Cyclotella. The roles of Si in cyanobacteria cells are not clear from this study but these findings demonstrate that freshwater cyanobacteria such as S. elongatus not only accumulate bSi but may require it for growth, indicating a previously underrecognized potential role for picophytoplankton in freshwater Si cycling, particularly in Lake Michigan undergoing ecological changes.2027-08-2
Maximizing Decision-Making Tendencies and Vocational Calling in Communication Science and Disorders Students
No full textColor poster with text, images, charts, and graphs.This study examined the relationship between maximizing decision-making styles and vocational calling among undergraduate Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) students. Our findings revealed that students who scored higher on a measure of maximizing tendencies in decision-making reported significantly higher presence of calling and meaningful work experiences. Data from 75 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students was analyzed using decision-making scales, meaningful work measures, and life purpose and meaning assessments. Factor analysis was used to identify two dimensions of meaningful work: personal meaning and purpose and growth and understanding; both were positively associated with maximizing tendencies. Presence of calling was strongly correlated with meaningful work, while search for calling showed negative associations with meaningful work measures. These results suggest that maximizing decision-making styles focusing on optimal outcomes may enhance vocational calling and meaning in work among CSD students. These findings challenge previous assumptions of negative work-related outcomes associated with a maximizing decision-making style and provide insight into potential educational interventions to promote a sense of meaning and vocation in undergraduate CSD students.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Diverse Bacterial Properties Affect Dispersal on the Fungal Highway
No full textBacterial–fungal interactions are common in microbial communities and often promote bacterial dispersal along fungal hyphae, with the various mechanisms enabling this process collectively referred to as the fungal superhighway. Using a custom microfluidic device, diverse bacterial species were examined for their ability to traverse Aspergillus flavus hyphae in bacterial–fungal co-culture compared to monocultures, and factors influencing their movement were identified. Some non-motile or poorly motile species, including Staphylococcus aureus, showed enhanced dispersal specifically in bacterial–fungal co-culture. Mechanisms varied: for Listeria monocytogenes, flagella were essential and dispersal was impaired in flagellar mutants but enhanced in ∆mogR strains that upregulate flagellar expression. In contrast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ralstonia solanacearum dispersed effectively even when tested with flagellar mutant strains, suggesting the presence of alternative motility mechanisms such as type IV pili- mediated movement. S. aureus exhibited quorum-sensing–dependent, wave-like dispersal, which was abolished in mutants deficient in phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), amphipathic peptides with surfactant-like properties. It was also demonstrated that fungal hyphal morphology influences bacterial dispersal: altered hyphal branching patterns controlled by the fungal transcription factor ZfpA modulates S. aureus movement, with hyperbranching A. flavus strains promoting greater bacterial accumulation accelerating dispersal. A triculture system involving both L. monocytogenes and S. aureus with A. flavus revealed competitive dynamics, where L. monocytogenes restricted S. aureus dispersal on fungal hyphae, suggesting that interactions between bacteria can impact fungal-mediated transport. Our findings show that bacterial motility on A. flavus arises from diverse, species-specific mechanisms, including the presence of flagella, transcriptional regulation, surfactant production, and physical interactions shaped by fungal hyphal architecture
EVALUATION OF HYDRAULIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR ANTICIPATED URBAN EXPANSION
No full textThe population of Madison, Wisconsin has steadily increased from approximately 175,000 residents in 1980 to approximately 275,000 as of 2024. Population growth is expected to continue and reach nearly 400,000 by 2050. Despite this growth, conservation efforts have reduced total water consumption in Madison via reductions in per capita water use from over 100 gallons per day to nearly 50 gallons per day. However, current projections by Madison Water Utility estimate that population growth will soon outpace conservation, resulting in increased total water consumption between now and 2040. This will result in an increased amount of energy needed for pumping to meet this growing water demand.
MWU desires to ensure adequate water supply into the future while still meeting their and the City of Madison’s sustainability goals. To accomplish those sustainability goals, MWU has sponsored several previous energy studies, including system-wide energy management, variable frequency drives for utility pumps, off-peak pumping strategies, and the identification and reduction of water loss. This research continues this progression by investigating the energy impacts of population growth and infrastructure required to accommodate that growth.
The objectives of this research were to:
1. Meet the needs of the City of Madison’s increasing population by using MWU’s system model to evaluate options that augment existing infrastructure
2. Contribute to 100% Renewable Madison by comparing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption for the infrastructure options.
