Digital Commons Network^™

The Less Food Security You Have, The More Likely You Are To Face Discrimination Based On Your Weight, B. Sky Jones

Research on Capitol Hill

20% of US households were food insecure in 2020. One outcome of food insecurity is weight discrimination.

Can Algorithms And Urban Greening Repair Historic Injustice?, E. Paige Sargeant

Research on Capitol Hill

In Baltimore, a vacancy crisis and continuing impacts of historical ‘redlining’ that discouraged investment in minority neighborhoods prompted city officials to use an algorithm generated Housing Market Typology (HMT) map to guide municipal service distribution. The current strategy channels maintenance to wealthier areas and prioritizes tree-planting and demolitions in struggling areas.

Deficit Irrigation Of Pastures, Matt Yost, Clara Anderson, Niel Allen, Burdette Barker, Melanie Heaton, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Earl Creech

All Current Publications

Deficit irrigation is any irrigation level that does not meet the crop’s full evapotranspiration (ET) demand, meaning evaporation from plant and soil surface and transpiration through plant growth. This strategy is often a last resort for optimizing water use as opposed to those that will not limit production. However, deficit irrigation is often necessary in parts of Utah due to drought or inadequate water supplies. This was especially true in 2021–2022 due to record droughts. Deficit irrigation strategies for pastures have been developed, but they have yet to be compared and evaluated in Utah. This fact sheet summarizes 6 years …

Background & Methods: Research Summary, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

During the fall of 2023, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline of public perceptions related to the awareness, understanding, and attitudes around challenges that Utah women and girls face. It focused on the following areas: education (finance, higher education attainment, and K-12 initiatives); community engagement (political representation, boards and commissions, and civic engagement/advocacy); safety and security (child sexual abuse, domestic violence, poverty and homelessness, sexual assault, and sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination); health and wellbeing (health across the lifespan and home and family); and workplace (childcare/pre-K programs, entrepreneurship, gender pay gap, …

The Utah Statesman, January 15, 2024, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

School Climate Perception Among Latinx And White Students: An Examination Of Intersecting Racial/Ethnic And Socioeconomic Identities In Context, Mei-Ki Chan, Jill D. Sharkey, Erin Dowdy, Karen Nylund-Gibson, Michael J. Furlong

Psychology Faculty Publications

Limited research has explored how the characteristics of student and teacher racial/ethnic composition may explain students’ perceptions of school climate. This study used stratified analysis to assess the associations of two prominent diversity aspects (i.e., student racial/ethnic diversity and teacher racial/ethnic diversity) with students’ perceived school climate. Particularly, this study controlled for student- and school-levels demographic characteristics among 41,237 Latinx students and 23,819 White students from 7th grade to 12th grade enrolled in 250 California public schools. The findings indicated that higher teacher racial/ethnic diversity had a mild to moderate positive association with perceived school attitudes to parental participation (Economically …

Great Salt Lake Data And Insights Summary: A Synthesized Resource Document For The 2024 General Legislative Session, William Anderegg, Craig Buttars, Joel Ferry, Natalie Gochnour, Kim Shelley, Brian Steed, David G. Tarboton, Leila Ahmadi, Eric Albers, Blake Bingham, Paul D. Brooks, Tim Davis, Eric Dixon, Joanna Endter-Wada, Tage Flint, Candice Hasenyager, Timothy Hawkes, William Johnson, John Lin, John Mackey, Anna Mcentire, Bethany Neilson, Sarah Null, Kevin Perry, Ben Stireman, Courenay Strong, Laura Vernon, Marissa Weinberg, Matt Yost

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

In 2023, Great Salt Lake rose from the record-low elevation reached in 2022, aided by record-high winter snowfall and the adaptive management berm. Economic activity, public health, and the lake's ecosystems continue to be adversely impacted by low water levels. This summary synthesizes essential data and insights so decision-makers have the information they need to improve water management, increase water deliveries to the lake, mitigate adverse impacts, and recover the lake to a healthy range.

