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Regional Sustainability Gap Index (RSGI): A White Paper
No full textThe Regional Sustainability Gap Index (RSGI) is a new measure designed to assess whether a region is on a sustainable economic path for its residents. The index combines two components: Mi, which measures the current wage gap between a county and the most economically active county in the state, and Ri, which measures each county’s wage-growth trajectory relative to that same frontier county. Together, Mi and Ri reveal not only a region’s present wage altitude but also the direction in which that wage horizon is moving. In Washington State, Mi reflects the distance between a county’s median wages and King County’s median wages, which define the state’s wage frontier. The RSGI provides a forward-looking way to evaluate regional opportunity structures, long-term competitiveness, and the ability of communities to retain and develop human capital
Melody Madlem Video Interview
No full textMelody Madlem talks about growing up on a farm in Illinois. Her family were sharecroppers. She was first generation of her immediate family to finish college. She was a guidance counselor before going back to get her PHD from Carbondale, then she taught at Baylor in Texas.https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/cwura_interviews/1317/thumbnail.jp
INVESTIGATION OF COLORIMETRIC TRENDS IN RARE-EARTH CO-DOPED YPO₄
Full text linkFrom detectors in scientific instrumentation to medical imaging devices and nuclear monitoring systems to LEDs seen in consumer products, phosphors are utilized in a myriad of applications experienced by both the general public and scientific community alike. For many phosphor applications, emission color and intensity are notably important features to consider. When phosphors are co-doped with rare-earth activators, the ability to predict emission intensity and color output becomes challenging due to competition kinetics and energy transfer between the dopants. During this study, correlation between trends in co-doped phosphor excitation and color output were analyzed to interpret optical behaviors originating from interdopant energy transfer and spatial separation through intercalation of co-doped activators. Color coordinates, excitation intensity trends, and excitation intensity ratios were obtained for crystalline Y1-x-yPO4:Tbx,Smy, Y1-x-yPO4:Eux,Tby, and Y1-x-yPO4:Eux,Smy (0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.08 and 0.005 ≤ y ≤ 0.08) by utilizing vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation spectroscopy. Through implementing energy transfer models established from prior studies, the color coordinate, excitation, and interdopant energy transfer behaviors of these co-doped phosphor systems were examined. From the co-doping of Eu3+, Sm3+, and Tb3+ into YPO4, energy transfer from Tb3+ was observed to occur to Sm3+ and Eu3+, while no energy transfer was observed between Eu3+ and Sm3+. Additionally, it was determined that the color coordinates generated from the co-doping of activators will shift linearly between the “pure” color coordinates of the single doped color coordinates of each activator. Furthermore, the accessible color coordinates of the co-doped phosphors are heavily dependent on the excitation wavelength
Modeling Recreational Risk Factors on the Landscape: A Predictive GIS Analysis of Recreation Accident Response near North Bend, Washington.
No full textSearch and Rescue (SAR) teams in Washington respond to approximately 900 incidents annually, many stemming from outdoor recreation near Interstate 90 surrounding North Bend. This study utilized predictive GIS analysis to identify areas of concern within state lands, including Mount Si and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resource Conservation Areas, Raging River State Forest, and Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area. The predictive model was calibrated using SAR responses to hiking-related incidents between March and November from 2020 to 2023, and incorporated an analysis of risk factors influencing recreationalist incident probability. This research then developed a decision support system to aid land managers in proactively mitigating risk factors and improving emergency response times. The study identified areas with a high probability of SAR response to potential incidents near popular trails up Mount Si, Mailbox Peak, and Teneriffe Falls. Areas of concern were characterized by proximity to roads and trails, steeper slopes, locations farther up the trail from the trailhead, and the presence of previous incident sites. Policy recommendations include improved signage about injury risk factors on the landscape, potential reopening of closed roads for SAR access, and encouraging recreationalists to report trail conditions through online platforms. Implementing these measures could significantly improve recreation safety and emergency response efficiency in the region. An informed approach to SAR incident response can mean the difference between life and death, reduce incident severity through quicker intervention, and improve response times by shortening the duration before someone is assisted
Characteristics Contributing to the Risk of Diabulimia in Adults Living in the United States
