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An Assessment of Long-Thin Airline Routes: Network Structure and Emissions Implications for Environmental Policy
Get PDFThe purpose of this research was to define, map, and quantify the network and environmental implications of “long-thin” routes (LTRs) – a route structure that has been discussed in the aviation industry but not formally studied in literature. LTRs were defined through the use of global OAG scheduling data from 1998 to 2018 to identify trends in air traffic growth and network dynamics. Flights were separated into seven aircraft class sizes (e.g., 75–150 seats, 150–225 seats) to measure LTRs at multiple scales. Routes were considered “long” if the stage length was at or above the 75th percentile in each class size and considered “thin” if the total seats of each airport-pair vv (visa-versa) was at or below the 25th percentile for the size class. The overall share of LTRs across the study period rose from 1.59% of total seats in 1998 to 2.24% in 2018. While LTRs comprise a small share and may be considered “niche” by some, their global coverage shows they play an integrating role, as about a third of airports were linked by at least one LTR over the study period. LTRs account for a disproportionately high share of CO2 emissions relative to their share of total seats but are more efficient than non-LTRs on an available seat-nautical mile basis. In addition, the share of LTRs within regions that implemented a carbon policy was found to rise significantly, though the coverage of such policies remains sparse. Overall, this research presents an original definition of LTRs and situates them in the rivalry between low-cost carriers and other airlines, along with the airline industry’s contribution to climate change
Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, and Menstrual Dysfunction in Female Collegiate Runners
Get PDFCollegiate female distance runners may be at risk for low energy availability (LEA) due to increased exercise energy expenditure with or without decreased energy intake. Furthermore, this population has increased risk of disordered eating (DE), which can lead to LEA and negative health consequences, such as menstrual dysfunction (MD). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to: 1) investigate risk of LEA and DE and 2) compare DE, training volume, and weight dissatisfaction among female collegiate runners athletes at risk vs not at risk for LEA. Methods: Female runners (n = 287) who competed on an NCAA Division I, II, or III cross-country and/or track team completed an online questionnaire (45 questions). The questionnaire included the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) which examines incidence of stress fractures, occurrence and frequency of menstrual cycles within the previous 12 months, contraceptive use, and gastrointestinal function. The Disordered Eating Screening Assessment (DESA-6) was used to examine risk of DE and weight dissatisfaction. Results: 54.5% (n = 156) of runners were at risk for LEA (score \u3e 8 on LEAF-Q), and 40.8% (n = 117) were at risk for DE (DESA-6 score \u3e 3), and 56.5% (n = 162) reported MD (LEAF-Q subsection MD score \u3e 4). Athletes “at risk” for LEA had significantly higher DESA-6 scores than athletes “not at risk” for LEA (p \u3c 0.001). Athletes “at risk” for LEA had significantly greater weight dissatisfaction than those not at risk for LEA (X23, 156 = 15.92, p = 0.001). Higher weekly training volumes was not associated with risk for LEA (X22, 156 = 4.20, p = 0.112). Conclusion: Consistent with previous literature, a substantial percentage of collegiate female runners were found to be at risk for LEA, DE, and report MD. These findings demonstrate that risk for DE, MD, and weight dissatisfaction are associated with risk for LEA
CONSTRAINING ROCK TYPE CONTROLS ON GEOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR EARTHQUAKE HAZARD ASSESSMENT NEAR ELLENSBURG, WASHINGTON
Get PDFHigh precision geophysical modeling can constrain the geometry of structures in the upper to middle crust beyond what is possible with surface data alone, which allows for a better understanding of seismic hazards. This modeling requires values of both the magnetic susceptibility and density relevant to rocks at depth; this study presents a combination of field and laboratory measurements of basement units to determine these properties. The basement rock of the Kittitas Valley is made up of a complex series of metamorphic and igneous bodies, so it was important to gather a representative suite of samples of the most volumetrically abundant members of each unit where exposed at the surface. Samples were grouped by geologic unit and rock type and then compiled into an average value of both density (in g/cm3) and magnetic susceptibility (1*10-3 SI) for