Search

Service-learning can produce timely paradigmatic shifts in the psychology curriculum and in teaching practices. This innovative pedagogy enhances students' academic learning, personal growth, civic development, and professional development. Service-learning pedagogy also has the potential of enhancing students' understanding of, and commitment to, "glocal" (global-local) issues as expressed in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Service-learning is defined and proffered to transform the undergraduate psychology curriculum by engaging the department faculty to align course outcomes and scaffold community-engaged activities from the introductory to capstone courses. This transformation is illustrated with a major contemporary challenge: climate change.

This article is a genuine contribution between an undergraduate student (Jennifer Zicka) and her mentor (Dr. Roger Reeb). Jennifer made unique contributions to an ongoing project that empowers and supports guests at homeless shelters as they strive to overcome personal challenges and obstacles related to homelessness. After a brief description of the Project, we celebrate Jennifer's unique contributions, which sets the stage for the centerpiece of the article -- Jennifer's heartfelt reflection on how this experiential learning contributed to her civic-related development, personal growth, and the pursuit of her dream career.

Purpose of reviewIncreasing wildfire size and severity across the western United States has created an environmental and social crisis that must be approached from a transdisciplinary perspective. Climate change and more than a century of fire exclusion and wildfire suppression have led to contemporary wildfires with more severe environmental impacts and human smoke exposure. Wildfires increase smoke exposure for broad swaths of the US population, though outdoor workers and socially disadvantaged groups with limited adaptive capacity can be disproportionally exposed. Exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with a range of health impacts in children and adults, including exacerbation of existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, worse birth outcomes, and cardiovascular events. Seasonally dry forests in Washington, Oregon, and California can benefit from ecological restoration as a way to adapt forests to climate change and reduce smoke impacts on affected communities.Recent findingsEach wildfire season, large smoke events, and their adverse impacts on human health receive considerable attention from both the public and policymakers. The severity of recent wildfire seasons has state and federal governments outlining budgets and prioritizing policies to combat the worsening crisis. This surging attention provides an opportunity to outline the actions needed now to advance research and practice on conservation, economic, environmental justice, and public health interests, as well as the trade-offs that must be considered. Scientists, planners, foresters and fire managers, fire safety, air quality, and public health practitioners must collaboratively work together. This article is the result of a series of transdisciplinary conversations to find common ground and subsequently provide a holistic view of how forest and fire management intersect with human health through the impacts of smoke and articulate the need for an integrated approach to both planning and practice.

The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach, together referred to as the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, are an important source of regional economic activity in southern California. However, the port complex is also the single largest fixed source of air pollution in the region. In response to pressure from regulatory agencies and local communities, the two ports developed a Clean Air Action Plan in 2006.The research team assembled three case studies of programs implemented under the Clean Air Action Plan: the Technology Advancement Program, voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction programs, and the Clean Trucks Program. An additional case study featured a proposed private-sector infrastructure project: the Southern California International Gateway project. Each case study describes the program, stakeholders involved, barriers to implementation, and outcomes. These cases highlight the institutional challenges the ports face while working with a multitude of stakeholders and regulatory bodies to address both environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. View the NCST Project Webpage

Because sequential patterns of multiple transition events (i.e., college graduation, full-time employment, marriage, and parenthood) are associated with turning points in depressive symptom trajectories during young adulthood, the present study used a sample of 446 White adolescents (52.3% females; 15.58 years old, on average) over 18 years (1992 to 2010) to (a) identify distinct "longitudinal joint processes" between these sequential patterns of life transition events and turning points of depressive symptom trajectories by using a person-centered modeling approach and (b) investigate the influence of adverse family and individual contexts (negative family economic events, hostile relationships with parents, and impulsive sensation seeking) in adolescence on these longitudinal joint processes. We identified six longitudinal joint processes: (a) traditional transition pattern with no turning points in depressive symptom trajectories, (b) traditional transition pattern with turning points in depressive symptom trajectories in the mid-to-late 20s, (c) early parenthood transition pattern with no turning points in depressive symptom trajectories, (d) early parenthood transition pattern with turning points in depressive symptom trajectories in the mid-to-late 20s, (e) precocious transition pattern with no turning points in depressive symptom trajectories, and (f) precocious transition pattern with depressive symptom turning points (or fluctuations) throughout young adulthood. Negative family economic events, hostile relationships with parents, and impulsive sensation seeking in adolescence influenced these longitudinal joint processes. Hostile relationships with parents also uniquely influenced turning points in depressive symptoms during young adulthood while impulsive sensation seeking uniquely influence sequential patterns of life transition events. Clinical implications are discussed.

