Pilot mentorship project promotes equity and diversity in STEM

Minority groups are chronically underrepresented in both faculty and post-graduate roles in academia. Part of this problem begins with the known socioeconomic and cultural barriers to finding and obtaining research experiences on campus. Our mentorship program targets early steps in student career development to mitigate systemic and invisible barriers that lead to lowered diversity in later stages of academia. By providing opportunities targeted towards and allocated for equity-seeking groups, the program works towards increasing inclusion in academic spaces. Here we present a two-pronged mentorship and research micro-experience program which uniquely supports undergraduate students in obtaining and succeeding in research positions. The mentorship component of the program focuses on student’s professional development and cultivating community. Mentees and mentors meet once a week to learn about different career paths and opportunities in science. Mentors use crafted tools to help students develop their skills and knowledge that will help them navigate academic and professional spaces. In addition, the micro-experience component provides a 40-hour paid internship for students, helping them to take the critical first step in gaining research experience. Student and mentor feedback from the program demonstrates the community building and sense of belonging this program has fostered for underrepresented populations in academic spaces

A seismic study of the Krafla volcanic system, Iceland

Following a major crustal rifting episode centred on the Krafla volcanic system in Northeast Iceland, the local seismicity was monitored for three months using a dense network of single component seismometers. Initial earthquake locations were computed for 489 local events using a one-dimensional velocity model derived from seismic refraction data. Activity was concentrated in clusters beneath a geothermal area within the Krafla caldera and below the Bjarnarflag geothermal well field to the south, and in a narrow linear zone coincident with a site of recent dyke injection. Events of magnitudes -2.4 to 2.1 were located. The b-value for the entire dataset is 0.77±0.10, and is lower for events at Bjarnarflag than for events in the dyke injection zone. Seismicity was continuous. A simultaneous inversion of 1771 P-wave arrival times was carried out to calculate the 3-d velocity structure and refine hypocentral locations. The derivative weight sum was used to identify the well-resolved volume. High velocity bodies at depth beneath the rim of the caldera are high density intrusives, probably gabbros. Volumes of low velocity coincide with zones of geothermal exploitation within the caldera and beneath Bjarnarflag, and result from intense fracturing and hydrothermal alteration. After relocation through the three-dimensional velocity structure, the spatial distribution of hypocentres is more focussed and considerably shallower than before. This led to a closer correlation between zones of seismicity and detailed features within the source volumes, such as geothermal reservoirs, fault surfaces and zones of known recent magmatic intrusion. Focal mechanisms were determined using P-wave polarity data for 153 of the best located earth quakes, of which 139 have double couple solutions. Fourteen events were non-double couple, 4 of which could be solved as either opening or closing tensile cracks assuming small circle nodal lines. The biasing effect of using incorrect hypocentres and an over-simplified velocity structure were investigated by 3-d ray tracing. The effects on ray angles are large and variable. The impact of these effects on double couple solutions is generally small, but can be critical for the confident identification of non-double couple events. Seismicity in geothermal areas results from cooling and fracturing of hot intrusives at depth, and fault surfaces are marked by enhanced seismicity when they provide efficient migratory paths for geothermal fluids. Seismicity may be induced partially by geothermal mining. The stress field in the Krafla volcanic system at the time of the survey was variable along its length, as was the mode of fracturing. The stress field at Bjarnarflag was chaotic. In the geothermal area within the caldera σ(_3) was perpendicular to the plate boundary, and in the dyke injection zone σ(_1) was perpendicular to the plate boundary. Such heterogeneity in the stress field is contrary to what might be expected at a spreading axis, and is attributed to variation in regional extensional stress release during the recent rifting episode

Using microsimulation feedback for trip adaptation for realistic traffic in Dallas

This paper presents a day-to-day re-routing relaxation approach for traffic simulations. Starting from an initial planset for the routes, the route-based microsimulation is executed. The result of the microsimulation is fed into a re-router, which re-routes a certain percentage of all trips. This approach makes the traffic patterns in the microsimulation much more reasonable. Further, it is shown that the method described in this paper can lead to strong oscillations in the solutions.Comment: Accepted by International Journal of Modern Physics C. Complete postscript version including figures in http://www-transims.tsasa.lanl.gov/research_team/papers

A descriptive analysis of fees at four-year public universities : differentiating between tuition and fees