all the units of interest. The sample suite displayed very little near-surface alteration, and a correction based on petrographic observations for one unit only changed the magnetic susceptibility value by ~1%. The unit-level average density and magnetic susceptibility values for the units of interest for this study are: Ingalls Ophiolite Complex, 2.96 g/cm3, 15.84*10-3 SI; Teanaway Formation, 2.64 g/cm3,18.51*10-3 SI; Kachess Lake inlier, 2.97 g/cm3, 0.37*10-3 SI Hicks Butte inlier, 2.86 g/cm3, 13.29*10-3 SI; and Horse Lake Mountain Complex, 2.56 g/cm3, 33.28*10-3 SI. The magnetic susceptibility value used in current models for basement units (Ingalls Ophiolite Complex, Kachess Lake Inlier, and Hicks Butte Inlier) is 0, but the results of this study demonstrate that there are likely several highly magnetic units in the sub-surface (Ingalls Ophiolite Complex, Hicks Butte Inlier, Horse Lake Mountain Complex). The density values of this study are also slightly higher than the values used in current models, since the currently used basement value is 2.72 g/cm3 and the lowest basement density value in this study is 2.80 g/cm3. It is also necessary to reconsider the Teanaway Formation, since the magnetic susceptibility value used in published models is 50-80*10-3 SI, which is more than double the value in this study.The calculated density of the Teanaway Formation is slightly lower (2.64 g/cm3) than the value used in recent models (2.70 g/cm3). The implications of these new values for the application and interpretation of potential fields models are: (1) The higher basement density values of this study suggest less topography on the basement-sediment interface (and therefore less inferred fault offset) compared to published models, and (2) magnetic susceptibility results suggest that significant magnetic remanence and/or presence of magnetic basement units has a more important role than weathering of magnetic minerals and therefore should be accounted for in future studies. The compiled values here are important for more precise geophysical modeling of the sub-surface of the Kittitas Valley and will assist scientists with understanding potential fault properties and the associated seismic hazards
Intestinal Parasite Infection in Tibetan Macaques (Macac Thebetana) in Eastern China
Get PDFGrooming is one of the crucial social behaviors of primate species that functions to remove parasites and maintain social bonds. Although, much data exists to support the idea that grooming is essential in forming and sustaining social bonds among individuals, there is a lack of information about the extent to which it removes ectoparasites or contributes to the spread of internal parasites. To fill this gap in the literature, we investigated the relationship between social contact behavior including grooming and intestinal parasite infection in Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana). This species lives at Mt. Huangshan in China. We used a combination of behavioral and parasitological data collected including the focal sampling method and from fecal samples in August and December 2022 from 22 adults in the YA1 group. We identified and quantified the presence of protozoans in fecal samples (Coccidia sp. and Balantidium coli), trematodes (Clonorchis sp.), and nematodes (Trichuris trichura, Ascaris spp., Strongyloides spp., Capillaria spp., hookworm (Necator sp. or Ancylostoma sp.), and Trichostrongylus sp.). Capillaria spp. infected all individuals. Our analysis revealed that social contact behavior was correlated with intestinal parasite burden in Tibetan macaques. The analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences in parasite egg numbers between males and females and among different social ranks (low-, middle- and high-rankings) in adults. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that B. coli egg counts were most positively associated with, whereas Capillaria spp. egg numbers were negatively correlated with the mean duration of all individuals\u27 social contact behavior
The heart and living room of campus: A mixed-methods comparison of two informal learning spaces at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Get PDFUniversities are designing informal learning spaces as open, collaborative environments; while there is a need for collaborative spaces, the majority of students in both spaces are working independently. This article compares the usage and design features of informal learning spaces within the main library and union of a “university.” Frequently referred to as the “heart” or “living room,” this architectural study employs mixed-method, explanatory sequential design. Quantitative data was collected through unobtrusive observations and random-sample surveys, followed by qualitative data collection via focus groups. Students visit the