3. Recommend prioritizing future projects based on their ability to meet forecasted water demand, water quality expectations, and sustainability goals
FOSTERING SUPPORT: AN INVESTIGATION OF SUPPORT SEEKING AND RECEIVING OF FORMER FOSTER YOUTH
No full textThis thesis explores the experiences of foster children with support seeking and receiving in the context of their biological families, foster families, and from members outside their home(s). Guided by sensitive interaction systems theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was employed to investigate the supportive communication experiences of children in foster care. Themes that arose included the varietal experience of those seeking support, the reasons behind the choices to seek from certain biological family members, foster family members, and support workers or other members outside the home, the commonality of both indirect support seeking and direct seeking in certain instances, and the broad array of types of support sought and received. This study expands upon the importance of indirect, nonverbal, and behavioral signals of support seeking. These data also suggest the need to consider new types of support—such as cultural and love support. Theoretical and practical implications of support seeking by foster children are discussed
EXPLORING AFFECTION EXCHANGE: MARRIED GRADUATE STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
No full textRelationship research involving students typically includes undergraduates. Graduate students are deserving attention, as well. Examining the experiences of graduate students, and in particular married graduate students (MGSs), is the focus of this thesis. Maintaining a sound relationship with a spouse is a crucial aspect of a graduate student’s life that can significantly influence their physical and mental well-being. This study was informed by affection exchange theory (AET), an interpersonal communication theory, as a framework to explore how married graduate students experience affection with their spouses and how it functions to help manage stress, enhances relational satisfaction, and contributes to their overall well-being. I conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews, with 13 graduate students from diverse backgrounds about their experiences of marital affection while also pursuing graduate education. They shared that expressions of affection, both verbal and nonverbal, served as a vital coping resource for MGSs. Through emotional reassurance, physical closeness, acts of service, shared routines, and mutual goal setting, they maintained relational harmony during periods of academic stress. The study's implications for mental health support, marriage counseling, and academic resources tailored to married graduate students, limitations and suggestions for future research avenues are addressed
DEVELOPMENT AND CONTROL OF A WHEELCHAIR-MOUNTED ASSISTIVE ROBOT WITH ADAPTIVE END-EFFECTORS FOR ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
No full textIn the United States, approximately 6 million adults use a wheelchair for mobility, and a substantial proportion experience reduced upper-limb function that limits their independence. More than three-fifths of these wheelchair users need assistance in at least one activity of daily living (ADL). Although caregivers and family members provide invaluable support, there remains a pressing need for solutions that explicitly foster greater self-reliance. Robotic arms offer a promising avenue in this regard, with the potential to play a substantial role in promoting independence for wheelchair users. Within the field of assistive robotics, there is a notable scarcity of wheelchair-mounted robotic arms that combine sufficient payload, standardized ADL workspace coverage, and versatile grippers.Safety features such as power-loss braking and comprehensive collision monitoring are not universally implemented, and there is limited systematic data on ADL task performance across standardized workspaces. This dissertation investigates the design, development, and control of a wheelchair-mounted assistive robot intended to support ADLs. The research is structured around three primary objectives, each contributing to the overarching goal of enhancing independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. First, a user-friendly simulation and control platform is developed that integrates Webots with MATLAB to enable real-time joystick-driven testing of kinematics/dynamics, inverse kinematics, and self-collision checking. The framework includes a Bluetooth joystick interface, oriented bounding box-based collision monitoring, and inverse kinematics with singularity handling, and it is validated by showing close agreement between simulation and prototype on ADL workspace reach (91\% overall across multiple representative task workspaces around the wheelchair). These simulations also provide torque profiles used for motor selection. Second, guided by the simulation outcomes, a 6-DOF modular assistive robot has been designed and built. The system targets a 3 kg payload, achieves broad reach across the ADL workspaces, and incorporates foldability for stowage on the wheelchair. Lastly, the work advances a set of customized grippers and auxiliary end-effectors to address common ADL objects and actions --- including opening and closing doors and refrigerators --- within those ADL workspaces, with standardized quick attach--detach interfaces to support repositioning for left- and right-sided users.2027-12-2
A Novel Approach to Understand the Impact of Dry-off on Dairy Cow Welfare in Automatic Milking Systems
No full textThe dry-off period is a critical transition in the dairy cow’s lactation cycle, marking the switch from active milk production to a non-lactating state that allows mammary gland recovery. While a non-lactation period is essential for udder health and subsequent milk yield, an abrupt cessation of milking can negatively impact cow welfare. Modern dairy cows in conventional North American systems produce more milk at dry-off than cows in more natural or pasture- based systems. These differences are significant, with organic herds achieving 85% (range: 72 to 91%) of the yields recorded for conventional herds (Schwendel et al., 2015). High milk yield during late lactation leads to excessive milk accumulation in the udder at dry-off, increasing intramammary pressure and risk of udder engorgement, discomfort, milk leakage, and mastitis (Zobel et al., 2015; Gott et al., 2016).