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on August 28, 2012).The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file.Dissertation advisor: Dr. Bradley CursIncludes bibliographical references.Vita.Ph. D. University of Missouri-Columbia 2012."May 2012"Despite the overabundance of data collected and analyzed about tuition as a primary cost of public higher education, little to no attention has been paid to fees as a portion of that cost. Most of the existing research combines tuition and required fees into one entity, rarely separating fees from tuition, and disregarding non-required fees altogether. Framed by the theories of academic capitalism, resource dependency, and neoliberalism (Slaughter & Rhoades, 2004), this descriptive analysis examines the use of required and non-required fees as part of the overall price of public higher education institutions, differentiating at both the in-state and out-of-state, and the undergraduate and graduate levels. Further, internal and external institutional factors are compared with the use of fees as a revenue generating strategy to see if differences exist among certain public institutions. Findings suggest that there are differences among fee structures as institutions that are more research intensive tend to charge higher fees than non-research intensive, indicating that research institutions may be using fees as a way to increase revenue, enhance perceived quality, and remain competitive in the marketplace. Results also indicate that the external variables of region, state, governance structure, political culture, and regulation contribute to variations in fee structures exhibiting that fees are not as simple in their creation as one might think. The results could prove valuable in the arenas of finance and policy creation for public higher education institutions by allowing policy to be created that will change the current fee environment from a hidden procedure to a more evident process.Includes bibliographical reference

Particle separation

Embodiments of a method for selecting particles, such as based on their morphology, is disclosed. In a particular example, the particles are charged and acquire different amounts of charge, or have different charge distributions, based on their morphology. The particles are then sorted based on their flow properties. In a specific example, the particles are sorted using a differential mobility analyzer, which sorts particles, at least in part, based on their electrical mobility. Given a population of particles with similar electrical mobilities, the disclosed process can be used to sort particles based on the net charge carried by the particle, and thus, given the relationship between charge and morphology, separate the particles based on their morphology

Resource harvesting through a systematic deconstruction of the residential house: A case study of the 'Whole House Reuse' project in Christchurch, New Zealand

© 2018 by the authors. This study analyzes the case study of a deconstruction project called the 'Whole House Reuse' (WHR) which aimed, firstly, to harvest materials from a residential house, secondly, to produce new products using the recovered materials, and thirdly, to organize exhibition for the local public to promote awareness on resource conservation and sustainable deconstruction practices. The study applies characterization of recovered materials through deconstruction. In addition to the material recovery, the study assesses the embodied energy saving and greenhouse gas emissions abatement of the deconstruction project. Around twelve tons of various construction materials were harvested through a systematic deconstruction approach, most of which would otherwise be disposed to landfill in the traditional demolition approach. The study estimates that the recovered materials could potentially save around 502,158 MJ of embodied energy and prevent carbon emissions of around 27,029 kg (CO2e). The deconstruction could eventually contribute to New Zealand's national emission reduction targets. In addition, the project successfully engages local communities and designers to produce 400 new products using the recovered materials and exhibits them to the local people. The study concludes that there is a huge prospect in regard to resource recovery, emission reduction, employment, and small business opportunities using deconstruction of the old house. The sociocultural importance of the WHR project is definitely immense; however, the greater benefits of such projects are often ignored and remain unreported to wider audiences as most of the external and environmental costs are not considered in the traditional linear economy. It is acknowledged that under a favorable market condition and with appropriate support from local communities and authorities, deconstruction could contribute significantly to resource conservation and environmental protection despite its requirement of labor-intensive efforts

In situ aerosol optics in Reno, NV, USA during and after the summer 2008 California wildfires and the influence of absorbing and non-absorbing organic coatings on spectral light absorption

Hundreds of wildfires in Northern California were sparked by lightning during the summer of 2008, resulting in downwind smoke for the months of June and July. Comparisons are reported for aerosol optics measurements in Reno, Nevada made during the very smoky month of July and the relatively clean month of August. Photoacoustic instruments equipped with integrating nephelometers were used to measure aerosol light scattering and absorption coefficients at wavelengths of 405 nm and 870 nm, revealing a strong variation of aerosol light absorption with wavelength. Insight on fuels burned is gleaned from comparison of Ångström exponents of absorption (AEA) versus single scattering albedo (SSA) of the ambient measurements with laboratory biomass smoke measurements for many fuels. Measurements during the month of August, which were largely unaffected by fire smoke, exhibit surprisingly low AEA for aerosol light absorption when the SSA is highest, again likely as a consequence of the underappreciated wavelength dependence of aerosol light absorption by particles coated with non-absorbing organic and inorganic matter. Coated sphere calculations were used to show that AEA as large as 1.6 are possible for wood smoke even with non-absorbing organic coatings on black carbon cores, suggesting care be exercised when diagnosing AEA

PO-0954 Click! Engaging Children In Research About Their Lives: Experiences Of Using Photo-elicitation From England, Australia And New Zealand

