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Studying California’s Deep History: Or, Why the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Has Not Ended Anthropology
No full textThis article explores why many California-based anthropologists were slow to repatriate Native American ancestral remains and cultural objects in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries and how the situation has dramatically changed in recent years. It examines how California’s unusual mix of tribes—more than half of which are not federally recognized—made it possible for academic researchers and administrators to delay repatriation and consultation processes, even after the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in 1990 and the California NAGPRA (CalNAGPRA) in 2001. For some, there are lingering concerns about the viability of researching ancient history following recent revisions to CalNAGPRA—namely, assembly bill (AB) 275 (requiring universities to engage in meaningful consultation with tribes, complete inventories of collections, and repatriate ancestral remains and cultural objects) and AB 389 (requiring expedited accountability for California public universities holding collections and prohibiting the use of Native American ancestral remains and cultural objects for teaching and research). This article begins by refuting the argument that repatriation laws are leading to a decline in bioarchaeological research. It then reviews disciplinary changes that are reshaping anthropology, including collaborative projects in which descendant communities are key stakeholders and participants and a transformation of ethical norms related to handling ancestral remains and cultural objects
The Symbiotic Harm of a Criminal Record
No full textHaving a criminal record significantly alters a person’s life chances, decreasing their opportunities for employment, housing, student loans, voting, public benefits, and more. The collateral consequences of criminal convictions, or the civil restrictions that follow criminal convictions, are well documented. However, because individuals are connected to families and communities, it is impossible to isolate the effects of punishment to only the persons holding criminal records. Instead, the effects of criminal records might be best understood as a set of symbiotic harms, marked by relational and interdependent effects. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 59 expungement-eligible persons and 69 community representatives, this paper explores the symbiotic harms of lower-level criminal records and explores the potential for automated criminal record clearance to enhance the lived experiences of record holders and their networks
Western Snowy Plover Breeding Dispersal in Response To Nest Failure in Monterey Bay, California, USA
No full textWe examined short-distance breeding dispersal between nesting attempts of the serially polygamous western snowy plover Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus, a federally threatened species in Monterey Bay, California, USA, during 2013–2020. We compared distances dispersed by both sexes and after various nesting outcomes. Dispersal distances within-season were generally shorter for males than females, but similar between seasons depending on nest success. We compared dispersal distances for different causes of nest failure (human disturbance, predation, environment, abandonment, and unidentified) and different predator types. Plovers with nests that failed due to human activities dispersed an average distance of 1872 m, while those with depredated nests dispersed an average of 1161 m; 58 and 31% farther, respectively, than plovers with nests that failed owing to environmental causes. However, we found no difference in dispersal distance between predator types. A best subset multiple regression model was used to determine whether winter migration status, nesting success, cause of nest failure, cumulative nests, or cumulative failed nests influence plover dispersal. Nesting success was a strong predictor variable of dispersal distances for males and females, with winter migration status adding more predictive power to the model for males. Current climate change projections suggest an increased likelihood of environmental instability, which could increase the number of nest failures to environmental causes over time. Future research should further assess the vulnerability of nesting plovers to environmental factors (e.g. sea level inundation), given the minimal predictive power of dispersal for nesting success. We hope this information can assist conservation efforts with monitoring and habitat protection
Trajectory of Tinnitus Distress Across the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Self-Reported Symptoms
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to evaluate retrospectively self-reported changes in tinnitus severity and distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination using validated self-report instruments. It further explored patient-reported onset of tinnitus following vaccination, gender differences in symptom severity, and associations with psychological distress. