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Nape Coloration Varies with Sex, not Age, Among Great Shearwaters \u3ci\u3eArdenna gravis\u3c/i\u3e
No full textMost petrels (family Procellariidae) exhibit little or no obvious variation in plumage with age or sex, either because plumage performs no sexual function or does so in a way poorly perceptible to humans. This limits the inferences that can be made from visual observations of petrels at sea. However, it has been suggested that nape coloration of Great Shearwaters Ardenna gravis whitens with age. Here we test this supposition using observations of known-age-class individuals. We necropsied birds bycaught around Gough Island, a major breeding colony in the South Atlantic Ocean, and in Massachusetts Bay, a wintering area off the northeastern coast of the USA, to determine sex and classify nape coloration. In addition, we classified the nape coloration of adults and fledglings photographed in colonies on Gough Island and Inaccessible Island in the South Atlantic. Across birds (n = 328), ratios of light:intermediate:dark napes did not differ significantly between age classes, and the accuracy of age classification based on putative nape variation was only 52%. Nape coloration did, however, vary systematically with sex and location: in Massachusetts Bay, light napes were more prevalent in adult females. Off Gough Island, where only adults were sampled, this disparity did not occur. We conclude that while nape coloration may vary due to feather wear, it is not a reliable indicator of age. Rather, it may perform a sexual function, possibly mediating mate choice. Further study of plumage variation and behavior at the colony would be required to test this hypothesis
Effectiveness of digital learning materials on students\u27 achievement in science: A meta-analysis
No full textResearchers have been examining educational resources and content to enhance and support the learning experience. As technology continues to transform the way we learn and access information, digital learning materials have become increasingly popular in modern education. This study looked at how different kinds of digital learning materials affected science students’ learning achievement. The moderator variables used were grade level (kindergarten, primary, intermediate, and secondary), subject (biological sciences, general science, and physical sciences), and length of exposure (1 to 3 weeks, 4 to 6 weeks, and 10 to 12 weeks). A total of 14 studies were considered, involving 789 students from kindergarten through secondary school. We found a large corrected overall effect size (g = 1.16) with a 95% confidence interval. Likewise, subgroup analyses revealed a very large effect size for the subject (g = 1.516, p \u3c .025) and length of exposure (g = 1.471, p \u3c .025), while a huge effect size for grade level (g = 2.241, p \u3c .025). It was also found that using digital learning materials and learning achievement in science have a significant positive correlation (τb = 0.51, p \u3c .05). This meta-analysis underscores the highly pursued benefit of using digital learning materials in improving students’ learning achievement. The study suggests that for digital learning materials to be more effective, they should be designed and used in a way that encourages students to interact with each other, include challenges but not as requirements, be of different types, be appealing, and support learning through multiple senses
Summit Report: The Russia-Ukraine War: Lessons for Future Conflicts
No full textOn March 4-5, 2025, the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI), hosted its fifth Tampa Summit, and the 11th installment in the Great Power Competition Conference Series: The Russia-Ukraine War: Lessons for Future Conflicts. GNSI brought together leading academics, defense experts, and international scholars for thought-provoking discussions on the strategic lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine War, the evolving role of technology in conflict, and the impact of the war on Europe, NATO, and the rules-based international system. The war in Ukraine is not just a regional crisis; it is a harbinger of the future of warfare. In contrast to the battles of the 20th century, this war is demonstrating how technology from artificial intelligence (AI) in drones to information operations and propaganda are key features of conflict. The war is a battle for an international system grounded in respect for territorial sovereignty, democratic values, the rule of law, and accountability. As Russia wages its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, a key theme that emerged – and was underscored at the conference – is the series of strategical, operational, and technological surprises and miscalculations that defied analysts’ predictions and reshaped assumptions about modern warfare.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/gnsi_summit_reports/1003/thumbnail.jp
Less is more! The power of micro-influencers: A systematic literature review
No full textThis paper aims to review micro-influencer marketing literature to identify gaps and provide directions for future research. The authors critically assessed 99 articles that appeared in the Scopus database. As a common outcome of the findings and emerging models from studies in the literature, a comprehensive conceptual model is proposed to guide future research. It has been concluded that micro-influencers differ significantly from others in terms of their interaction power and perceived high credibility in social media marketing. Additionally, the findings clarify the uncertainty regarding the classification of social media influencers. The paper not only identifies influencers but also highlights their impact on attitudes towards the brand and consumer behavior. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed
India’s Policy Shift towards Afghanistan under De Facto Taliban Government
No full textThe Taliban takeover of Afghanistan is no longer at the forefront of the global agenda, though after four years of its rule, the Islamic Emirate strives for global legitimacy. India, one of the major partners in the reconstruction of Afghanistan since 2001, has drastically minimized its role, and no major attempt was made to deal with the Taliban until the withdrawal of US/NATO forces in 2021. Similarly, the Taliban regime in turn has not made any breakthrough with India in its diplomatic pursuits. However, sporadic meetings between the Indian and Taliban government officials have taken place, leading to speculation on the trajectory of India and Afghanistan relations under the Taliban regime 2.0. This article examines India’s policy shift towards Afghanistan. Its scope is confined to India-Afghan relations in the post-2020 period. While examining the India-Afghanistan discourse and its future contours, the frame of reference and mode of analysis applied is ‘proximity’ (closeness) as both countries lived alongside each other for centuries, at times amicably, and uninvolved at other times
