A citizen science guide to wild bees and floral visitors in Western Washington

Wild bees and other pollinators are critical for the sustainability of natural and managed ecosystems. Identifying the diversity and species composition of pollinator communities can aid in developing conservation plans and determining if pollination needs are being met. This guide is intended to provide the tools to identify and monitor wild bees and other floral visitors in the Puget Sound Region. Within the guide are labeled diagrams showing the morphological features, size and shape, pollen-carrying device, flowers frequently visited, and flight pattern for each wild bee group. Moreover, we provide a dichotomous key to aid in identification. This field guide was part of our citizen science program, the Citizen Science Initiative for Bees (CSI Bees), which sought to deliver locally specific, data-driven education on wild bees of the Puget Sound Region. This guide is not intended for taxonomic identification, but rather a means for citizen scientists to become familiar with and monitor wild bees in western Washington urban gardens, farms, and landscapes. Since wild bees are difficult to monitor and identify, this guide acts an introductory document for those who would like to understand wild bee biodiversity and contribute to conservation through monitoring

An Investigation of Thrust and Torsional Force Profiles and Their Effects on Hybrid Aerospace Structure Joining

Aerospace manufacturers are seeking to make their processes fully autonomous to enhance productivity while reducing costs. The final assembly of an aircraft requires the mechanical fastening process, which is complex and time-consuming. This level of complexity stems from the wide variety of fasteners, an array of installation tooling, and the need for operators to interpret and make in-situ decisions about the installation process, all while maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision. In the pursuit of developing an autonomous robot-based mechanical fastening operation of aircraft structures, it is critical to comprehend the mechanisms associated with the mechanical fastening process.With these goals in mind, this study examines the mechanisms of pin insertion and collar tightening during the mechanical fastening process when joining a composite/metal hybrid stack. The hybrid stacks evaluated in this study consist of Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite (CFRP) and 2024-T351 Aluminum coupons in a single shear application. The fastener system used is a commercially available aerospace-grade 4.76mm (0.188in) diameter cadmium-coated 4340 alloy-steel Hi-Lite™ pin system, consisting of a pin and a 7075-T6 Aluminum collar. The experimental process considered the angularity effects of both the stack hole and the pin insertion as the sole input process variation. This resulted in a total of five configurations chosen for both the fastener being inserted, as well as the hole bore’s angle variation, and resulted in the following combinations: 0°-0°, 0°-1°, 1°-1°, 0°-2°, and 2°-2°. These conditions also allowed for the derivation of a hypothesized interference fit percentage between the pin being inserted and the hole bore. The fastening experiments consist of two sequences: pin insertion and collar tightening.During the insertion experiments, a Hi-Lite™ pin was inserted into the hybrid stack using a quasi-static velocity of 25.4mm/min (1in/min), while a 3-axis load cell was used to collect both in-plane, and out-of-plane forces. A total of ten trials per condition were conducted, resulting in a total of fifty independent insertion runs. Following the insertion experiments, each of the pins inserted had a Hi-Lite™ collar installed. During the installation of each collar, a commercially available pneumatic tool was used to apply a constant torsional loading until each collar reached its manufacturers-specified torque-off value. A torque sensor attached to the fixture holding each coupon record torque profiles, and a 3-axis load cell simultaneously collected the associated in-plane and out-of-plane force profiles. Lastly, after completing the tightening process, one coupon set for each configuration was disassembled and inspected for any related damage in either the CFRP or Al. This evaluation was performed to capture any resultant influence the angularity condition imparted on the hybrid stack during either of the installation processes.The experimental results of the insertion process showed that the pin insertion force profiles were close in the three configurations (0°-0°, 1°-1°, and 2°-2°), which are considered to be clearance-fit conditions. When the hole bore and pin are concentric/coaxial, the effects of the angularity are negligible. However, in the case of the interference conditions (0°-1°, and 0°-2°), these two configurations resulted in distinct trends and mainly increased resultant force magnitudes up to 165 N. A sudden change in force magnitudes as the pin passes across material boundaries is potentially due to the variation of friction coefficients of the two dissimilar materials or issues associated with hole bore concentricity. In both the 0°-1°, and 0°-2° it was seen that as the pin being inserted was met with increasing resistance, that it would align itself to the hole bore rather than create the hypothesized localized compressive damage in the CFRP upper layers, or at the exit of the 2024-T351 aluminum (i.e., burr formation). This self-aligning mechanism was also observed to be influenced by the Maximum Material Condition (MMC) of a hole as well as the angularity condition, showing an increase in the aligning behavior as both the hole bore angle and the MMC of a given experiment increased. No localized CFRP surface damage or aluminum exit-burrs were found, concluding that the angularity tolerance of +/- 2° would not result in any material damage during the pin installation.The collar tightening experiments resulted in the required increase in the applied axial loading to the pneumatic fastening tool to ensure the collar fastening completion. Given the single-sided nature of installing a Hi-Lite™ pin and collar system, as the angularity of an installed pin increased, so did the off-angled interference of the pin, hex key, collar, and socket, all of which must line up during the installation. As a result, this increasing interference of the tooling required additional force to ensure the socket and collar remained engaged until the collar reached its shear-off torque value. It was noted that regardless of the external load variation or angularity condition, neither one has any significant impact on the measured torsional profile, and in almost all cases, the torque profile was observed to remain unchanged.The assembly mechanisms altered by the hole and pin angularity will assist in the design and development of the end-effector intended to carry out these tasks in an autonomous fashion, as well as the development of the process monitoring sensor specifications