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 189 adults between December 2023 and April 2024. Participants retrospectively self-reported tinnitus onset and severity before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ). Additional items assessed COVID-19 vaccination history, infection status, and adverse vaccine reactions. Repeated measures ANOVAs and chi-square tests were used to examine retrospectively reported longitudinal changes and group differences. Results: Mean THI scores increased significantly over time—before (M = 9.57, SD = 16.00), during (M = 29.97, SD = 32.30), and currently (M = 36.92, SD = 28.04)—with large effect sizes across functional, emotional, and catastrophic subscales (p \u3c 0.001). TRQ scores also were reported to rise from before (M = 7.86, SD = 15.29) to during (M = 26.38, SD = 29.58) and remained elevated at the current time (M = 29.79, SD = 24.00), p \u3c 0.001. Approximately 25.9% and 27.0% of respondents reported new or worsened tinnitus after the first and second vaccine doses, respectively. No significant gender differences in symptom severity were observed. TRQ severity classification revealed a marked shift, with moderate or greater distress increasing from 5.8% (before) to 35.6% (current). Conclusions: Retrospective self-reports indicated that tinnitus burden significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained elevated at the time of survey completion. A notable proportion of individuals reported new-onset tinnitus following vaccination, though causality cannot be inferred. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and comprehensive care addressing both audiological and psychological components of tinnitus
Use of Cigarettes, Cannabis, and Alcohol Among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Adults: Community-Based National Survey Analysis
No full textBackground: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations have diverse cultural, immigra-tion, and sociodemographic characteristics. Aggregated data could mask substantial differences in substance use between cultural subgroups in this population. Yet, studies examining substance use among the AANHPI population are limited. Objective: This study aimed to describe cigarette, cannabis, and alcohol use among AANHPI adults by cultural subgroup and sex. Methods: We analyzed data from 3411 AANHPI respondents of a multilingual national survey “COMPASS” during December 2021-May 2022. Primary outcomes were self-report current (every day or some days) use of cigarettes, cannabis, and alcohol. Cultural subgroups included Asian Indian, Ethnic Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Vietnamese, other cultural groups, and multicultural groups. Other covariates include sex, other sociodemo-graphics, experiences of discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale), and mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire 4). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine correlates of each substance use among AANHPI adults. Results: The prevalence of current cigarette, cannabis, and alcohol use was 4.2% (142/3359), 5.5% (184/3235) and 37.6% (1265/3361), respectively. Cigarette use ranged from 1.0% (1/100) in Asian Indian females to 14.8% (10/71) in multicultural males. Cannabis use ranged from 1.9% among Asian Indian (1/53) and Vietnamese males (4/211) to 15.7% (11/70) in multicultural females. Alcohol use varied from 6.6% (4/61) in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander females to 56.3% (40/71) among multicultural males. Male participants with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms were more likely to report using all 3 substances than males with minimal symptoms. However, depression and anxiety symptoms were only associated with cannabis and alcohol use among female participants. US-born female participants were more likely to report using all 3 substances compared to foreign-born females, while being US-born was only associated with higher odds of alcohol use among males. Perceived discriminatory experience was associated with higher odds of smoking in both sexes and alcohol drinking in males. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking, cannabis, and alcohol use varied widely across AANHPI cultural groups, between and within each sex. These findings underscore the necessity to disaggregate data for substance use behaviors to guide health policy and intervention programs for AANHPI adults
The Hunt for Dragon Shards of Knowledge : A Study on the Information Needs of the MMORPG Community
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the information needs and information-seeking behaviors of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) information community. To evaluate and define these needs and behaviors a literature review of research contributions published by established information professionals studying MMORPG and video game players was performed. The results showed that the MMORPG community is considerably understudied and lacking sufficient library programming and educational opportunities compared to other communities. It also revealed their dependence on collaboration and the promotion of social connection between members. Their shared goals and common interests helped to facilitate members’ information-seeking and sharing efforts, with the majority of their information hosting platforms located online on specialty websites, forum boards, and instant messaging apps or servers. This study highlights the importance of information professionals continuing to expand upon their knowledge of underrepresented information communities and the ways in which they can support them
Applying Occupational Empowerment Principles in a Life Skills Program for Unhoused Transitional-aged Youth: Feasibility and Early Outcomes
