ScholarWorks (California State University)
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Watersipora in the central California rocky intertidal: seasonal dynamics and species composition of invasive spread
No full textSeveral taxa within the bryozoan genus Watersipora are global marine invaders that are common in marine fouling communities in bays and harbors. Two species (W. subatra and W. "new species") known to be abundant within San Francisco Bay (California, USA), have recently been recorded spreading to natural intertidal and subtidal habitats on the central California outer coast near the Bay, indicating a high invasive potential in pristine coastal habitats. However, the species composition and genetic diversity of these populations have not been characterized. I generated COI barcoding sequences for Watersipora specimens sampled from five rocky intertidal sites and several dock sites in and around San Francisco Bay, as well as specimens from one subtidal site in Monterey Bay. The two Watersipora species previously recorded within the Bay continue to persist there, and both were also identified at rocky intertidal sites. Field observations of intertidal populations support year-round persistence of Watersipora at rocky intertidal sites, with seasonal shifts in population abundance. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing genetic and seasonal surveys to continue to characterize the genetic diversity and population dynamics of Watersipora's spread along the outer coast.https://doi.org/10.46569/6q182v85
Automating Course ArticulationA Decoupled Metric Learning Framework Using Public Data
No full textThe manual process of determining course equivalency is a signifcant barrier to student mobility and educational equity, leading to substantial credit loss and delayed graduation that disproportionately harms underrepresented students. Previous automated approaches have been limited by a reliance on sensitive student enrollment records or the operational intractability and opacity of using large language models for direct classifcation.This thesis introduces and validates a novel framework that overcomes these challenges by decoupling semantic representation from classifcation, using only publicly available course catalog data. The methodology leverages deep metric learning to fne-tune contextual embedding models on public course text [32]. These specialized embeddings are then used to construct a novel composite distance vector, which serves as a semantically rich feature set for training traditional machine learning classifers such as k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), Random Forest, and XGBoost. Evaluated on a real-world dataset, the proposed framework achieves state-of-the-art accuracy, with F1-scores exceeding 0.97. The result is a computationally efcient, scalable, and privacy-preserving solution that provides institutions with a practical tool to automate course articulation, reduce administrative burden, and foster a more equitable educational ecosystem.https://doi.org/10.46569/pn89dh16
Fallenness, Convalescence, Experience: On Some Motifs in Baudelaire and Nietzsche
No full textWalter Benjamin, in his writings on Baudelaire, contrasts Erfahrung with Erlebnis; Pierre Klossowski, in writing of Nietzsche, notes a tension between expérience à faire and expérience vécue. Both notions Seize upon the fact that Experience is a problem in each writer, not a given or passive reality but a dynamic activity. My thesis seeks to demonstrate that Baudelaire and Nietzsche both conceptualized the problem of Experience in strikingly similar terms, and came to similar answers in major works. Further, the formulation and answer to these problems is not extraneous to the works but is carried out in the works, their tensions and contradictions. I undertake this comparison as an analysis of a small set of motifs, in particular those of the fallen state (in chapter 1) and convalescence (in chapter 2).https://doi.org/10.46569/s4655s49
Predator-Prey Relationships Among Top Predators in California Vernal Pools: Dynamics of California Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) and Predaceous Diving Beetle Larvae (Family Dytiscidae)
No full textUnderstanding predator–prey dynamics among co-occurring top predators is essential for characterizing trophic structure in ephemeral aquatic ecosystems. In California vernal pools, bothendangered California Tiger Salamander larvae (Ambystoma californiense; CTS) and predaceous diving beetle larvae (Family Dytiscidae) function as dominant aquatic predators during theirlarval stages. However, interactions between these taxa remain poorly understood. We conducted a field cage experiment during the 2023 and 2024 hydroperiods to evaluate whether CTS and dytiscid larvae engage in reciprocal predation, and to examine the influence of predator body size and seasonal timing on the outcomes of these interactions. CTS were not observed to prey upon dytiscid larvae at any point during the study. In contrast, CTS mortality was significantly higher in enclosures containing dytiscids, with no mortality recorded in dytiscid-absent treatments. Mortality risk increased with dytiscid body length but was not significantly associated with a particular CTS developmental stage. CTS larval mortality peaked early in the larval season, declined and stabilized during mid-season, and exhibited a further reduction in mortality late in the hydroperiod, indicating seasonally variable predation pressure. These results challenge the prevailing assumption of CTS as apex predators and instead highlight predaceous diving beetle larvae as significant sources of CTS mortality. Incorporating the role of invertebrate predators into conservation and management strategies is essential for enhancing CTS survivorship and maintaining ecological balance in vernal pool communities
Prediction of patient mortality risk in intensive care units using transformers and electronic health records data
No full textThe ability to forecast ICU mortality represents a fundamental clinical duty because it enables health professionals to begin lifesaving interventions early on. The current medical practice predominantly uses structured measurements of heart rate as well as test results while ignoring important diagnostic findings from medical notes. Medical Information Model for Critical Care version 3 includes complete information about structured and unstructured data types. The project uses initial models including Logistic Regression and Random Forest before moving onto deep learning models consisting of LSTM–Transformer and BioClinicalBERT. The prediction system uses MEWS scores and discharge summaries to enhance its forecasting capabilities. The text processing component of BioClinicalBERT produces embeddings from textual input and the prediction certainty determination rests with Monte Carlo Dropout
Animation frame interpolation by using stroke-level correspondence and intermediate flow estimation