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors that contribute to the risk of diabulimia by using the validated Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) (Markowitz et al., 2009) screening tool in adults living in the U.S., as well as to examine differences in individuals at-risk and not-at-risk for diabulimia. This observational study involved a 30-question Qualtrics survey containing the DEPS-R distributed via various social media outlets and flyers on the CWU Ellensburg campus. Participants were required to be 18 years or older, diagnosed with T1DM for more than one year, and live in the U.S to participate. A total of 112 participants, 42 (37.2%) males and 68 (60.7%) females; age: 28.89 ± 10.48 years, were included in analysis. Of the sample, 43.8% were at risk for diabulimia based on the DEPS-R score cutoff. Gender (X2 = 0.013, p = 0.532), age (X2 = 1.563, p = 0.458), BMI (X2 = 6.004, p = 0.111), diabetes education (X2 = 0.717, p = 0.869), and HbA1C (X2 = 0.221, p = 0.400) were not significantly associated with risk. However, a previous eating disorder diagnosis (X2 = 16.117, p \u3c 0.001), insulin restriction (X2 = 31.638, p \u3c 0.001), and race (X2 = 13.655, p \u3c 0.001) were associated with risk. In conclusion, it is essential to screen all patients with T1DM for diabulimia throughout their lifetime, which may necessitate revisions to current protocols regarding the frequency and content of diabetes education. The current study found contradicting literature on the factors contributing to an increased risk of diabulimia, including a higher prevalence in males than expected. Therefore, this indicates the need for future research and revisions to diagnostic criteria
Focus Group Interview: Perspectives of Virtual Dietary Counseling Methods Post COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textIn response to the prevalence of morbidity and mortality, studies to avert these conditions in a cost-effective and accessible manner are also increasing. Developing new methods to provide nutrition education that are more accessible is critical to reaching individuals who may experience socioeconomic barriers impacting their ability to access healthcare. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions related to different delivery methods of dietary counseling. This qualitative research study will examine the perceptions related to different methods of dietary counseling (telephone calls, video calls, or face-to-face visits). Focus group one contained provider participants (N = 7), which were all RDNs currently working in the Wenatchee, Washington area. Focus group two hosted patient participants (N = 6) located from the Wenatchee Valley area. Semi structured interviews were performed asking subjects about any personal experiences related to receiving or providing nutrition education, positive or negative, as they participated in telehealth. Following the thematic analysis, three main themes were discovered: the adaptability of telehealth, nuanced perceptions of telehealth, and barriers to effective virtual care. Telehealth as a dietary counseling method is complex and offers a combination of strengths and weaknesses. For the improvement of nutritional care via telehealth, future research should assess the importance of specific applications and developing formal procedures related to virtual care
Building Career Pathways: Investigating the Potential for a Cooperative Education Program for Graduate ITM Students at Central Washington University
No full textProject Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD
This research examines the feasibility of introducing a cooperative education (co-op) program at the master’s level in the Central Washington University (CWU) ITM Department. Methods included a review of existing co-op programs, analysis of interviews with past co-op students, and an examination of survey data on student interest in graduate-level cooperative education. The study aims to identify key elements of effective co-op programs and assess demand for such programs. The analysis of current co-op models offers insights into program structure, industry engagement, and student success. The 2019 NACE Internship & Co-op Survey found that 50.2% of co-op students receive job offers from their co-op employers, highlighting the impact of co-op programs on employability (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2019). Interviews revealed the long-term benefits of co-op programs for students, employers, and institutions, supporting the proposal for a co-op program at CWU. Survey results showed strong student interest, with 74% of respondents expressing interest in participating in a co-op program. These findings provide a foundation for developing a graduate-level co-op program that enhances career readiness and student outcomes. The findings also support the integration of a co-op program into the CWU ITM Department
Effects of Added Vestibular Noise on Blindfolded Locomotor Veering
