8224 research outputs found
Sort by
California kelp forests: an analysis of Macrocystis pyrifera and Nereocystis luetkeana restoration after decades of decline
Full text linkCalifornia’s kelp forests are some of the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on the planet. Centuries of anthropogenic degradation via habitat destruction and climate change have culminated in decreased kelp forest habitat at an accelerated rate since at least the 1850s (Scarborough et al. 2022; Rogers-Bennett & Catton, 2019; Kumagai et al. 2024; Smith et al. 2023). This study synthesizes major threats, past and present, to California’s kelp forests, including the overharvesting of multiple species, pollution from coastal development, and climate change impacts. I also examine current management practices regarding kelp forests such as the use of marine protected areas as well as completed and ongoing kelp restoration projects throughout California. Of 83 kelp restoration projects analyzed in California, 71 restoration projects focused on giant kelp, 3 of which are ongoing, and 12 restoration projects focused on bull kelp, 10 of which are ongoing. The most successful projects used multiple restoration methods, with the most successful combination of restoration methods being grazer control, seeding, and transplantation, which yielded successful restoration outcomes in 9 out of 12 projects in California. The least successful restoration method was artificial reefs, which failed in 8 of 16 projects used as the sole restoration method and failed in 12 out of 20 projects when considering restoration attempts that used other kelp restoration methods. The five largest kelp restoration projects used different kelp restoration methods, but all had significant financial capabilities and interest in the restoration activities. These five projects highlight the important role in funding to increase the scale of kelp restoration, the need for diverse resources, the important role of continuous ecological monitoring, and potential to adapt restoration methods to increase the potential for successful kelp restoration. Although California has had over 80 restoration projects, the majority remain small in scale, with the median area of giant kelp restoration projects being 0.51ha and the median area of bull kelp restoration projects being 2.0ha. Multiple individuals involved in kelp restoration cite barriers in policy and long waiting times to obtain proper permitting from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for kelp restoration and associated activities, citing “blue tape” and highlighting the difficulty experienced by citizen scientists and academics wanting to restore California’s kelp forests. To improve restoration outcomes, I recommend using multiple methods together, such as grazer control, seeding, and transplanting, reintroducing the sunflower sea star to Central and Northern California, increasing the publicity of community-based restoration opportunities, and applying methods from the kelp-harvesting industry to increase the scale of kelp restoration
The Long-Term Effect of Universities on Local Technology
Full text linkThis paper studies the long-term effects of universities on local economic complexity, contributing to new evidence on how higher education institutions shape local productive capabilities over time. While extensive research documents universities’ positive impact on development, fundamental questions remain about the mechanisms through which they operate. Our study employs the Economic Complexity Index (ECI), a measure that captures the diversity and ubiquity of regional economic structures, to provide novel insights into universities’ influence on local economies. Building on Andrews (2023), we exploit historical natural experiments in university site selection during the 19th and 20th centuries in the U.S. Using cross-sectional data from 1990 – 2020, we find that university counties exhibit Economic Complexity Index scores approximately ½ standard deviations higher than counterfactual counties, persisting for more than one century and remaining stable over the three decades observed. Analysis of GDP outcomes reveals that university growth effects operate almost entirely through population growth. Our results contribute to understanding the role of anchor institutions in local development and provide important insights for policies aimed at improving regional competitiveness through higher education investments
Analyzing Ballast Water Treatments, Invasive Species, and Pathogens, and A Decade-Long Analysis on the San Francisco and Baltimore Ports
Full text linkInstallation of advanced technologies to treat ballast water on ships is necessary to meet current ballast water management standards and reduce the secondary spread of invasive species during intracoastal voyages. This research includes a literature review on non-native aquatic species, particularly diapausing eggs, and available treatment methods for installation. A comparative analysis from 2014 - 2024 on bulker, tanker, and container vessels arriving coastwise to the ports of San Francisco and Baltimore was performed to evaluate treatment installation trends, traffic patterns, and the effectiveness of treatment(s) on targeting diapausing eggs. Use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation combined with filtration has increased across the decade for both ports. However, this combination is less effective against diapausing eggs. The San Francisco port experiences high vessel traffic within California, while Baltimore sees variable traffic across Canada, New Jersey, and New York. Macro-level invasive organisms like the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) pose significant economic, environmental, and ecological damage, while microorganisms like Cholera (Vibrio cholerae) risk contaminating the water supply through ballast discharge. Treatment methods fall into five categories: mid-ocean exchange, mechanical, physical, chemical, and a combination of treatments. Based on analysis results, this research recommends expanding East Coast research on secondary spread via intracoastal traffic by applying West Coast frameworks by using publicly accessible data, such as the NBIC, to conduct risk assessments. Additional field research on diapausing eggs is needed, using Artemia (brine shrimp) as a model organism. Given the current understanding, filters are recommended as a primary treatment against diapausing eggs
