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Mental Health Stigma and Neurodiverse Design as a Wicked Problem
No full textDesign theory is the understanding of choices we make as designers, and the reasons behind those choices. Design is not just about aesthetics; it is how and why certain spaces, materials, and systems work together and affect people using them. In many cases, design problems are “wicked problems,” meaning they are complex, interconnected, and have no single or perfect solution. Recognizing this helps designers approach challenges with flexibility and critical thinking, understanding that each design decision impacts others. One such wicked problem is the issue of mental health stigma and neurodivergent design in hospitals. Hospitals are intended to be places of healing, yet their environments can increase stress, sensory overload, and emotional discomfort for neurodivergent patients. This problem is “wicked” because it involves competing needs between systems and codes with human comfort and sensory sensitivity. Not one person feels the same in an environment, and it is up to the designer to ensure that people feel safe and comfortable in hospital spaces, therefore making this a “wicked” design challenge
Freezing Point of Hydrocarbon Fuels from Single Species Concentrations
Get PDFThe freezing point is an important property for determining the operating range of liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Many thermodynamic properties, like density, viscosity, and vapor pressure, have simple blending rules that can accurately predict the properties of a complex mixture. Freezing point, however, does not behave this way and shows nonlinear and noncontinuous responses to mixture composition. As a result, available models for freezing point predictions are generally not very effective on fuel compositions that are dissimilar to petroleum fuels. In this work, we explore a thermodynamically derived equation of state model predicting the freezing point to develop a method to predict the freezing point of mixtures from composition. The freezing point is primarily determined by the first species to freeze. Experimental control curves are used to replace complex equations to simplify the thermodynamic model. These control curves function as a strong first-order prediction of the freezing point (mean absolute error = 4.4 °C). The remaining uncertainty is attributed to the solvency effect caused by the entropy of the mixing term in the thermodynamic derivation. Utilizing the findings from this research, a 100% n-alkane fuel with a freezing point of −40.7 °C is blended. Using previous models built around data from conventional fuels, the closest prediction out of nine models was −12.8 °C, a 27.9 °C error. The proposed approach predicts −44.1 °C
AI Subject Generation: Alma AI Metadata Assistant vs. UCF’s Custom AI
No full textAs Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform cataloging and metadata work in libraries worldwide, the University of Central Florida (UCF) Libraries have developed its own programming script for automatic subject generation. This approach generates both Faceted Application of Subject Terminology (FAST) terms and keywords using OpenAI API for traditional and digital collections, incorporating OCLC's FAST Reconciliation Service and a custom made FAST headings vector database for validating terms. UCF has also explored Alma AI Metadata Assistant and interactive Agents for subject generation. This presentation will describe the experience of UCF's AI approach and the Alma AI Metadata Assistant, focusing on the evaluation of generated terms, features, advantages, and limitations of each method. It will also examine their impact on metadata workflows, internal and external collaborations, and key lessons learned. Attendees will gain valuable insights into integrating AI into cataloging practices and the practical outcomes of adopting these innovative approaches.</p
Integrated management of feral rye in winter wheat
Get PDFFeral rye (Secale cereale L.), also known as volunteer or cereal rye, is a troublesome weed in winter wheat production systems in the low and intermediate rainfall zones of eastern Washington and Oregon and southern Idaho. Rye has been grown in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) for seed and as a cover crop, as well as for forage in hay production systems, pastures, and range. It has also been used in wildlife and soil conservation seed mixtures. Regional weed scientists think our current feral rye management problems in winter wheat originated when rye plants used for these other purposes escaped into cultivated fields. Since then, feral rye plants with the most “weedy” characteristics (for example, early seed shatter and long seed dormancy) have thrived in the winter wheat–fallow rotations of the region
ADVANCES IN MACHINE LEARNING-ENABLED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN MANYCORE SYSTEMS FROM VON NEUMANN TO HETEROGENEOUS PROCESSING-IN-MEMORY ARCHITECTURES
Get PDFThe carbon output of computing - from edge devices to the large data centers - must be dramatically reduced. In this respect, Voltage-Frequency Island (VFI) is a well-established design paradigm to create scalable and energy-efficient manycore chips (e.g., CPUs). Voltage/Frequency (V/F) knobs of the VFIs can be dynamically tuned to reduce the energy while maintaining the application’s quality of service (QoS). In the first part of this dissertation, we consider the problem of dynamic power management (DPM) in manycore SoCs and propose novel Machine-learning (ML)-enabled DPM strategies to improve the energy efficiency in von Neumann-based manycore architectures. Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) and Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have enabled remarkable advancements in various real-world applications, including natural language processing, healthcare, molecular chemistry, etc. As the complexity of neural network models continues to grow, their intensive computing and memory requirements pose significant performance and energy efficiency challenges for the traditional von Neumann architectures. Processing-in-Memory (PIM)-based computing platforms have emerged as a promising alternative due to their ability to perform computation within the memory itself, thereby reducing data movement and improving energy efficiency. However, communication between PIM-based processing elements (PEs) in a manycore architecture remains a bottleneck. In addition, n-memory computation suffers from device and crossbar non-idealities arising due to temperature, conductance drift, etc. In this dissertation, we address these challenges and propose a design of thermally efficient dataflow-aware Network-on-Chip (NoC) to accelerate DNN inferencing. We also address the reliability, energy, and performance challenges in DNN training and propose a heterogeneous architecture that combines the benefits of multiple PIM devices in a single platform to enable energy-efficient and high-performance DNN training. Later in this dissertation, we exploit the heterogeneity in the computational kernels behind deep learning models such as DNNs, GNNs, and transformers to design high-performance, energy-efficient, and reliable heterogeneous PIM-based manycore systems for sustainable deep learning. Overall, we utilize ML to enable the design and resource management of high-performance, energy-efficient, and reliable computing systems spanning from von Neumann to heterogeneous PIM-based architectures
Family Communication About Substance Use & Sex An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study
Get PDFResearch has historically looked at parent-child communication as a protective factor against risky behaviors, especially around sensitive topics like sexual health and substance use. This dissertation sought to explore how young adults perceive parent-child communication about sexual health, substance use, and both topics collectively. A family communication patterns theory framework was utilized to further understand parent-child communication about sensitive topics. Only two known studies have looked at these topics collectively and neither study looked at young adults. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, we used semi-structured interviewed with 13 individuals across the United States in states where adult use of cannabis is legal. Findings emphasized the importance of approaching communication openly, being comfortable and receptive, as well as using media, jokes, or shifts in cannabis legislation as a platform for discussion. Additionally, differences in how mothers and fathers communicated about these topics were illustrated among our qualitative results. For instance, mothers emphasized reassurance and inquired more when it came to sexual health, while fathers took more initiative to discuss substances. The interviews informed elements of quantitative measurement before administering an online survey at a university in the inland northwest (n = 186) to explore the associations between relevant elements of parent-child communication and expectancies related to substance use prior to sex as well as using substances prior to sex. Using multiple linear regressions and binary logistic regressions, four models were tested to reveal the associations between the variables of interest. Results suggested small, yet modest effects regarding the associations that were tested. Specifically, higher levels of conformity were associated with expectancies related to alcohol and cannabis use prior to sex. Additionally, higher conversation patterns and higher perceived parent-child communication about sex were both associated with decreased alcohol use prior to sex. These results have implications for future research to examine parent-child communication on sexual health and substance use collectively, which can be valuable to sexual safety among young adults
CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON CONSUMER PURCHASING BEHAVIOR IN THE SECONDHAND APPAREL MARKET A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE USA, CHINA, AND BANGLADESH
Get PDFThis study investigates cross-cultural differences in consumer purchasing behavior in the secondhand apparel market from a USA, China, and Bangladesh perspective. Based on Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and the Triple Bottom Line (3P) approach, the study explores the multiple impacts of cultural values, social norms, economic incentives, and sustainability on the choices of consumers. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 45 participants in the three countries, this study uses a qualitative approach to explore significant cultural differences. In the U.S. culture, which is individualist and low uncertainty avoidance, consumers remain driven by personal style, value, and sustainability, with secondhand shopping being seen as trendy and ethically responsible. Unlike collectivist norms and high power distance among China and Bangladesh consumers, attitudinal, and health care practices. In China and Bangladesh, sustainability is broadly recognized but often comes after economic or social considerations. The results demonstrate culture-based motivations and barriers in secondhand consumption and present strategic guidelines for the sustainable apparel market. This comparative study expands the understanding of the global secondhand apparel markets, supports culturally sensitive marketing and policymaking to advance sustainable consumption behavior
DYNAMIC COMPRESSION EFFECTS AND PHASE TRANSFORMATION KINETICS OF FUNDAMENTAL MOLECULES
Get PDFH2O and N2 play vital roles in the universe we find ourselves in and both have a set of complex phases and phase transition kinetics. H2O can directly solidify into metastable ice VII within the stability field of ice VI. Due to the presence of hydrogen bonding (HB), water displays a myriad of properties and is drastically affected by the rate pressure is applied or removed. Utilizing a dynamic-diamond anvil cell (d-DAC) combined with time-resolved x-ray diffraction (TR-XRD), time resolved ruby luminescence (TRR), and high-speed microphotography, it was found that the solidification pressure of metastable ice VII has a potential sigmoidal dependence upon compression rate with a turnover compression rate of roughly 80 GPa/sec. The preferential crystallization of ice VII in the phase region of ice VI is due to the increased nucleation rate of ice VII over ice VI at 1.77 GPa driven by the interfacial energy difference between the liquid and solid phases along with the change in Gibbs’ free energy of solidification. It is also found that the compression rate greatly affects the solid-solid phase transition between ice VI and VII but does not affect the liquid-solid transition between water and ice VI as much and minimally affects the solidification of β-N2 along with the solid-solid transition from β- to δ-N2 . This study also found that there was no significant change in c/a ratio with increasing pressure, even at the highest compression rates observed. Lastly, a third phase transition was found to occur after metastable ice VII transforms into high-density amorphous ice (HDA), which could be a disordered hydrogen bond network (HBN) configuration of ice VII forming out of HDA facilitated by the decoupling of the oxygen movement and reorientation of the H2O molecule