Investigating the Web of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Mediated Signaling Pathways in the Polar Growth of Pollen Tubes

Calcium is an important second messenger in plant cell signaling pathways. Calcium-mediated signaling is critical to many developmental events in the plant life cycle, including the regulation of pollen tube growth. Pollen plays a pivotal role in plant reproduction by producing and transporting sperm cells to be delivered to the egg and facilitate fertilization. Not only is pollen tube growth a prerequisite for the plant life cycle to proceed, but the economic relevance of this process has major implications to food security. The crops we consume as fruits or seeds are the direct result of succesfull pollen tube growth and thus the efficiency of this process has humanitarian ramifications beyond that of the plant life cycle. There are many signaling pathways that overlap with one another to coordinate pollen tube growth. Polar growth, where growth is restricted to a single expansion point, requires the coordination of cell processes that provide the accurate deposition and recycling of new cell wall materials. Among these processes the role of steep calcium pulses at the tube apex followed by expansion of the tube tip has been demonstrated. Increased calcium levels in the tube tip result in the activation of different down-stream calcium-activated proteins. Our lab previously identified a calcium-depdendent protein kinase (CDPK), CDPK1, as one of these proteins activated by calcium. When CDPK1 is over-expressed in pollen the tube tip becomes swollen and spherical, supporting a role for this protein in the polar growth of pollen tubes. Here substrates of CDPK1 that are involed in the polar growth of pollen tubes have been identified. The first protein investigated in this work is a rho guanine dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI1) that was identified as interacting with CDPK1 using a yeast 2-hybrid system. Using stable transgenic tobacco it was shown that co-expression of RhoGDI1 partially rescued the CDPK1 over-expression phenotype in pollen tubes. This result supports a genuine interaction between these two proteins. As this was the only candidate interaction identified using the yeast 2 hybrid system alternative experiments were designed to in an effort to identify additional CDPK1substrates. An pull-down experiment intended to isolate CDPK1 and any interacting protein partners from pollen lysate of stable transgenic tobacco was performed. This resulted in identification of 123 of potential CDPK1 substrates. Two were selected for further characterization, a 14-3-3 protein called growth factor 14 (GF14) and a rho GTPase activating protein (RhoGAP) called rho GTPase enhancer 1 (REN1). Studies were carried out in stable transgenic tobacco to confirm or deny the interactions of these proteins with CDPK1. These studies are imperative for understanding the role calcium plays in vital processes such as pollen tube growth. Calcium signaling is likely to overlap and intersect with many other signaling pathways and hence a holistic view of the processes governed by calcium is paramount if we ever hope to manipulate those processes

Soil Compaction in Annual Crop Production Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

Soil compaction is commonly understood to be a serious and widespread concern for agricultural production and environmental health. It results in poor soil structure, restricted water movement, and reduced biological activity, ultimately reducing crop yield and other critical soil functions. Additionally, it can cause environmental damage by increasing the potential for soil erosion and associated surface water pollution. This damage and its consequences are particularly concerning given that soil regenerates so slowly that it can effectively be considered a nonrenewable resource. This publication examines how agricultural activities cause compaction, under what conditions soils are particularly susceptible to compaction, how it is identified and measured, and how it can be repaired using implements and through management practices, such as cover cropping

