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Trait-Based Predictors of Social Rank in Astatotilapia Burtoni
No full textDominance hierarchies are a central feature of social species, influencing access to resources, reproductive opportunities, and survival. In many animals, body size is a primary determinant of social rank, but other morphological traits may also contribute. This study investigates how physiological traits—including body size, pigmentation, lachrymal striping, and egg spots—relate to social dominance in Astatotilapia burtoni, a socially dynamic African cichlid.
Side-profile photographs were used to measure body size, red, green, and blue pigmentation intensity, lachrymal stripe area, and egg spot count. Behavioral interactions were recorded and analyzed using the Elo rating system to generate a continuous measure of social rank. Partial Least Squares Regression and Linear Mixed Models were used to assess which traits best predicted Elo rating.
Both analyses identified body size as the most consistent and statistically supported predictor of social rank. Red pigmentation showed a secondary association with rank in the multivariate PLSR model, but did not significantly improve model fit in the LMM. Other traits, including lachrymal striping, egg spots, and green or blue pigmentation, were not supported as predictors in either analysis.
These results support the conclusion that body size is the most reliable morphological indicator of dominance in A. burtoni under laboratory conditions. The application of the Elo rating system provided a robust framework for quantifying hierarchical dynamics and linking them to individual traits
2025 Central Washington University Commencement
No full textA commencement program from graduation ceremonies at Central Washington University.https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/cwu_commencement_programs/1059/thumbnail.jp
The Battle of Moscow 1941
No full textProject Mentor(s): Melissa Jordine, PhD
The German Army was diminished after the string of unbroken victories at the start of Operation Barbarossa. The loss of men and machines had become undeniable, and it sapped the offensive strength of their order of battle. The supply lines were at a breaking point and the underdeveloped road and rail system in Russia further exacerbated the problem. The diversion of strength to encircle and capture Kiev cost the Germans precious time before they could restart the offensive. The weather hindered the movement of men and machines and despite the protests of the commanding generals to high command, they were told to press on. The Russians faced the most mobile, technologically advanced army in the world. They were able to survive long enough to learn the lessons necessary to defeat the German strategy in the Battle of Moscow. It was steadfast leadership of Zhukov and his innovative tactics along with the unwavering Soviet civilian and soldier and their sacrifice that ultimately led the Red Army to victory. The Soviet Army was helped by the defense to the last man of many units, and gained the time necessary to complete defensive fortifications around Moscow. This also gave the Russians time to organize new reserve armies and to produce the much-needed equipment to turn to the offensive
Prevalence of Diabetes Related to Acculturation, Dietary Quality, and Sedentary Lifestyle in Mexican Americans: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 to 2018
No full textProject Mentor(s): David Gee, PhD; Kathaleen Briggs Early, PhD, RDN, CDCES; Katy Williams, MS, RDN
Objective: This study examined the prevalence of diabetes in Mexican American adults (MA-adults) and how risk factors like acculturation, dietary quality, and sedentary lifestyle contribute to the rising rates of diabetes, using the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2011 to 2018 data. Methods: We analyzed the NHANES data of MA-adults and Non-Hispanic White adults (NHW-adults) (n= 10670) for the association of diabetes and its risk factors (dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle) by acculturation levels. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Results: MA-adults exhibited substantially higher rates of diabetes (12.8%) compared to NHW-adults (8.75%). Key risk factors contributing to diabetes prevalence included age (60+), body mass index (BMI \u3e 25 kg/m2), and low educational attainment (high school education or below). Highly acculturated MA-adults had poorer diet quality (HEI = 50.4). Low acculturated MA-adults had a higher diabetes prevalence (18.2%) despite having the highest diet score (HEI = 55.4). MA-adults had higher diabetes rates at all levels of sedentary lifestyle compared to NHW- adults, particularly those reporting over eight hours of sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: In the fully adjusted model, diabetes risk was primarily explained by age, BMI, and low educational attainment. Acculturation, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes prevalence among MA-adults showed no significant independent relationship. MA-adults with the least amount of sedentary lifestyle behaviors had the lowest prevalence of diabetes. Low-acculturated MA-adults had the highest Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, reflecting better dietary quality compared to their more acculturated counterparts
CWU\u27s Electronic Waste Management: A Success Story in Sustainable Practice