Background and aims – In contrast to the flowering plants, the pteridophyte flora of Madagascar is still understudied. While several studies have been published on the eastern and central parts of the island, there are currently few works dedicated to the pteridophytes of southwestern Madagascar. The aim of this work is to increase the knowledge of the pteridophyte flora of the Isalo massif in southwestern Madagascar. It presents a checklist of Isalo’s pteridophytes and an analysis of the diversity and distribution patterns of pteridophyte communities across ecological gradients in the eastern canyons of Isalo. Material and methods – Eighty plots were placed in six canyons. In each plot, pteridophyte species abundance was inventoried, as well as several ecological and geomorphological variables. A census in the field and observations on specimens in herbaria were carried to make a checklist of all the pteridophyte species known for Isalo. Statistical analysis was carried out to understand the pteridophyte diversity and distribution patterns in the Isalo’s canyons: (1) exploratory analysis (FAMD and HCPC) highlights the general patterns of ecological gradients, (2) a rarefaction curve was used to compare species diversity, and (3) co-inertia analysis investigated the relationship between ecological gradient and pteridophyte communities. Key results – In total, 60 species of ferns and lycophytes have been recorded in the massif, including ten endemic species to Madagascar and 11 species reported for the first time in the Isalo massif. Species diversity is especially high in the northern canyons (Anjofo, Andramanero, Antsifotra) in contrast to the middle (Maki and Rats) and southern (Namaza) canyons. Fern distribution patterns were correlated to a combination of environmental factors, highlighting species-specific ecological preferences.

This white paper provides educational and policy-driven approaches to sustainable transportation workforce development in the transit sector with a focus on knowledge transfer and training strategies for zero-emission bus technologies. The authors draw from a comprehensive survey of national research, interviews with transit leaders, and case studies to identify the most critical technology transfer gaps in the adoption of zero-emission bus technologies. The paper concludes with strategic transit workforce priorities and related recommendations for transit leaders, educational partners, and policy makers.View the NCST Project Webpage

Critical to freight movement in Southern California are environmental plans at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and Port of Long Beach (POLB). The combined port complex is the single largest fixed source of air pollution in the South Coast Air Basin. This white paper presents three case studies from the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), including brief analyses of their effects on freight movement in the region. This research also includes a case study of a private-sector, yet-to-be-built infrastructure project designed to support the faster movement of freight out of the San Pedro Bay Ports called the Southern California International Gateway (SCIG). The case studies are provided to elucidate how self-regulating agreements and operator-led programs contribute to regional environmental goals for freight operations. The findings indicate in part that stakeholder power relationships influence the ability to both develop environmental strategies and determine their outcomes. They also indicate that port-focused plans are more effective when their impact on the entire supply chain is considered. The research also helps to illustrate examples of unintended consequences of freight-related environmental measures which will prove useful to policymakers and operators alike.View the NCST Project Webpage

Background. To address the increasing demands for gastroenterology specialty care and increasing wait times, centralized access and triage (CAT) systems, telephone support, and clinical care pathways were implemented to streamline referrals and support management of low-risk gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in the primary care medical home. This study aimed to understand primary care providers (PCPs) and GI specialists’ perceptions of these supports, factors that affect support implementation and identify barriers and facilitators for implementing supports from both PCP and GI specialists’ perspectives. Methods. We conducted a mixed method study including surveys and interviews with PCPs and GI specialists. Online surveys and semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted from July 2022 to September 2022. All interviews were transcribed and coded to perform a thematic analysis. Survey data were analyzed in SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize and describe the data collected. Inferential statistics were used to identify associations and relationships within the dataset. T-test and chi-square tests were applied at 95% confidence level, with a p value