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: AN EXAMINATION OF THE ATTRIBUTES, FACILITATORS, AND BARRIERS WITHIN THE K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOL ARENA

This qualitative study investigated the attributes, facilitators, and barriers to professional learning within K-12 public school districts, focusing on the experiences of Teaching and Learning leaders in Washington state. Recognizing that systemic structures and an organizational culture supportive of professional development are crucial for equitable student outcomes, this research sought to understand how these central office leaders of professional development describe the conditions and challenges in planning and implementing professional development, and how district culture influences this work. Utilizing a qualitative design, the study gathered rich insights through semi-structured interviews, providing a voice to participants to share their leadership successes and challenges within their unique contexts.Key findings indicate that effective professional learning is characterized by strong alignment with district priorities, instructional goals, and systemic strategies, fostering a shared purpose among educators. Crucial facilitators include robust leadership support, which promotes collaboration and communication, and the emotional intelligence of facilitators, vital for building trust and psychologically safe spaces. Conversely, significant barriers identified were educator resistance to change, often stemming from a lack of agency, overload, insufficient support, and a perceived disconnect from classroom realities, alongside limitations in time and financial resources. The study also illuminated the pervasive influence of broader contextual factors, such as public perception, accountability pressures, policy mandates, and collective bargaining agreements, on professional learning initiatives. This research contributes to the field of educational leadership by offering practical insights into cultivating conditions and mitigating barriers for meaningful professional learning experiences that can lead to transformational change. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic and integrated approach to professional development, emphasizing its direct link to enhancing teaching practices, fostering collective responsibility, and promoting continuous improvement

NARRATING THE JOURNEY: ELEMENTARY STEM TEACHERS’ REFLECTIONS ON LEARNING TO IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED STEM

This phenomenological study explores the retrospective accounts of experienced elementary STEM teachers as they reflect on their early experiences implementing integrated STEM instruction. Despite growing national and global emphasis on STEM education, the preparation of elementary STEM teachers continues to fall short, often requiring educators to build their expertise on the job while teaching. Through qualitative interviews and focus groups with six teachers with prior experience working in STEM-focused schools and initiatives this study examines their recollections of the challenges they encountered as novices, the supports they drew upon, and their reflections on how their pre-service preparation influenced their readiness to teach integrated STEM.Findings indicate that teachers struggled with conceptualizing and implementing integrated STEM, aligning lessons with standards, and accessing necessary instructional resources. Many reported feeling underprepared due to inadequate training in interdisciplinary teaching and a lack of exposure to STEM pedagogies prior to taking up positions in STEM-focused schools. However, they overcame these challenges through professional learning, peer collaboration, and administrative and community support.The study highlights the critical role of administrative support, professional learning communities, and external partnerships in sustaining STEM education. It also reveals that teachers’ personal beliefs, professional identity development, and student engagement served as motivators that helped them persist despite initial struggles. Participants expressed a need for significant reforms in elementary STEM teacher preparation, advocating for integrated STEM methods courses, extended field experiences in STEM schools, and explicit instruction in standards-based interdisciplinary teaching.This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on STEM teacher education and offers insights into improving pre-service and in-service support for elementary STEM teachers. The study provides recommendations for policymakers, teacher educators, and school leaders aiming to strengthen STEM education in elementary settings by addressing systemic gaps in teacher preparation and suggestions for enhancing professional development opportunities

DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND CONTROL OF THE SPI-MOD CSR: A SINGLE PNEMATIC INPUT MODULAR CONTINUUM SOFT ROBOT