Identifying Signatures of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena through Structured Analytic Techniques
No full textUnidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP) penetrate sovereign airspace and sea space with such proliferation that often national security entities are left baffled with how to detect, identify, and respond to such actions. Since World War II, these phenomena were reported to pace aircraft, maneuver at high speeds in an erratic fashion and increase speed to hypersonic velocity when starting from stasis. The study of UAP is shrouded in stigma, perplexing government mishaps, and academic inquiry focusing on the material aspects of UAP, leaving a gap in determining the exhibited capability and intent of these phenomena. The use of structured analytic techniques to collect and analyze these phenomenological encounters determined key findings that indicate these anomalies are not originating from the US or from a foreign competitor. Analysis of UAP encounters did not highlight any patterns to determine if UAP pose a threat. Instead, UAPpatterns arose that determined UAP observations occur through aided and unaided means. Furthermore, UAP signatures are detectable and observable, indicating that current technological capabilities exist to identify key characteristics of UAP
Evaluating the Effect of Competition on Adult Physical Activity Using Heart Rate Monitoring
No full textAs of 2023 it has been reported that the United States is facing a physical inactivity crisis, with approximately 24.2% of adults meeting the recommended engagement levels of physical activity (PA). A lack of PA engagement is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and types of cancer (e.g., colon, breast). Therefore, the purpose of the proposed study is to develop a cost-effective behavioral intervention to promote PA among adults. This study will recruit dyads of existing friends between ages 18–65 who engage in low levels of PA (i.e., at least 45 min per week). First, an individualized heart rate assessment will be conducted to identify each participant’s PA intensity zones. Next, an 8-to-10-week competition-based intervention with online public posting will be implemented between the existing adult peers to promote PA engagement. It is hypothesized that the competition-based intervention will result in an increase in PA engagement for all participants. The findings from this proposed study will contribute to the body of research related to the development and widespread implementation of cost-effective behavioral interventions aimed at promoting PA, thereby addressing the ongoing physical inactivity crisis. Importantly, such programs may reduce the incidence of chronic diseases influenced by sedentary lifestyles
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS): No HOCUS Among Anesthesiologists
No full textAndrea Camila Marcano-Rodriguez, Natalie Andrade Brin, Muhamed Muntaser Jaber, Grace Victoria Faberlle, Ryan Singh Faculty Mentor: Dr. Donna Lee Ettel-Gambino (Judy Genshaft Honors College) An anesthesiologist’s ability to recognize the intrinsic utility of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) as a diagnostic tool may improve patient safety, decrease anesthesia time, and maximize patient outcomes.1 Evidence suggests that POCUS is a safe, inexpensive, non-invasive, portable, and easily accessible perioperative tool. The purpose of study was to identify the anesthesiologists’ systems and processes for clinical decision-making utilizing POCUS for patients during the perioperative phases of care. A MANOVA was conducted to identify differences across groups. The independent variable was the type of POCUS scan performed [GU, Cardio, Gastric, Pulmonary]. The dependent variables were the anesthesiologists’ processes for clinical decision-making: 1) Perioperative status of patient; 2) Formulation of clinical question; 3) Ability of scan to answer the clinical question; 4) Changes to plan of care; and 5) Intervention required. There were statistically significant findings (Wilks’ Λ = 0.30 (30, 26) F=1.98) between scan type and clinical decision-making (p\u3c0.0001). One-way ANOVA contrasts identified one statistically significant difference: patients (64%) who received scans during the preoperative phase of care. Differences by scan type showed that patients in this stage were more likely to undergo a GI scan (100%) than Pulmonary (66%), Cardiac (45%) or GU (0%) scans (p\u3c0.05). POCUS provided an additional layer of protection for patients during the preoperative phases of care, especially for patients with gastric etiologies. Evidence supports POCUS is easy, portable, sensitive, and specific for identifying various anatomical landmarks. POCUS examinations during the perioperative phases of care facilitate patient monitoring, along interventions to improve patient outcomes
The effect of rivet joints on the properties of the Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) joined members
No full textThis study investigates the properties of Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) rails used in low load bearing structures that are joined with rivets. The study focuses on the effect of the rivet connection on the properties of the rails rather than than focusing on joint strength. Samples were taken from commercially available products and tested for maximum stress in tension and compression. The samples were taken from the flange of a U channel to which another member was connected by rivets. After testing the resin was removed and the fibers along the edge of the rivet was examined under a microscope.
The results reveal that the Young\u27s modulus and maximum stress are higher for the webs and flanges of GFRP rails than for rails with holes and rivets. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the properties, limitation and potential applications of GFRP rails and highlights the failure mechanisms associated with their failures