Exploring Arabic, Russian, and Spanish Native Language Teachers’ Perceptions of the Flipped Classroom Model Through the Lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2)
Full text linkThe flipped classroom has become increasingly popular across various educational settings over the last two decades. In the flipped classroom model (FCM), the teacher spends less time on traditional in-classroom activities like lecturing and giving tests, which are instead assigned as homework, and more time on hands-on learning. Although research has shown the FCM is effective in a variety of learning settings, little is known about native language teachers\u27 perceptions of the FCM. This study explored the perceptions of 41 native Arabic, Russian, and Spanish foreign language instructors regarding the FCM at a college-level language institution. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness, usability, and instructional relevance of FCM using the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2). Addressing a gap in research on how native instructors perceive and apply FCM across languages of varying difficulty, the study utilized a survey instrument that included both scaled and open-ended questions to assess five TAM2 dimensions: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, job relevance, output quality, and result demonstrability.
Findings indicated that instructors generally perceived FCM as valuable and relevant, especially when aligned with job-specific teaching goals. However, ease of use and clear instructional outcomes were noted as areas of concern. While TAM2 variables were strongly interrelated, none significantly predicted native language teachers’ adoption of FCM as measured by frequency of use, language type, or semester level. These results suggest that perceptions alone may not drive implementation behavior and that additional contextual or institutional factors likely play a key role. The study recommends language- specific training, adaptable resources, and targeted faculty support to promote effective FCM adoption in diverse language programs
A Visual Nudge Toward Safer Skin: Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI) at the Bedside
No full textObjective: With the increasing prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) among trauma patients at Highland Hospital, a quality improvement initiative was developed as a call to action. The overarching goal of this project was to design and implement a Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) intervention that was both feasible and cost-effective to address existing gaps and disparities during hospitalization at Highland Hospital, part of Alameda Health System in the Bay Area. Aim: The project aimed to evaluate whether a bedside visual cueing system could strengthen nursing compliance with pressure-injury prevention protocols and improve the consistency of communication among interdisciplinary care teams. Methods: Key quality metrics were measured to support Highland Hospital in developing the QAPI intervention. Baseline data, staff perspectives, and unit-level barriers were assessed to identify opportunities for improvement. These findings were used to guide the development of a feasible visual cue that aligned with workflow needs and unit practices. Time constraints and limited implementation periods were identified as major limitations. Intervention: A modified bedside visual cueing system was introduced, showcasing each patient’s Braden Score and a turning clock for two-hour repositioning. The cueing tool was used for a two-week period to evaluate feasibility, clarity, and alignment with clinical workflow. Staff were surveyed to provide feedback and share ideas, which guided refinements to the final visual cue. Results: Quality metrics suggested both improvements and remaining limitations in reducing HAPI prevalence and enhancing communication among care teams. Staff expressed support for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and recognized the potential value of standardized visual reminders. Although promising, the short implementation window limits the ability to fully evaluate long-term adoption and impact. Conclusion: This initiative highlights the potential for bedside visual cueing systems to strengthen nursing compliance, reinforce patient safety, and promote a sustainable culture of prevention. Continued QAPI efforts and interdisciplinary engagement will be essential in ensuring long-term success and reducing HAPI burden within the trauma population
From Fear to Familiar: Addressing Technology Anxiety in a Senior Population
No full textObjective: This quality improvement (QI) project sought to reduce technology-related anxiety and improve technological literacy in a low-income, senior population. AIM: This project aims to reduce the mean modified technology-anxiety score among residents aged ≥65 at a low-income residential (East Bay, CA) by at least 25% from baseline by November 5, 2025, through implementation of a weekly, 1:1 technology mentorship program delivered over seven weeks. Methods: A baseline needs survey, a microsystem assessment, and a literature review guided the quality improvement intervention selection. The intervention consisted of one-on-one technology mentorship education sessions led by University of San Francisco nursing interns, tailored to each participant’s goals and skill level. A modified five-item version of the Abbreviated Technology Anxiety Scale (ATAS) was used to measure anxiety and acceptance, replacing the college-oriented language and redundancy of the original instrument. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using the modified ATAS. Results: The program produced a 28.6 percent reduction in technology anxiety, surpassing the project’s aim and indicating meaningful improvements in participants’ comfort and confidence with everyday digital tools. Conclusions: A structured, weekly one-on-one mentorship model is an effective approach for reducing technology anxiety among low-income older adults, supporting greater digital inclusion and promoting more equitable access to essential technological and health-related resources