MULCH2O A SPRAYABLE, BIOBASED, BIODEGRADABLE MULCH TECHNOLOGY FOR CERTIFIED ORGANIC SMALL FRUIT PRODUCTION
Get PDFPlastic mulches derived from non-biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene) are a critical technology in agriculture due to their ability to decrease labor costs, improve crop microclimates, suppress weeds, and increase yields. Unfortunately, plastic mulches are often single-use and facilities to recycle them are scarce; thus, this important technology comes at substantial environmental cost in the form of plastic waste and pollution. Due to strict regulations, the issue of plastic waste is especially confounding to certified organic growers, leaving few options other than plastic mulch in certified organic systems. Hydromulch (also known as “hydramulch”) is an alternative, closed-loop, sprayable, biodegradable mulch technology that could eliminate these sustainability concerns while maintaining the horticultural benefits of plastic mulch. This thesis aims to evaluate the efficacy of hydromulch in multiple small fruit cropping systems. Due to most horticulturalists being unfamiliar with hydromulch, chapter one is comprised of a literature review, including the history of paper-based hydromulch, as well as a review of material science and horticultural literature on the topic. For chapters two and three, two studies across three diverse environments were conducted to ascertain hydromulches’ potential in certified organic day-neutral strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa ‘Albion’) and northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Valor®’) systems. The first study evaluated five hydromulch formulations (2% and 6% concentrations of guar gum and psyllium husk tackifiers, and no tackifier) compared to polyethylene mulch film. Despite hydromulch treatments having slightly greater weed pressure, the formulations containing 6% tackifier maintained yield, fruit quality, and tissue nutrient status. The second study investigated three hydromulch treatments (4% guar gum tackifier, no tackifier, and a pre-mixed slurry material with 4% guar gum added) to a woven plastic mulch referred to as “weedmat” using the late-season blueberry cultivar ‘Valor®’. This study demonstrated that the hydromulch treatments were poor at suppressing monocot weeds while dicot weed suppression was comparable to weedmat based on weed biomass. Similar to the strawberry trial, hydromulch treatments maintained yield and fruit quality with the exception of the 4% guar gum treatment, which hadslightly lower yield relative to the no tackifier hydromulch treatment. Leaf tissue nutrient concentrations were unaffected by hydromulch treatments. This thesis shows that hydromulches may be a promising technology for certified organic small fruit systems with low monocot weed pressure. Future work to advance hydromulch technology should seek to improve mechanical properties for better weed suppression and ascertain economic viability on commercial farms
CHLORANTRANILIPROLE AND CYANTRANILIPROLE TOXICITY TO THE FRESHWATER STANDARD SURROGATE SPECIES DAPHNIA MAGNA AND A NATIVE CLADOCERAN, SIMOCEPHALUS VETULUS
Get PDFAs new pesticides come to market, there is a need to assess their toxicity to nontarget organisms. Companies screen them for toxicity to various organisms before they can be registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for sale. The cladoceran Daphnia magna is often used in toxicity tests as a standard surrogate species representing all freshwater invertebrates. However, the use of surrogate species can be problematic if the species is nonnative to the region and less sensitive than the organisms it represents. Differences in susceptibility to pesticides among both aquatic and terrestrial species have been reported, suggesting that the current method of screening is not protective of all species that may be exposed to pesticides. In chapter one, the objective of the study was to investigate the acute and chronic toxicity of two anthranilic diamide class ryanodine-receptor modulator insecticides, chlorantraniliprole (CHLOR, as the formulated product Altacor®) and cyantraniliprole (CYAN, as the formulated product Verimark®), to two species of Daphniids: the standard surrogate species D. magna and a native species Simocephalus vetulus collected and cultured from a local pond in Puyallup, WA, USA. Although I hypothesized S. vetulus would have lower LC50 and EC50 values compared to D. magna, I found no statistically significant difference in their acute lethal toxicities and found D. magna was more sensitive to CHLOR than S. vetulus when looking at immobility as an endpoint. In chronic toxicity tests, I found CHLOR and CYAN significantly decreased fecundity in S. vetulus and the resulting NOEC and LOEC values were lower compared to published D. magna results. In addition to the toxicity tests, the second chapter includes a complete cohort life table for S. vetulus. Vital rates calculated include net reproductive rate (R0) = 232.47, generation time (T) = 23.84, and finite rate of increase (λ) = 1.257. These vital rates resulted in a significantly lower population trajectory compared to D. magna indicating that S. vetulus is inherently more susceptible to stress than D. magna. Life tables can be used to refine population modeling and risk assessments for aquatic invertebrates and food web interactions with predators like endangered salmonids in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Better understanding of differing species susceptibility to new insecticides can guide regulators to improve their screening methods and prevent the registration and/or use of pesticides that unintentionally harm the environment