No full textProject Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD; Kevin Lomax
Purpose: This research examines how Central Washington University (CWU) manages electronic waste (e-waste) to promote economic, environmental, and equitable sustainability practices. In February 2024, Computer Support Services (CSS) started a computer reconciliation project, which is vital due to the Windows 10 operating system going end of life after October 14, 2025, and no longer receiving software support. This project tracks and documents the life of electronic assets, with a focus on the role of Surplus and IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) companies. Method: The primary research methods involve interviews, and online research of active devices and their specifications using tools such as Microsoft Intune, Configuration Management, and physical reconciliation to identify misplaced and unused devices. Results: CSS reconciliation project strategy includes tracking devices for reuse or recycling. We found three hundred unused devices during physical checks in storage closets. Reusing these devices instead of purchasing new ones saved the university approximately $240,000, helping reduce waste and support economic sustainability. Devices rendered obsolete by CSS are transferred to the Surplus and Asset Management Department, which plays a significant role in CWU\u27s e-waste management by providing methods of reuse to the community. Devices that cannot be repaired, reused, or refurbished are recycled using a validated ITAD company. Conclusion: This research highlights the importance of sustainable practices within the e-waste disposal process at a state-supported regional higher education organization. The project team identified economically feasible methods to increase electronics recycling, including service learning and community outreac
Construction, Optimization, and Characterization of an Undergraduate Cold Cathode Table-Top Electron Accelerator for Radiation Physics Education
No full textProject Mentor(s): Mehran Zaini, PhD; Peter Zencak
Rising cancer cases spurred advancements in radiation therapy modalities, including electron accelerators. In this report, descriptive and diagnostic analysis was utilized to develop and characterize a functional, low energy cold cathode table-top electron accelerator for radiation physics experimentation in Central Washington University’s (CWU) undergraduate radiation lab. The device features a tungsten cathode (TC), brass anode, and copper Faraday Cup (FC) in a vacuum, enclosed by blue-tinted polyvinyl chloride (PVC). TC electron emission was facilitated by applied electric fields from input voltages of 1000 V to 5000 V. FC collected electron current in the range of 0 µA to 100 µA. Baseline measurements exhibited a Fowler-Nordheim relationship for low input voltages, transitioning to linear step correlations for higher input voltages. This behavior was thoroughly investigated using a quantum mechanical approach in MATLAB. With the introduction of an aluminum attenuator, an exponential decrease in beam current with respect to attenuator thickness was observed; moreover, input voltage of 4500 V produced oscillatory current output, ranging from 0 µA to 24 µA with a 6 second period. Oscillation is thought to be caused by space-charge effects that are attempted to be eliminated via grounding of the attenuator. This optimization and characterization of an electron accelerator demonstrated the potential for radiation physics experimentation at CWU. Future research should aim to enhance beam quality, visualize beam dynamics, and further investigate quantum mechanical properties
Found in the Archives: German Books
No full textWhile making a display, the student workers found a small collection of unprocessed German books in a box used to store display equipment
Catherine the Great\u27s Impact on Noblewomen: A Study of Enlightened Femininity During the Russian Enlightenment
Full text linkCatherine the Great (r. 1762-1796) changed Russia’s social and cultural life, allowing women to use traditional forms of female networks to record their ideas of enlightened femininity. By emphasizing selfless motherhood, Orthodox piety, and responsible morality, female memoirists recorded how the Russian Enlightenment influenced their roles within their families, communities, and court. Eighteenth-century Russian historiography has investigated Catherine’s Enlightenment reforms extensively, particularly her ability to harness masculine and feminine portrayals of her rule to fulfill her ambitions. This thesis focuses on four female memoirists that were impacted by Catherine’s reforms and the rhetoric of enlightened femininity that was introduced into Russia during her reign
Found in the Archives: Eva Greenslit Anderson\u27s Scrapbook
No full textA scrapbook of poetry gathered by Evan Anderson.Eva Greenslit Anderson (1889–1972) was an educator, school district administrator, clubwoman, and state legislator in central Washington state. From the 1910s-1950s, she was instrumental in advancing programs for the benefit of women and youth. This collection of speeches, scrapbooks, and correspondence chronicles Anderson\u27s interests in education, youth, women, politics, and church
Found in the Archives: SWEECY Day
No full textWhen CWU was called Central Washington State College(CWSC) they had SWEECY days in the late Spring. Lily Bauer Films and Karen Valencia shows some ephemera from the SWEECY days of the past