No full textThe current animation process is repetitive and labor intensive for the animators since the standard for animated videos is 24 frames per second. That means the animators have to draw 24 images for 1 second of motion. Frame interpolation reduces this labor by taking two images as an input and creating possible images that fit in between the two input images. It is still a topic of active research and improvement, but tools for animation are currently restrictive or lacking. The two key issues with the existing frame interpolation methods are unusual smoothness and limited scope of simple methods, and blending or distortion of the in-between frames in machine learning based methods. Our goal is to create an acceptable quality shortcut for independent creators, using a relatively simple model combining flow estimation and stroke identification techniques. Using the method proposed, the model in this paper can generate in-between sketch frames with a higher pixel to noise ratio compared to two of the baseline models presented in this work AnimeInbet and VFIT
Las adelitas de la revolución educativa: Scholar chisme on the experiences, pedagogy, and sociocultural competence of maestras latinas in dual language immersion schools
No full textThis qualitative study amplifies the experiences of Latina elementary teachers in dual language immersion (DLI) classrooms. It aims to provide insight into how these experiences influence their pedagogical practices and sociocultural competence in DLI settings. Additionally, the research highlights sociocultural competence, which is a vital aspect of dual language education (DLE) and is not yet concretely defined, by examining it through the teachers' lens. The focus is on understanding how their experiences influence both sociocultural competence and pedagogical practices. Moreover, the study investigates how Latina elementary teachers interpret and define sociocultural competence, as well as the impact they feel they have on their students. This study employed Chicana/Latina feminista pláticas, or feminista pláticas, as both a method and methodology. These pláticas serve to collect data through open and conversational exchanges between researchers and participants (Fierros & Delgado Bernal, 2016). Furthermore, pláticas are adaptable and can happen in either individual or group contexts (Flores & Morales, 2022). I participated in six individual pláticas with six self-identified Latina elementary DLI teachers, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes. Additionally, I conducted six 30-minute classroom observations and one group plática lasting approximately an hour and a half with all participants, referred to as the co-creators of knowledge in this study.My findings indicate that Latina DLI teachers draw from personal and generational experiences, cultural awareness, and a deep sense of resilience to shape their identities as bilingual educators. Additionally, the teachers co-created a list of nine elements defining sociocultural competence: (a) Self; (b) Perspectives; (c) Empathy; (d) Compassion; (e) Knowledge; (f) Awareness; (g) Multifaceted; (h) Appropriateness; and (i) Social Justice. Moreover, the findings revealed that these teachers hope to empower students and their families. Lastly, a systemic barrier was identified: the lack of guidance on sociocultural competence for DLI teachers at both the district and state levels. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on bilingual education by centering on the voices of Latina DLI teachers and providing a deeper understanding of how their experiences influence pedagogy and leadership in DLI contexts
The relationship between commute times and mental health in graduate students in the Greater LA area
No full textPurpose: This study examined whether longer commute times had a negative impact on the mental health of Graduate students in the Greater LA area. Methods: 164 participants were recruited through various social media platforms and an online, anonymous Qualtrics survey was used for data collection. Key Findings: The results did not find a statistically significant impact on the mental health of graduate students who had longer commutes. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between commute time to class and leisure time. Implications: From a social work perspective, this study shows the necessity of finding and implementing necessary coping skills and strategies that can safely be used while driving and lessen the impacts of commuting on leisure time. This study, along with future studies, may serve as a reminder of the values of social work, which emphasizes supporting all individuals
Kids? What Are Those?
Get PDFPurpose: This research study explores why cis-gender women ages 25-35 years old have actively decided to be childless up to this point in their lives. Methods: A qualitative research study using one-on-one Zoom interviews were conducted with participants (N=10), asking in-depth questions to gain insight into their decision not to have children. Results were categorized by phrases, words, and sentiments in common amongst participants into themes and subthemes. Results: The study found that women delaying or avoiding having children prioritize personal well-being, financial independence, and stable partnerships, often to provide a better upbringing for their children than they had. Many women also focus on advancing their careers and education before starting a family. Additionally, concerns about the safety of children due to issues like political instability, natural disasters, and school shootings were important to participants. Discussion: The intersectional identities and experiences of women have influenced a woman's choice about when to have children. With new generations of women delaying or deciding to forego having children, it is vital for social and economic change to sustain the population of society. The findings of this study highlight the critical need for improved economic opportunities for women, alongside increased access to essential social support programs that are necessary for raising children
A Systematic Literature Review of The Impact of Planned Parenthood on Women's Reproductive Health: Abortion Access, Healthcare Disparities, and Maternal Health Outcomes Post-Roe v. Wade
Get PDFStudy Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of reproductive restrictions implemented as a result of the Dobbs ruling on abortion access, healthcare disparities, and maternal health outcomes, particularly for marginalized women. Methods: Five databases and ten keywords were used to select twenty-one peer-reviewed articles to meet the inclusion criteria. Findings: Findings indicated that states with strict abortion bans have seen rising maternal mortality rates, worsening disparities in health care, and increased access barriers, particularly for low-income and minority women, to reproductive health care. Access to care was also constrained further by limitations on provider training and clinic closures. Discussion: The findings show broad implications for policy changes needed to combat inequalities in reproductive health care. Future research highlights the need to approach the understanding of these disparities better. Keywords: Planned Parenthood, abortion access, maternal health outcomes, women of color reproductive health, rural healthcare abortion, post-Roe reproductive health, and abortion