El pronóstico de cosecha es un gran desafío en la producción de peras. Estimar el tamaño de los frutos a partir de curvas de crecimiento permite predecir tanto la cantidad como la calidad de la fruta para cosecha. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo ajustar modelos mixtos no lineales multiniveles (MMNL) basados en la curva logística para describir el crecimiento de peras “William´s” en el Alto Valle de Río Negro y Neuquén, Argentina. Los modelos ajustados incorporaron diferentes índices termoacumulativos que contemplan los efectos de la temperatura en la fisiología del crecimiento de los frutos. De esta manera, se logra no solo describir el crecimiento de los frutos, sino también se pueden observar las variaciones ambientales a lo largo de las temporadas de crecimiento. El estudio se realizó en perales “William´s” durante 16 temporadas. Se seleccionaron e identificaron al azar numerosos árboles y frutos. A cada fruto se le midió su diámetro ecuatorial semanalmente con un calibre digital electrónico. Los datos climáticos se obtuvieron de la estación meteorológica del INTA Alto Valle y los índices termoacumulativos se calcularon a partir de los datos de temperaturas. Los mejores modelos fueron seleccionados según los criterios de información. El MMNL multinivel permitió discernir y cuantificar las fuentes de variabilidad estocástica en diferentes niveles, lo que permitió obtener mejores criterios de información en comparación con los modelos que solo consideraron un único nivel de variabilidad entre los efectos aleatorios. La incorporación de índices termoacumulativos mejoró notablemente la performance de los modelos obtenidos.

Through discriminatory policies and neoliberal practices, public institutions have historically marginalized low-wage migrants on the basis of race, ethnicity, class, and English-language ability. Under the Trump administration and Republican-led Congress, anti-immigrant practices and rhetoric have intensified. This paper explores the impact of current educational policies as they exist in a structure dominated by anti-immigrant ideology. In a critical review of scholarly literature, this paper examines the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in the context of past legislation and the position of these groups within the structure of U.S. education. Our investigation acknowledges that the ESSA attempts to improve educational opportunities for low-wage migrants, but the policy's shift toward state and local control creates uncertainty for these students. Specifically, we conclude that policy implementation for migrant populations will remain ineffective without fundamental changes to the climate and organization of state and local systems.

Yield forecasting depends on accurate tree fruit counts and mean size estimation. This information is generally obtained manually, requiring many hours of work. Artificial vision emerges as an interesting alternative to obtaining more information in less time. This study aimed to test and train YOLO pre-trained models based on neural networks for the detection and count of pears and apples on trees after image analysis; while also estimating fruit size. Images of trees were taken during the day and at night in apple and pear trees while fruits were manually counted. Trained models were evaluated according to recall, precision and F1score. The correlation between detected and counted fruits was calculated while fruit size estimation was made after drawing straight lines on each fruit and using reference elements. The precision, recall and F1score achieved by the models were up to 0.86, 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. Correlation coefficients between fruit sizes measured manually and by images were 0.73 for apples and 0.80 for pears. The proposed methodologies showed promising results, allowing forecasters to make less time consuming and accurate estimates compared to manual measurements. Highlights: • The number of fruits in apple and pear trees, could be estimated from images with promising results. • The possibility of estimating the fruit numbers from images could reduce the time spent on this task, and above all, the costs. This allow growers to increase the number of trees sampled to make yield forecasts.