No full textThe purpose of this occupational therapy doctoral capstone project was to address a gap in community-based services for unhoused transitional-aged youth (TAY) by promoting life skill acquisition and supporting participation in meaningful activities in order to enhance self-efficacy. This project aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a structured occupation-based life skills program that builds upon existing services at a local drop-in center. The program incorporated life skill education and activity-based, experiential interventions tailored to meet the needs and learning styles of the population. Methods included conducting a needs assessment, developing the program curriculum, and piloting the 6-week program consisting of weekly group sessions. Findings demonstrated preliminary improvements in goal attainment and no meaningful changes in self-efficacy. However, qualitative findings showed emerging themes related to improvements in engagement and confidence in applying skills outside of the program context. Additional outcomes included the development of a life skills facilitator’s handbook provided to the site to continue to use as a resource for existing group services. This project advances occupational therapy practice by highlighting the value of delivering occupation-based, community-driven interventions and underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration to provide comprehensive services and support for marginalized populations. Implications for occupational therapy include expanding the profession’s role in emerging practice areas, such as community-based practice, to promote health and well-being in underserved communities
A Guide to Falls in a Skilled Nursing Facility
No full textApproximately one in four older adults experiences a fall each year in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024b; Kakara et al., 2023). Among those residing in nursing homes for either short-term rehabilitation or long-term care, the risk of falls is doubled (Acker & Janssen, 2017; Shao et al., 2023). The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop an educational resource aimed at enhancing staff education and fall prevention efforts within a single nursing home, supporting the facility’s goal of reducing fall rates. Methods included a needs assessment, observational experiences, resource development, and the administration of surveys before, during, and after the resource development process to inform the direction of the resource. Survey results showed that staff shared neutral to strong agreement with each of the survey items, indicating shared beliefs about the seriousness and preventability of falls and the nature of fall prevention at English Oaks. Post-survey response item analysis demonstrated positive and negative changes in frequency and central tendency of responses. The survey results suggested that the educational resource successfully improved some fall-related perceptions and levels of satisfaction with fall prevention practices, but substantial opportunities for continued growth remain. The final educational resource was provided to the facility with a plan for implementation, evaluation, and continued refinement. This project promotes safety and quality of care for older adults through evidence-based education and interdisciplinary collaboration, exemplifying occupational therapy’s leadership in translating research into evidence-informed and innovative solutions grounded in community needs. Implications for occupational therapy include supporting the profession’s role in staff education and quality improvement efforts to address gaps in service delivery
Multi-Model Unit Test Generation Framework With Reinforcement Learning
No full textUnit test generation is a critical step in the software development lifecycle to ensure code quality and reduce the likelihood of bugs. Manually writing unit tests can be time-consuming and require an experienced developer. However with the emergence of generative AI, large language models (LLMs) in particular have demonstrated their effectiveness in generating code, which naturally brings up the question of the possibility of applying this capability to automate unit test generation. One of the newer techniques in this field is using Reinforcement Learning (RL) to train a model to generate quality unit tests. RL is the practice of training an agent to take optimal actions to maximize a reward signal. By treating the LLM as an agent and fine-tuning its parameters through feedback from the reward signal, it offers an adaptive and flexible method for improving LLM performance instead of relying on pre-trained models. This project explores different methodologies to augment a multi-model unit test generation framework including the use of RL to train its test generation capabilities. Using datasets derived from LeetCode and PyMethods2Test, our tool is evaluated against strong baseline LLMs like Gemini and Claude. The results show that the PPO-trained DeepSeek model consistently outperforms baseline generation, achieving higher test pass rates, fewer syntax errors, and improved coverage and mutation scores across both datasets, demonstrating that our framework presents an effective unit test generation method
Selective Model Retraining for Malware Detection Using Drift Detection
No full textConcept drift refers to changes over time in the statistical properties of data compared to the data used to train a learning model. Machine learning models for malware detection are particularly susceptible to performance degradation due toconcept drift as attackers continually modify existing malware. We consider two unsupervised machine learning approaches to automated concept drift detection: One-Class Support Vector Machines (OCSVM) and Minibatch K-Means (MK-Means). We compare these techniques to Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD), a distribution shift statistical technique. We conduct experiments comparing four models (MLP, RF, SVM, XGB) on the KronoDroid malware dataset across three scenarios: static (no retraining), drift-aware (retraining when drift is detected), and periodic (constant retraining). In most cases, drift-aware retraining based on OCSVM, MK-Means, or MMD performs almost as well as periodic retraining while requiring far fewer models to retrain