Gradual dry-off protocols, which progressively reduce milking frequency before final milking cessation, have shown promise for easing this transition and improving dairy cow welfare by lowering milk yield and udder pressure before and after dry-off, respectively.
However, implementation of gradual dry-off can be challenging in conventional milking parlors. Automatic milking systems (AMS), with their ability to control milking frequency individually, offer a novel solution to implement welfare-focused gradual dry-off protocols with minimal additional labor.
This thesis evaluates the effects of a two-week gradual dry-off protocol delivered via AMS, compared to abrupt dry-off, on milk yield, milking behavior, lying behavior, udder characteristics, pain sensitivity, and milk leakage in 30 Holstein cows monitored from 74 days before expected calving to 5 days post dry-off. Cows undergoing gradual dry-off had a significantly greater reduction in milk yield in the two weeks before dry-off, particularly from
day -5 to -1 before dry off, and they produced 11% less total milk (348.4 ± 25.8 kg) than abruptly dried-off cows (392.9 ± 17.9 kg) over the 2-week period. After dry-off, gradual cows had fewer AMS refusals than abrupt cows (1.08 ± 0.2 vs. 1.70 ± 0.3 refusals/day), indicating reduced motivation to be milked.
Three-dimensional imaging revealed that teat spacing increased post dry-off in both groups, but abruptly dried-off cows had significantly greater teat spacing on Day 3 compared to gradual cows, suggesting greater udder engorgement. Udder volume and surface area increased after dry-off in both treatments, with no significant differences between groups. No significant differences were detected between treatments in udder firmness, pain responses during palpation, or lying behavior before or after dry-off. Milk leakage post dry-off was significantly higher in abruptly dried-off cows on Days 1, 3, and 5.
These results demonstrate that AMS can support gradual dry-off protocols that reduce milk yield prior to dry-off, lessen motivation to be milked, and decrease udder engorgement and milk leakage after dry-off, without negatively impacting behavior or causing detectable pain.
This approach offers a practical, scalable strategy to improve dairy cow welfare during the dry- off transition while maintaining operational feasibility.
By integrating gradual dry-off directly within the AMS, this study enables individualized control of milking frequency with minimal labor input. The application of 3D imaging technology to quantify dynamic udder changes provides a novel, non-invasive method for monitoring udder physiology. Additionally, using AMS refusal data as a behavioral indicator of milking motivation offers fresh insights into the cows’ affective states during dry-off. These combined innovations advance precision dairy management by linking automated milking technology, advanced imaging, and behavioral measures to enhance animal welfare in a commercial setting.
Overall, this work contributes important evidence supporting gradual dry-off in AMS environments as a welfare-friendly alternative to abrupt dry-off, advancing sustainable and humane dairy production practices
Oral History Interview, Charles Konsitzke (2502)
No full textIn his 2025 interview, Academic Staff Award Winner Charles Konsitzke speaks about his career in operations at the Genetics Biotechnology Center and Center for Genomic Science Innovation. To learn more about this oral history, download & review the index first (or transcript if available). It will help determine which audio file(s) to download & listen to.In his 2025 interview, Academic Staff Award Winner Charles Konsitzke speaks about his career in operations at the Genetics Biotechnology Center and Center for Genomic Science Innovation. He shares his day-to-day responsibilities, which include dealing with research clients and overseeing projects dealing with new biotechnologies. Konsitzke is the founder of the UW Missing in Action Recovery and Identification Project, the first academic partner of the Department of Defense regarding recovery missions. He shares his personal connection to the project, its growth and humble beginning with one civilian researcher, his time fundraising for and publicly speaking about the project, and the cutting-edge technologies the project currently uses. Konsitzke shares about student workers’ research processes and passion, the excitement of discovering new leads in cases, field work, number and selection of cases, and the reward of working with families. He also discusses the impact of Covid on the Biotechnology Center’s functioning, his involvement with academic staff groups, and his feelings of fulfillment in his position. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the UW-Madison Archives and Records Management Oral History Program as part of the Academic Staff Award Winners Project