Examining Factors Associated With The Use Of Community Food Resources: An Application Of The Andersen Model To Inform Future Interventions, Abiodun T. Atoloye, Oluyemisi Akinsola, Melissa Murillo

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

The role of the food environment in shaping nutrition and health has gained substantial attention from policymakers, public health researchers, and advocacy groups. To promote equities in food access and nutrition outcomes, understanding factors linked with the utilization of local community food resources is crucial. Using Andersen’s service utilization model, we explained how adults use their neighborhood food resources. In a cross-sectional study design, an online survey was conducted in REDCap Version 13.4.0 via the Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) involving 1830 adults with a mean age of 37.9 ± 12.1 years. Participants answered questions on predisposing, enabling, and need factors …

The Utah Statesman, January 8, 2024, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Faculty Senate Agenda January 8, 2024, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• 3:05 University Business
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:30 Information

• 3:35 Reports

• 4:00 Old Business

• 4:05 New Business

• Adjourn: 4:30

General Education Subcommittee Minutes 12-7-2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order - Matt Sanders
• Approval of Minutes- November2, 2023
• Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals
• New Business
• Additional Items
• Adjourn: 9:26

Educational Policies Committee Minutes January 4, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 7, 2023
• Subcommittee Reports
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:45 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes January 4, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 7, 2023
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 2:45 pm

Pilot Testing An Asynchronous Online Harm Reduction And Pharmacotherapy Stigma Reduction Training For Substance Use Treatment Professionals, Sandra H. Sulzer, Suzanne Prevedel, Tyson S. Barrett, Margo Mekjian, Mindy Vincent, Felicia Frabis, Cris Meier, Claire Warnick Shiverdecker, Maren Wright Voss, Paula J. Cook, Erin Fanning Madden

Social Work Faculty Publications

Harm reduction and pharmacotherapy approaches to addressing substance use disorder are evidence-based practices for reducing adverse health outcomes. However, professional stigma toward these approaches impedes implementation. In this pilot study, professionals working in substance use treatment services received a 4-hour asynchronous online harm reduction and pharmacotherapy training. Pre- and post-training surveys used Likert-scale questions to assess attitudes and planned actions. Four of the 23 survey items demonstrated a significant change in pre- to post-attitudes and planned actions relating to harm reduction or pharmacotherapy. These items included less attitudinal stigma towards: methadone and buprenorphine (p = .021), overdose prevention sites/"drug …

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda January 4, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews

• College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
• Caine College of the Arts
• Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
• Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
• College of Engineering
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
• College of Science
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• USU Courses
• Other Business

The Current Status Of Utah Women & Girls: A Research Synopsis, Kolene Anderson, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report rated each state using 71 metrics in eight categories. Utah came out on top, declared as the “Best State Overall” for the second year in a row, ranking number two in education, and number three in both economy and infrastructure categories. ¹ In addition, WalletHub dubbed Utah 2023’s Most Charitable State, citing high levels of charitable giving and volunteerism,² and ConsumerAffairs declared Utah the “Best State to Move to in 2024.”³ Each of these ratings highlights notable characteristics of Utah residents and the state’s leadership. The top rankings emphasize qualities we …

Faculty Senate Committee Agenda January 8, 2024, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - November 27, 2023
• 3:05 University Business
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business
• Board of Education Meeting
• 3:30 Information
• Educational Policies Committee Report
• 3:35 Reports
• Council on Teacher Education Annual Report
• Faculty Evaluation Committee Annual Report
• Library Advisory Council Annual Report
• Scholarship Annual Report
• USUSA Annual Report
• 4:00 Old Business
• 4:05 New Business
• Adjourn: 4:30

Educational Policies Committee Agenda January 4, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee (Chad Simon)
• Program Proposals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee (Renee Galliher)
• General Education Subcommittee (Matt Sanders)

2024 Report To The Governor And Legislature On Utah's Land Water & Air, Janet Quinney Lawson Institute For Land, Water & Air

Reports

This report serves as a 2024 snapshot of key issues and concerns with Utah’s shared resources. It highlights a collection of data that is available to provide context to these issues and identifies areas where more study is needed. Addressing these challenges will enable Utah policymakers to make informed decisions for the future. Under the authorship of 52 researchers and with the support of 47 advisory board members, this report includes 6 chapters (Land, Water, Air, Forests and Rangelands, Bear Lake, and Metrics) that address the focus areas of the report.