Soft robotics field is a new field of robotics research that focuses on developing and advancing the use of compliant materials in the development of robots. The inherent properties of these soft materials form the foundation for robots that can safely interact with humans in work environments and adapt to irregular conditions. This foundation has led to the rapid development of soft robot prototypes that range in all sizes and are used for medical devices, search and rescue, and more. The soft nature of the robot’s alternative actuation methods, as compared to heavy rigid motors, is a large focus of soft robotics research. One of the most commonly used actuation methods in the field of soft robotics is pneumatics. Pneumatic robots typically actuate by means of manipulating the shape and properties of soft components to control the direction and force exerted by the expansion of pressurized chambers. While this power system is accessible and capable, the means by which the fluidic pressure is delivered is often cumbersome and restrictive and limits the minimum size of soft robots. For example, common pressure delivery systems for soft robots require a tube for each individually controlled chamber in a robot’s design. Thus, as a soft robot’s design and movement become more complex, more individually controlled chambers are required and the volume for the pressure delivery system increases. This direct relationship of motion complexity to volume for power delivery determines the minimum size of a high degree of freedom robot. In response to this limitation, a nascent concentric-tubed spool valve (CTSV) was developed and integrated into the design of the single pneumatic input modular continuum soft robot (SPI-Mod CSR). The CTSV exploits the three-dimensional space between two concentric tubes to create a flexible adaptable valve system that requires minimal space to supply pneumatic power to multiple chambers in a soft robot with only a single pressure delivery tube. This design allows for a significant decrease in the size of modular continuum soft robots. The SPI-MOD CSR is a continuum soft robot that is fabricated with modular, two-chamber segments that can rotate about a single axis. These segments are attached to each other at a 90-degree offset such that every segment rotates about a different axis than their adjacent segments, providing a discreet approximation of snake-like motion. The central axis of the robot was designed with a channel running through it to serve as the outer tube of the CTSV and allowing for a flexible tube to be inserted. Holes in the pressure supply tube align with the inlets of the robot's chambers allowing for chambers to be selectively pressurized. With segments only one centimeter in length and two centimeters in diameter, the SPI-Mod CSR is one of the smallest modular soft robots to date and required the development of a specialized casting method. The Intermediary Sacrificial Mold Casting method for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) components presented here allows for the fabrication of the complex and relatively small segments of the SPI-Mod CSR. This fabrication method uses an intermediary sacrificial mold made from Field's metal in combination with the cost-effective high-resolution capabilities of a monochrome LCD 3D printer to bypass the cure inhibition of PDMS parts resulting from chemical compounds found in resin printed parts. The sacrificial nature of the intermediary molds allows for the fabrication of geometrically complex features and fragile components. Due to the single pressure tube nature of the CTSV in the SPI-Mod CSR, the discreet step Jacobian control method was developed to approximate the control found in Jacobian inverse kinematics-based control methods. With the discreet step Jacobian control method and a custom visual feedback system, multiple tests were performed driving the end effector to designated goal positions

Application of artificial intelligence in educational measurement: opportunities and ethical challenges

人工智能（Artificial Intelligence, AI）与教育测量的结合促进了测评方法的转变，通过机器学习和自然语言处理，实现了自动评分、快速内容分析和个性化反馈。这些发展为学生的表现提供了宝贵的见解，同时也提升了整体测评体验。然而，AI在教育领域的应用也引发了有关效度、信度、透明性、公平性和公正性的重大伦理问题。算法偏差和AI决策过程不透明等问题有可能加剧不平等，影响测评结果。为此，包括教育工作者、政策制定者和测试机构在内的各利益相关方制定了指导方针，以确保AI在教育领域中的应用符合伦理规范。美国国家教育测量委员会测量与教育中的人工智能特别兴趣小组（AI in Measurement and Education, AIME）致力于制定该领域的伦理规范并推动研究的进一步发展。在本文中，不同背景的AIME成员共同探讨了AI工具在教育测量中的伦理影响，分析了自动化偏差和环境影响等重大挑战，并提出了确保AI在教育领域负责任且高效应用的解决方案

Virtual Reality—An Evaluative Case Study Supporting College Readiness During a Global Pandemic

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive environment, within the bounds of visual perception, which is entirely created or generated (Milgram & Kishino, 1994). Applying VR in educational settings, specifically with historically excluded learners, has not been fully explored. This evaluative case study follows a college-readiness program through one full school year cycle for the implementation of VR support, during a global pandemic. Due to social distancing and the pandemic, many learners were sent into virtual spaces. In response, an Upward Bound-funded college-readiness program piloted VR in their mentoring and tutoring campaigns. Findings from the study indicate that VR supports language learning through immersive visual input. The results suggest that participants’ motivation to learn might be increased when offered VR as an alternative to traditional video conferencing. Additionally, participants were able to acquire digital literacy skills while using VR. This study offers important implications for using VR to support college-readiness programs, academic language learning, and as a support for content instruction