library more frequently and stay for longer periods of time than the union. Certain design features found to be more desired than others included standard-height tables and chairs that are comfortable; areas with natural lighting; and large, individual tables to spread out users’ belongings. Overall, it was found that the “heart” and “living room” of campus are serving their intended purposes. It is important for designers to remember that a variety of users have different needs and preferences that are served by a variety of spaces. This study builds on the limited literature regarding informal learning spaces and is the first to compare a university campus’s library to their union. Results will help shape the future of informal learning space design and guide future research in this field
Weathering the storms: Workplace wellbeing, mental health, and the U.S. meteorologist
Get PDFMental health is a topic of increasing interest and concern across the weather enterprise amidst a backdrop of funding cuts, extreme storms, and longer, more involved work hours. The present study therefore investigated wellbeing in the meteorological workplace. Participants (N= 389), professional meteorologists (n = 360) and professionally-employed meteorology students (n = 29), voluntarily participated in a Qualtrics-hosted online survey and responded to a number of measures representing a broad range of mental health variables. These individuals fell into three employment sectors: U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), Broadcast (television weather), and Other (a combination of academic, private sector, military, and non-NWS operational meteorologists). Individual differences emerged between meteorological sectors in personality and the subjective wellbeing domains of burnout, job satisfaction, and anxiety. Broadcasters were significantly more burnt-out at work and personally, were higher in extraversion, and were highest in anxiety. NWS meteorologists were most burnt-out in working with partners. The Other category of meteorologists showed more agreeableness and greater job satisfaction than broadcasters and those in the NWS. There was no cross-sector difference, however, in traits that might be relatively uniform among meteorologists: Grit, life satisfaction, self-concept clarity, subjective happiness, stress, and depression. Results are discussed in terms of consequences for meteorologists’ mental health and emotional wellbeing as well as the future of the field
Differential Expression Analysis for the Identification of Survival Associated Genes in Primary Bladder Cancer using Microarray Data
Get PDFBladder cancer (BC) is a highly malignant and malevolent tumor whose incidence and mortality worldwide remains high. This paper aimed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and primary bladder cancer samples, which might be of prognostic value, and evaluate their association to clinical outcomes (survival) in patients with primary bladder cancer. A sample of 256 gene expression profiles of which 10 were normal bladder mucosae whereas 165 were primary bladder cancer tissues were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO). The limma package in R was used to perform screening for DEGs after variance reduction through quantile normalization and log2 transformation. Gene Ontology (GO), KEGG enrichment analysis, and Network analysis were performed to determine the functions of these DEGs. Cox proportional hazard regression model was then used to determine the association between the top selected DEGs and overall primary bladder cancer survival. Selected genes were then encoded as either low, middle or high expression and Kaplan-Meier plots then used to visualize the effect of these expression levels for the selected five genes on bladder cancer survival probability. This study identified a total of 5, 979 DEGs where 2, 878 were upregulated, 3, 101 were downregulated and 37, 169 were not significantly expressed differently. Cox proportional hazard stepwise regression models revealed a number of DEGs that have a statistically significant association to bladder cancer. The selected five DEGs associated with survival were EDNRB (HR=1.9858, 95%CI 1.4965–2.6350), COL14A1 (HR=1.5335, 95%C1 1.1670–2.0151), MOXD1 (HR=1.4878, 95%CI 1.1070–1.9996), FAM107A (HR=1.4970, 95%CI 1.1162–2.0077), and REM1 (HR=1.5999, 95%CI 1.2422–2.0605). After encoding these genes as either low, middle, or high expression, high expression of both EDNRB, COL14A1, FAM107A, and REM1 were found to result into statistically significant reductions in survival probabilities of patients (p0.05). The genes found in this study could provide useful insight in the understanding of the association between the identified DEGs and primary bladder cancer survival, which can further inform future studies and clinical therapies