Background and aims. Engaging children in research about their lives is an essential component of providing excellent health care services. Utilising participatory, visual/arts-based approaches such as photo-elicitation (PE) can extend opportunities for children to reflect on and talk about their lives. This paper aims to explore the use of, benefits and issues associated with using PE with children. Methods. PE is a participatory, qualitative method that does not rely on high levels of verbal or written literacy and which creates equitable conditions for children’s engagement in research. Within a broad brief, children are asked to take topic-related photos. Apart from safety/privacy related guidance about where it might not be appropriate to take photographs, the children are free to take any image that has meaning to them. The children then select the images they wish to discuss and the researcher literally has to ‘follow’ the children’s data and adopt a flexible approach to the conversational interview. Results. Reflecting on our experience with PE we note how the quality of discussion is enhanced and intriguing and unexpected insights into children’s lives are revealed. What children choose to photograph or omit can create interesting tensions; these and other lessons will be shared along with exemplar photographs and stories. Conclusions. Although PE provides considerable opportunities and benefits, it is challenging research to be part of and requires skilled researchers to ensure children are safe during research engagement and that the data provides a robust depth of insight into their lives

Bioclimatic and Soil Moisture Monitoring Across Elevation in a Mountain Watershed: Opportunities for Research and Resource Management

Soil moisture data are critical to understanding biophysical and societal impacts of climate change. However, soil moisture data availability is limited due to sparse in situ monitoring, particularly in mountain regions. Here we present methods, specifications, and initial results from the interactive Roaring Fork Observation Network (iRON), a soil, weather, and ecological monitoring system in the Southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Initiated in 2012, the network is currently composed of nine stations, distributed in elevation from 1,890 to 3,680 m, that continually collect and transmit measurements of soil moisture at three depths (5, 20, and 50 cm), soil temperature (20 cm), and meteorological conditions. Time‐lapse cameras for phenological observations, snow depth sensors, and periodic co‐located vegetation surveys complement selected stations. iRON was conceived and designed with the joint purpose of supporting bioclimatic research and resource management objectives in a snow‐dominated watershed. In the short term, iRON data can be applied to assessing the impact of temperature and precipitation on seasonal soil moisture conditions and trends. As more data are collected over time, iRON will help improve understanding of climate‐driven changes to soil, vegetation, and hydrologic conditions. In presenting this network and its initial data, we hope that the network’s elevational gradient will contribute to bioclimatic mountain research, while active collaboration with partners in resource management may provide a model for science‐practice interaction in support of long‐term monitoring.Plain Language SummaryAs climate change drives shifts in temperature and precipitation, researchers and resource managers can benefit from improved monitoring of soil moisture. Understanding the relationship between soil moisture and other system components is crucial to improving water availability projections and understanding ecosystem responses to climate change. Despite their significance, in‐ground soil‐moisture measurements are often not available across multiple elevations within a single watershed. This paper presents a network in the Southern Rocky Mountains intended to help address this data gap and compliment data from other networks. The interactive Roaring Fork Observation Network consists of nine locations across an 1,800‐m change in elevation. Each station measures soil moisture at three depths, soil temperature, air temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Some stations are equipped with cameras or snow depth gauges, and for eight sites vegetation surveys are conducted. The data are available through a simple data portal. The network was established with local resource manager support, and one of its guiding purposes is to support management and restoration planning efforts. Because of the network’s ongoing monitoring across multiple elevations and habitats, interactive Roaring Fork Observation Network will provide researchers and resource managers with access to valuable information about changes in soil conditions in a changing climate.Key PointsSoil moisture is key to understanding and predicting change in hydrology and ecology amid climate variability and changeIn situ soil moisture and weather monitoring data are now available across an 1,800‐m elevation span in a mountain watershedThe network is supported and guided by resource managers and supports both research and resource management goalsPeer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149210/1/wrcr23834_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149210/2/wrcr23834.pd

Integrating personality research and animal contest theory: aggressiveness in the green swordtail <i>Xiphophorus helleri</i>

&lt;p&gt;Aggression occurs when individuals compete over limiting resources. While theoretical studies have long placed a strong emphasis on context-specificity of aggression, there is increasing recognition that consistent behavioural differences exist among individuals, and that aggressiveness may be an important component of individual personality. Though empirical studies tend to focus on one aspect or the other, we suggest there is merit in modelling both within-and among-individual variation in agonistic behaviour simultaneously. Here, we demonstrate how this can be achieved using multivariate linear mixed effect models. Using data from repeated mirror trials and dyadic interactions of male green swordtails, &lt;i&gt;Xiphophorus helleri&lt;/i&gt;, we show repeatable components of (co)variation in a suite of agonistic behaviour that is broadly consistent with a major axis of variation in aggressiveness. We also show that observed focal behaviour is dependent on opponent effects, which can themselves be repeatable but were more generally found to be context specific. In particular, our models show that within-individual variation in agonistic behaviour is explained, at least in part, by the relative size of a live opponent as predicted by contest theory. Finally, we suggest several additional applications of the multivariate models demonstrated here. These include testing the recently queried functional equivalence of alternative experimental approaches, (e. g., mirror trials, dyadic interaction tests) for assaying individual aggressiveness.&lt;/p&gt