Toolkit To Address Free-Ranging Domestic Cats On Agency Lands Managed For Native Wildlife And Ecosystem Health, Sara H. Schweitzer, Colin M. Gillin

Human–Wildlife Interactions Monographs

Native flora and fauna of North America face numerous threats, and impacts from invasive species are some of the most challenging. Free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) are extremely harmful to wildlife and the environment. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) developed a toolkit to provide guidance to fish and wildlife agencies as they address free-ranging domestic cats on agency lands managed for native wildlife and ecosystem health. Topics in this document include wildlife conservation, infectious diseases, legal issues, education and outreach, human dimensions, partnerships, management strategies, and model regulatory and legal language. This toolkit is not …

Contributors, Beth Buyserie, Travis N. Thurston

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

No abstract provided.

24. Revisioning A Bibliography Assignment To Center Discovery And Critical Source Engagement, Lillian Campbell, Jenna Green, Nicole Bungert

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

This chapter shares context, assignment details, and impact of revisions of a research journal assignment in our first-year writing program at a mid-sized private university in the Midwest. With the rise of access to large language processing models like ChatGPT in Spring 2023, we reviewed our curriculum to consider what assignments might be most vulnerable to Al-generated writing. Our bibliography assignment was an obvious contender, since it focused on summary of individual sources. Thus, we worked with our research librarian liaison to reimagine this assignment, guided by a conversation about learning goals. After reviewing relevant scholarship on source use and …

Teaching And Generative Ai: Pedagogical Possibilities And Productive Tensions, Beth Buyserie, Travis N. Thurston, Adena Rivera-Dundas, Ali Söken, Belinda 'Ofakihevahanoa Fotu, Breanne K. Litts, Catherine J. Denial, Chris Mayer, Clancy Ratliff, Cora Alward, Daniel Frank, Daniel Hutchinson, Dory Rosenberg, Emma Mecham, Erin Jensen, Franziska Tsufim, Ha Nguyen, J. Kaleo Alladin, Jacob Morris, Jacob Taylor, Jenna Green, Jennifer Grewe, Jennifer K. Johnson, John Paul Tassoni, Josh Vogeler, Julia M. Gossard, Kolby Sanders, Kysa Nygreen, Lainie Pomerleau, Laura Dumin, Lillian Campbell, Lydia Peach, Lydia Wilkes, Maha Bali, Marc Watkins, Mary Lourdes Silva, Megan Hamilton, Melissa Tehee, Michael A. Christiansen, Mudasir Mustafa, Nicole Bungert, Parker Routt, Reba Wissner, Reed Hepler, Ritamarie Hensley, Rogelio E. Cardona-Rivera, Rosa Thornley, Ruth Li, Samantha K. Yoder, Susan Codone, Veronica Pulley, Walker P. Smith, Tazin Daniels

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

With the rapid development of generative AI, teachers are experiencing a new pedagogical challenge, one that promises to forever change the way we approach teaching and learning. As a response to this unprecedented teaching context, this collection—Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions—provides interdisciplinary teachers, librarians, and instructional designers with practical and thoughtful pedagogical resources for navigating the possibilities and challenges of teaching in an AI era. Because our goal with this edited collection is to present nuanced discussions of AI technologies across disciplines, the chapters collectively acknowledge or explore both possibilities and tensions—including the strengths, …

22. Examining Ways Of Using Ai To Better Support Teaching Faculty, Mitigate Burnout, And Increase Teaching Creativity, Jennifer Grewe