Incorporating Universal Design into Tsunami Modeling Results for Cascadia Subduction Zone Faults to Create an Inundation Map and Universally Designed Evacuation Map for Port Angeles, WA
Get PDFCurrent tsunami hazard inundation and evacuation maps in the Puget Sound are based primarily on Cascadia and Seattle fault tsunamis. The standard evaluation process for tsunami impacts focuses on elevation and hypothetical fault rupture of known and predicted earthquakes. However, there are several known tsunami deposits in the Puget Sound that are not from Cascadia or Seattle fault tsunamis, potentially from other faults within the region, that could affect tsunami mitigation. Work to understand newly discovered crustal deformation and faults in Puget Sound is ongoing, therefore evacuation and inundation maps need to be updated to include these new faults and integrate universal design more broadly. Methods involved using GeoClaw software to map tsunamis from the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ), Leech River fault (LRF), and Utsalady Point fault (UPF). Modeled tsunamis determined the overall inundation of Port Angeles, Washington through a wide range of earthquake inputs of magnitude, proximity, and recurrence. The output simulations were evaluated with key components of universal design to create a new tsunami hazard map. Comparison between the universal design-based map to current the tsunami hazard map allowed for an evaluation of the current evacuation map. This evaluation can improve the assessment of bridges and other evacuation mechanisms. This research can contribute to future tsunami hazard map revisions saving lives, can help with emergency management planning, and spur reevaluating evacuation plans within the tsunami impact area
A Case Study in the Ethics of Queer Oral History
Get PDFDuring work on a queer archival project at a small liberal arts university, tension arose when an oral history participant unintentionally misnamed and misgendered a transgender individual. As this case study demonstrates, the project team had to balance the ethics of oral history, which discourage the editing of recordings, with queer ethics that view this type of misnaming as actively harmful. The team created their own solution, taking into account general guidance regarding third-party naming, trans-inclusivity in archives, and the overall goals of the project
The Beauty of New York
No full textThe aim of this artwork was to showcase the architectural, artistic, and natural beauty of New York City. The first photograph, the Empire State Building, is the iconic symbol of New York City. The building’s majestic form and tall stature rises above the city, representing the will of New Yorkers. The American flags waving proudly illustrate the perseverance of the American people to rise above all obstacles and succeed. Times Square, the iconic location that gives New York City the nickname of “the City that never sleeps”, is active 24/7 and highlights the City’s top entertainment attractions. The brightness of the displays illustrates that, despite darkness, New York City will always find light. Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous streets in the City and exhibits the work of the world’s most famous fashion designers and sets the newest trends in fashion. The photograph, Winter Wonderland in Prospect Park, shows two leafless trees standing tall in a barren wintry land. Yet, no matter how bleak the situation may be, these trees are inspired by the eternal warmth of the sun and symbolize the old adage “light at the end of the tunnel” that provides hope that life will soon restart and that these trees, too, will grow new leaves. Winter on the Lake displays the perseverance of natural beauty to resist the oracle of death that is typically associated with winter. These flowers are still breathing and blossoming and refuse to lose their glare despite the cold weather and gusty winds. The Beautiful Bird symbolizes the ever-lasting battle between good and evil, where the black spots represent evil and the white feathers represent good. The bird stands tall in a white winter wonderland and graces the world with its majestic presence to remind humanity that the battle is still far from over. The greater number of white feathers indicates that hope will always exist despite the seeming bleakness of a situation. Autumn Happiness shows the resilient nature of this lone flower and showcases its majestic beauty before nature, in the face of the changing climate that is ready to bring a halt to life. The white building in the background, surrounded by blue skies, symbolizes an impenetrable wall of strength illustrating the power of unity and support for peace and friendship between peoples and nations.Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Karen Kernan, M