No full textBACKGROUND: Nearly every fundamentally healthy human, regardless of fitness, age, or gender is incapable of walking in a perfectly straight line when visual information is removed. This is known as veering. Many different potential causes have been examined, but the most persuasive explanation is that without visual input, sensory interference (or noise) accumulates and causes random motor output errors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine veering behavior during blindfolded walking when added vestibular noise (vibration) was applied to the skull at select locations. METHODS: A handheld massager attached at the top of the head or over one ear (dominant eye side for half the sample and non-dominant eye side for half the sample) was worn during all trials and activated for half of the efforts. Fundamentally healthy participants (n=16) completed 4 trials under each of 4 experimental combinations using a balanced Latin Square block testing sequence. Effects of the presence and location of applied vibration on veering direction and magnitude were evaluated via repeated measures 2x2 ANOVA (α=0.05). RESULTS: Location and noise effects were observed for absolute veering; a 0.72° increase when located on the side and a 1.55° increase with noise. For directional veering, a significant interaction effect was identified: when noise was applied over the ear, veering was biased toward that side by 1.14°. Directional veer angles for all other combinations were functionally zero. CONCLUSION: Sensory interference caused by the vibrations of the massager increased both absolute veering and the direction of veering and was viewed as support for the accumulated sensory noise theory
THE USE OF LIDAR IN THE STUDY OF TERRAIN RUGGEDNESS OF TSUNAMI INUDATION AREAS AT GREWINGK LAKE AND TAAN FIORD, ALASKA USA
No full textABSTRACT
THE USE OF LIDAR IN THE STUDY OF TERRAIN RUGGEDNESS OF TSUNAMI INUDATION AREAS AT GREWINGK LAKE AND TAAN FIORD, ALASKA USA
by
Shannon Patricia McKinnion
In order to test the hypothesis that lidar technologies can detect possible changes in terrain ruggedness due tsunami inundation within a designated area, digital elevation models (DEM) were generated from lidar data for two sites with known tsunami inundation— Grewingk Lake, Alaska and Taan Fiord, Alaska. Cobbles and boulders in these locations were examined using existing terrain ruggedness tools in ArcHydro— Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI) and Vector Ruggedness Measurement (VRM). The average values were studied at 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m, 1m, 0.5m, and 0.25m cell sizes, and results were compared to ruggedness in control areas. In addition, the Grewingk Lake lidar data was studied under multiple lidar filters. Results were analyzed with statistical analysis using single factor ANOVA and compared to the spatial analysis null hypothesis to determine if the variability of values was statistically significant.
Results indicated that on average there were differences in both the TRI and VRM values between the tsunami inundation area and the control area. Both p-values and the spatial analysis null hypothesis showed differences between the two areas, with some inconsistency. The best results were within 1 - 3 m, with 2m being ideal, and the lidar data is best filtered to ground value returns only when possible. While it is possible to get an analysis with an All-Data mode in lidar, the resulting data accuracy is lower quality. Using TRI to determine boulder size and shape showed that TRI is not an appropriate tool for this work
Investigation of Increased Winter Coat Color Mismatch in Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) Due to Wildfire-Driven Earlier Snowmelt Timing in Post-Fire Forests
No full textClimate warming is driving a loss of snowpack and rise in high-severity wildfires across the western United States. Wildfire-driven changes in snow energy balance and forest structure can further drive snowpack losses for decades. Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) seasonally molt a white coat for camouflage in snow and face increased mortality due to climate-driven mismatches between molt phenology and snowmelt progression. However, this species also prefers the early successional habitat that wildfire produces, and it is unknown whether fire-driven changes in snowmelt timing can drive coat color mismatch in the spring. To investigate this knowledge gap, an array of camera traps was established within a 13-year-old wildfire area in central Washington to monitor snowshoe hare coat color and snowpack progression. Snow depth was measured in the field and with wooden stakes installed in front of cameras, and images were used to estimate snow cover and snowshoe hare coat color. Snow disappearance dates from snow stake and snow cover measurements occurred 16 and 20 days earlier on average, respectively, at burned sites compared to unburned sites. In spring, camera traps detected 11 occurrences of white coat mismatch at 2 burned sites, and 103 occurrences of brown coat mismatch at 1 burned site and 10 unburned sites. A comparison of coat color and snow cover progressions revealed that white coat mismatch was possible at 1-2 sites for a total of between 2-4 days at burned sites in spring, and not possible at unburned sites. Brown coat mismatch was possible at low levels at burned sites and widespread at unburned sites, with an average 19 ± 4.3 brown coat mismatch days across all 13 unburned sites. These findings suggest that post-fire earlier snowmelt timing can cause white coat mismatch for snowshoe hares in spring, but not at a significant level at this site and at this stage of post-fire regeneration. Future studies should investigate mismatch in areas where snowshoe hare reoccupy burned sites \u3c 10 years post-fire when fire impacts on snowmelt are greatest, and to what extent climate-driven snow losses in the Cascades will increase mismatch occurrences for hare populations in Washington