Cuing at the Bedside: Implementation of a Color Coded Flyer Cuing System to Conceivably Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries
No full textObjective: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries continue to be an ongoing issue for many acute patient care settings. Not only does it impact patient care, but treatment of these injuries can cost upwards of $151,700 per patient (Sen, 2023). Aim: Occurrence of hospital acquired pressure injuries are being reported at this local East Bay hospital within their adult medical surgical microsystem. To mitigate this problem, a quality improvement intervention was created. A color-coded flyer system to be utilized at the patient’s bedside. Methods: A pre-intervention questionnaire was administered to identify gaps in practice within this microsystem. Once the barriers and challenges were identified, a quality improvement intervention was implemented. There were two weeks of intervention implementation, incorporating nursing staff morning and nighttime flyer usage education huddles. The post-intervention questionnaire provided insight into the perceived sustainability and feasibility of the intervention. Results: 66% of the floor staff who have interacted with this updated flyer system found it sustainable for their microsystem. Conclusions: Nursing staff in this microsystem strongly supported the feasibility of this signage and its incorporation into their day-to-day tasks. However, audits conducted on the microsystem floor showed discrepancies in perceived success and actual usage of the flyer. Limitations include a small sample size and restricted student access to electronic health records
Travesías y Disidencias: Queerizando/Cuirizando la Hermenéutica Bíblica
No full textThis essay proposes to queer biblical hermeneutics as a critical theological intervention that is not limited to the creative rereading of texts, but questions the epistemic and political conditions that regulate interpretation. From a situated and embodied perspective, it affirms that queer bodies and lives do not constitute a pastoral or doctrinal problem, but rather an epistemological place from which to rethink the sacred, authority, and community. In dialogue with Spanish-speaking ecclesial and academic contexts, the analysis is presented as a rigorous and vital intervention that opens fissures, disrupts consensus, and vindicates hermeneutical plurality as theological power
Implementation of a Pre-Discharge Screening Program for Fracture Prevention
No full textProblem Osteoporotic fractures are a major public health concern in the United States; 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 -5 men will experience a fracture due to low bone density. Despite established clinical guidelines, many patients in this managed care health system do not receive timely osteoporosis screening or treatment, placing them at increased risk for costly readmissions averaging $50,000 per hospitalization especially among those discharged to skilled nursing facilities.
Context The improvement project targeted patients admitted with fractures and integrated DEXA scanning during the acute care stay to avoid delays in diagnosis and bisphosphonate therapy. Barriers included limited access to inpatient DEXA scans and inadequate follow-up after discharge.
Interventions A collaborative, redesigned workflow to improve outcomes and reduce costs was implemented over 4 months.
Measures Outcome measures were derived from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), for fracture prevention in older adults. HEDIS measures aim to ensure that patients, particularly women aged 65 and older receive osteoporosis evaluation and treatment within 6 months of a fracture. The current score at this facility is 69% capture rate for treatment or screening as measured by the HEDIS metric, which falls short of the established target of 82% and this organization’s 90% regional goal.
Conclusions Aligning outpatient disease management interventions with inpatient workflows offers the opportunity to improve both patient and organizational outcomes such as readmission reduction and patient satisfaction. Nurse leaders need to explore creative and cost-effective options for reducing morbidity associated with fracture prevention programs
Empowering Library Staff with a LibGuides Design System
No full textAre you responsible for the look and feel of LibGuides at your library? This poster will provide valuable insights into developing a design system — a comprehensive set of web standards for managing layout templates, content creation, and reusable components — that empowers library staff to produce high-quality, consistent content on LibGuides. Attendees will learn about our process for creating the design system, including conducting a content audit focused on usability and accessibility, and developing custom layouts and components aligned with our institutional branding. We will showcase how our design system equips staff with the tools and structure needed to enhance user experience and streamline content management by providing clear guidance on layouts, reusable components, and content creation