Community Science Online: Building Capacity for Native Bee Monitoring

Native bees are crucial for sustainable productivity in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems, but they are losing natural habitat spaces. Extension can facilitate community science programs to collect ecological data on native bee populations and support pollinator conservation. Native Bee Watch, an in-person community science program, transitioned to a hybrid format where volunteers received online training and support for conducting field-based data collection. This article presents the volunteers’ perceptions of the program training, support, and bee monitoring based on surveys and data analytics collected from technology tools. Study results indicate redesign successes and challenges and provide insight on how to improve the experience for volunteers participating in community science programs, with implications for Extension education

Computational Models of the Eye and their Applications in Long Duration Space Flight

Astronauts are exposed to cephalad fluid shift, increased carbon dioxide levels and other environmental factors during space flight. As a result of these conditions, it is believed that they are at risk of developing increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and intraocular pressure (IOP), which in turn may cause papilledema and other disorders of the eye that can lead to temporary or permanent changes in vision. However, the mechanisms behind this risk are not fully understood. Ground analog and flight studies pose challenges because there are limited non-invasive methods that can be used to study the eye and intracranial space. Therefore it is proposed that computational models can be applied to help address this gap by providing a low cost method for studying the effects of IOP, ICP and various properties of the eye on these diseases. The information presented by the authors provides a summary of several models found in literature that could potentially be augmented and applied to inform research. Specifically, finite element models of the optic nerve head, sclera and other structures of the eye can be readily adapted as potential building blocks. These models may also be integrated with a brain/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) model which will take into account the interaction between the CSF fluid and its pressure on the optic nerve. This integration can enable the study of the effects of microgravity on the interaction between the vasculature system and CSF system and can determine the effects of these changes on the optic nerve, and in turn the eye. Ultimately, it can help pinpoint the influences of long-term exposure to microgravity on vision and inform the future research into countermeasure development. In addition to spaceflight, these models can provide deeper understanding of the mechanisms of glaucoma, papilledema and other eye disorders observed in terrestrial conditions

Computational investigation in the aorta of children with Turner syndrome

The aortic arch has complex flow dynamics, with locations of arterial curvature and bifurcation known to be prone to endothelial dysfunction one of the early biological markers for atherosclerotic lesions that underlie most cardiovascular disease. This is particularly relevant to conditions of obesity, which is believed to accelerate the initiation and progression of vascular changes. A computational investigation found morphological differences between the patient-specific geometries to have a strong effect on the haemodynamic environment, and low wall shear stress at areas where atherosclerotic lesions have been suggested to develop preferentially

Computational haemodynamics in Turner syndrome patient-specific aortae with PC-MRI obtained boundary conditions

Women with Turner syndrome (TS), a chromosomal condition in which a female has complete or partial absence of the second sex chromosome, present a unique group of patients, with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mortality rates are three times higher in TS women compared with the general population, and life expectancy is reduced by up to 13 years –the most common cause of death being from cardiovascular disease. Congenital heart abnormalities occur in up to 50% of TS individuals, with bicuspid aortic valve, coarctation of the aorta, and thoracic aortic aneurysm being the most prevalent. Women with TS also have a greater underlying predisposition to metabolic abnormalities, such as obesity, which can exacerbate coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke in TS adults. In this study, computational fluid dynamic (CFD)methods were used to analyse the arterial blood flow in children with Turner syndrome, who are known to present an increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Three-dimensional patient geometries were matched with patient-specific boundary conditions in the first unsteady simulation of blood flow in TS children. Morphological aortic differences between patients were found to have a strong effect on the haemodynamic environment and may be a marker for increased cardiovascular risk

Maker Math: Exploring Mathematics through Digitally Fabricated Tools with K–12 In-Service Teachers

This paper reports on nine elementary, middle, and high school in-service teachers who participated in a series of workshops aimed at exploring the wonder, joy, and beauty of mathematics through the creation and application of digitally fabricated tools (i.e., laser-cut and 3D printed). Using the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework to investigate technological, pedagogical, contextual, and content knowledge, researchers applied qualitative methods to uncover the affordances and constraints of teaching and learning math concepts with digitally fabricated tools and examined how the workshops supported broadening participation in mathematics by focusing on the connections between mathematical inquiry, nature, and the arts. Affordances include opportunities for hands-on learning, visual support at the secondary level, and real-world connections that go beyond the state standards. Barriers include purchasing a laser-cutter, ventilation and noise issues, time constraints, misalignment with school and district priorities, and a lack of administrative support. All participants indicated that they were interested in additional workshops focused on designing their own digitally fabricated mathematics tools that better align with their grade level(s) and standards