ABSTRACT Linezolid is an antibiotic used to treat serious Staphylococcus aureus infections. Resistance to linezolid is considered rare but could emerge with repeated dosing. We recently reported widespread prescription of linezolid for a cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The goals of this study were to determine the incidence of linezolid-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in CF and identify molecular mechanisms for linezolid resistance. We identified patients who cultured S. aureus resistant to linezolid with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >4 at the University of Iowa CF Center between 2008 and 2018. We obtained isolates from these patients and retested susceptibility to linezolid using broth microdilution. We used whole genome sequencing to perform phylogenetic analysis of linezolid-resistant isolates and examine sequences for mutations or accessory genes that confer linezolid resistance. Between 2008 and 2018, 111 patients received linezolid, and 4 of these patients cultured linezolid-resistant S. aureus. We sequenced 11 resistant and 21 susceptible isolates from these 4 subjects. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that linezolid resistance developed in ST5 or ST105 backgrounds. Three individuals had linezolid-resistant S. aureus with a G2576T mutation in 23S rRNA. One of these subjects additionally had a mutS− mutL− hypermutating S. aureus that produced five resistant isolates with multiple ribosomal subunit mutations. In one subject, the genetic basis for linezolid resistance was unclear. We conclude that linezolid resistant S. aureus can occur through multiple genetic mechanisms in patients with repeated exposure to this antibiotic. IMPORTANCE Patients with cystic fibrosis have persistent lung infections with Staphylococcus aureus that require extensive antibiotic treatments. Linezolid, an antibiotic given by oral or intravenous route, is prescribed repeatedly for patients whose lung disease has progressed. After treatment with linezolid, S. aureus strains can evolve antibiotic resistance through multiple genetic mechanisms. In addition to a common mutation in the 23S ribosomal RNA known to confer linezolid resistance, S. aureus strains can evolve novel resistance based on a combination of mutations affecting the bacterial ribosome. This combination of mutations was observed in a strain that exhibited hypermutation owing to the loss of the DNA repair genes mutS and mutL. In this cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis, linezolid resistance was transient, possibly due to the growth disadvantage of resistant strains. However, ongoing chronic exposure to linezolid may create optimal conditions for the future emergence of resistance to this critical antibiotic.

BackgroundThe Critical Assessment of Functional Annotation (CAFA) is an ongoing, global, community-driven effort to evaluate and improve the computational annotation of protein function.ResultsHere, we report on the results of the third CAFA challenge, CAFA3, that featured an expanded analysis over the previous CAFA rounds, both in terms of volume of data analyzed and the types of analysis performed. In a novel and major new development, computational predictions and assessment goals drove some of the experimental assays, resulting in new functional annotations for more than 1000 genes. Specifically, we performed experimental whole-genome mutation screening in Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aureginosa genomes, which provided us with genome-wide experimental data for genes associated with biofilm formation and motility. We further performed targeted assays on selected genes in Drosophila melanogaster, which we suspected of being involved in long-term memory.ConclusionWe conclude that while predictions of the molecular function and biological process annotations have slightly improved over time, those of the cellular component have not. Term-centric prediction of experimental annotations remains equally challenging; although the performance of the top methods is significantly better than the expectations set by baseline methods in C. albicans and D. melanogaster, it leaves considerable room and need for improvement. Finally, we report that the CAFA community now involves a broad range of participants with expertise in bioinformatics, biological experimentation, biocuration, and bio-ontologies, working together to improve functional annotation, computational function prediction, and our ability to manage big data in the era of large experimental screens.

Infants' pointing is associated with concurrent and later language development. The communicative intention behind the point-i.e., imperative versus declarative-can affect both the nature and strength of these associations, and is therefore a critical factor to consider. Parents' pointing is associated with both infant pointing and infant language; however, less work has examined the intent behind parents' points. We explore relations between parents' and infants' pointing at the level of communicative intention, and examine how pointing relates to concurrent and longitudinal infant language skills. In a sample of 52 mother-infant dyads, we measured mother and infant pointing at infant age 12-months, and infant expressive and receptive language at 12-, 18-, and 24-months. We found that mothers produced points with a variety of intentions, however we did not find relations between mother and infant pointing within the different communicative intentions. Replicating previous research, infant declarative pointing was related both concurrently and longitudinally to their language ability. Mothers' declarative pointing was related to their infants' concurrent language, while their imperative pointing was not. Further, there was an interaction between parent and infant declarative pointing, such that the positive relation between parents' declarative pointing and their infants' concurrent receptive language was present only for those infants who were also producing declarative points themselves. Findings suggest that parents' declarative pointing may support both their infants' early word learning and, perhaps, provides a model for their infant to begin using points as well. This study constitutes an important initial exploration of these relations.