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

Faculty burnout is a concern within academics particularly for the most student-centered teaching faculty. In attempts to support students, faculty can sometimes do so at the expense of their own time and energy that over time can become overwhelming. There exist many concerns within academia on the use of Al and yet this is a tool that could be helpful to teaching loads if utilized properly. This chapter explores ways in which Al might help alleviate some of the workload that teaching faculty experience, which is a start to addressing burnout issues. Ideas are shared in this chapter surrounding Al's …

16. Use Of Ai In Teaching Social Statistics Or Data Analysis, Mudasir Mustafa

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

In face-to-face classrooms, culturally and critically conscious teachers fight to mediate skills, content, and students' backgrounds all within the bounds of a systematically flawed educational institution. For now, Als that aid in writing bypass that kind of meaningful work as Als reflect the corpus of published literature that overwhelmingly reflects historically problematic hierarchical biases.

10. Broadening Applications Of Artificial Intelligence In Education To Include Indigenous Ways Of Knowing, Megan Hamilton

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

Incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing with applications of artificial intelligence in education is necessary for promoting equitable and barrier-free learning opportunities for learners. Further research is needed as scholars and practitioners work toward bridging Indigenous ways of knowing with western forms of artificial intelligence in education in mutually beneficial ways.

5. Navigating Benefits And Concerns When Discussing Genai Tools With Faculty And Staff, Reed Hepler

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

The author works as a Digital Initiatives Librarian and is earning a second Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Technology. He viewed ChatGPT immediately as yet another potentially useful technology. When educators at his institution promoted differing viewpoints regarding ChatGPT and other Al tools, he set out to demonstrate a method of Al integration similar to that of other technological tools. Using the Technology Consumer or Producer model and his own experience, he presented, discussed, and wrote about ChatGPT, its ethical issues, and its uses and impact on education. Reed shares his insights regarding creating instruction and training for educators. …

6. More Is Less?: Using Generative Ai For Idea Generation And Diversification In Early Writing Processes, Franziska Tsufim, Lainie Pomerleau

Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions

As writing teachers, we are strong proponents of process writing. At the same time, we are aware that early process work, especially in a group setting, can be time consuming and anxiety-inducing. Students may also self-censor when sharing work with peers especially if they are not confident in their ideas. Drawing on the process of nominal, electronic brainstorming, we created two different prompts that allowed students to incorporate generative Al into their idea generation process. This first activity improves the efficiency of individual idea generation, while the second exercise helps increase student confidence in their ideas in collaborative brainstorming situations. …

Aspen Forest Condition Assessment And Restoration Guidance, Paul C. Rogers

Aspen Bibliography

This preliminary report is the first installment of an ongoing aspen assessment at Bryce Canyon National Park (BCNP). Over a 1.5-year period beginning in 2021, I assembled available BCNP and conducted a preliminary field survey to gain a better understanding of the quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) resource within the Park. Findings suggest a long history of vegetation mapping with mixed results in terms of highlighting aspen presence a notable species of overall low coverage as well as aspen importance, at BCNP. In brief, though this species has limited presence, it is of high biodiversity conservation value. According to …

A Failure Or Success?: A Qualitative Analysis Of Post-Disaster Relocation Among Survivors Of 2010 Floods In Pakistan, Muhammad Siddique Akbar, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Rizwan Safdar, Farhan Navid Yousaf

Sociology and Anthropology Student Research

In Pakistan, the enormous 2010 floods inflicted unprecedented destruction to 0.5 million houses in South Punjab. This study was conducted in Muzaffargarh, a district of the Punjab province of Pakistan, one of the worst affected areas during the 2010 floods. As an adaptation and disaster risk reduction measure, an International NGO in collaboration with the Government of the Punjab province constructed 1274 houses for flood-affected communities. The houses were allocated through a lottery method. Initially, the allottees moved to the new settlements for the sake of possession. However, over time, it was observed that many flood-affected individuals sold out or …