Digital Commons Network^™

Thinking Like A Raven: Restoring Integrity, Stability, And Beauty To Western Ecosystems, John M. Marzluff, Matthias-Claudio Loretto, Cameron K. Ho, Georgia W. Coleman, Marco Restani

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Common ravens (Corvus corax; ravens) are generalist predators that pose a threat to several rare wildlife species in the western United States. Recent increases in raven populations, which are fueled by increased human subsidies—notably food, water, and nest sites—are concerning to those seeking to conserve rare species. Due to the challenges and inefficiencies of reducing or eliminating subsidies, managers increasingly rely on lethal removal of ravens. Over 125,000 ravens were killed by the U.S. Government from 1996 to 2019, and annual removals have increased 4-fold from the 1990s to mid-2010s. We contend that lethal removal of ravens, while capable …

Raven Control From A Conservation Biology Perspective, David J. Delehanty

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The common raven (Corvus corax; raven) is a large, highly intelligent passerine songbird with a Holarctic distribution attributable to a high degree of plasticity in its foraging and nesting behavior. Historically, ravens have received special attention in human culture, being either respected or vilified. In the western United States, ravens are exploiting the expanding human enterprise, which provides them with unintended subsidies of food, water, and breeding locations, allowing ravens to expand their range and increase in population density and resulting in raven depredation threatening species of conservation concern. From a conservation biology perspective, increased raven populations present …

Evaluating Common Raven Take For Greater Sage-Grouse In Oregon’S Baker County Priority Conservation Area And Great Basin Region, Frank F. Rivera-Milán, Peter S. Coates, Jacqueline B. Cupples, Michael Green, Patrick K. Devers

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The common raven (Corvus corax; raven) is a nest predator of species of conservation concern, such as the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Reducing raven abundance by take requires authorization under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. To support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s take decisions (e.g., those that authorize killing a specified proportion or number of individuals annually in a defined area), including the most recent one for Oregon’s Baker County Priority Area for Conservation (PAC), we modeled raven population dynamics under hypothetical scenarios with take rates ranging from below to above the maximum sustained yield (MSY; …

Smart: A Science-Based Tiered Framework For Common Ravens, Seth J. Dettenmaier, Peter S. Coates, Cali L. Roth, Sarah C. Webster, Shawn T. O'Neil, Kerry L. Holcomb, John C. Tull, Pat J. Jackson

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Large-scale increases and expansion of common raven (Corvus corax; raven) populations are occurring across much of North America, leading to increased negative consequences for livestock and agriculture, human health and safety, and sensitive species conservation. We describe a science-based adaptive management framework that incorporates recent quantitative analyses and mapping products for addressing areas with elevated raven numbers and minimizing potential adverse impacts to sensitive species, agricultural damage, and human safety. The framework comprises 5 steps: (1) desktop analysis; (2) field assessments; (3) comparison of raven density estimates to an ecological threshold (in terms of either density or density …

Sharing Science Through Shared Values, Goals, And Stories: An Evidence-Based Approach To Making Science Matter, Bethann Garramon Merkle, Evelyn Valdez-Ward, Priya Shukla, Skylar R. Bayer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Scientists in and beyond academia face considerable challenges to effectively sharing science, including lack of time and training, systemic disincentives, and the complexity of the modern media/attention landscape. Considering these constraints, 3 achievable shifts in mindset and practice can substantively enhance science communication efforts. Here, we provide evidence-based and experientially informed advice on how to center shared values, articulate science communication goals, and leverage the power of stories to advance our communication goals in connection with the values we share with our stakeholders. In addition to a discussion of relevant, foundational principles in science communication, we provide actionable recommendations and …

Rethinking Behavior - Winter 2021, Midwest Symposium For Leadership In Behavior Disorders

ReThinking Behavior Magazine

A magazine for professionals serving children and youth with behavioral needs.

Winter 2021, Volume 4, Issue 2

Computational Model Of Angiogenesis In Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Kelsey Bradshaw, Michael Cotner, Jacilyn Fielding, Andrew Kjar, Teren Teeples

Biological Engineering

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Leads to vision loss and blindness

• Localized to subretinal layers (Figure 1.)

Automatic Paint Booth Ventilation, Cooper Despain

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Problem and Solution

• For paint to cure properly, air flow must be maintained during the entire curing process.
• Proper air flow is also essential for the health and safety of those working within the paint booth.
• Automatic ventilation control of the booth will ensure that the air flow is sufficient while personnel are painting, as well as maintain the proper air flow when operators have left and the paint is curing.
• PLC system will monitor conditions within the booth and ducting, and the supply and the exhaust fans will be adjusted accordingly.

Real Life Jrpg, Jacob Wilson

Electrical and Computer Engineering

JRPG is a very popular video game genre, it’s turn based battle system allows the player to create interesting strategies impossible to find in real time games.

The goal of Real Life JRPG is to bring that experience away from the TV. Fight a dragon by actually swinging a sword.

Up to 3 players will work together to defeat the dragon, attacking it will Lower it’s health points and if the Dragons health points reach 0 the players win. But the Dragon will retaliate and if all players lose their health points, the dragon win.

Getting Lead Off The Landscape: A Theory And Data-Driven Approach To Increase Non-Lead Ammunition Use Among Hunters In The California Condor Range Of Utah (Usa), Jacob C. Richards, Jordan W. Smith

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

The leading cause of mortality in California condors (condors) is lead poisoning, which occurs when condors ingest lead-based ammunition left in carcasses. As a critically endangered species with approximately 100 individuals remaining in the American southwest, increasing the adoption of non-lead ammunition is essential to the recovery of the species. In Utah, the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) uses communication with hunters as the primary tool for increasing the adoption of non-lead ammunition in southwestern Utah. In this research, we use social science theory and data collected from a survey of hunters throughout the region to develop a strategic communication …

Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Two Low-Intensity Weight Loss Maintenance Interventions Based On Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Or Self-Regulation, Jason Lillis, Leah Schumacher, J. Graham Thomas, Michael E. Levin, Shira Dunsiger, Jessica L. Unick, Erin Evans, Jacqueline F. Hayes, Rena R. Wing

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Weight regain is common following behavioral obesity treatment and attenuates many of the benefits of initial weight loss. This paper describes a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the efficacy of two low-contact weight loss maintenance interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and self-regulation (SR). Potential mechanisms of action and moderators of treatment effects will also be evaluated.

Methods: Adults (anticipated N=480)with overweight or obesity will complete an initial 3-monthonline weight loss program (Phase 1). Participants who achieve ≥4 kg weight loss (anticipated N=288) will then be randomized to an ACT or SR weight loss maintenance intervention. …

A Randomized Trial Of Brief Online Interventions To Facilitate Treatment Seeking For Social Anxiety, Margaret R. Tobias, Lauren N. Landy, Michael E. Levin, Joanna J. Arch

Psychology Faculty Publications

Objective: This study developed and evaluated a brief, single-session online intervention designed to facilitate treatment seeking among adults with clinically significant social anxiety (SA) symptoms, who generally seek treatment at exceptionally low rates.

Method: Adults (N= 267) reporting significant SA symptoms were recruited online and randomized to a brief, single-session online intervention: Education consisted of brief psychoeducation and treatment resources, or Education+Motivation which added treatment seeking-focused motivational content adapted from Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Attitudes, intentions, perceived control, and treatment seeking were assessed at Pre, Post, and one-month follow-up (FU).

Results: Both interventions were feasible …

Finance Calendar For 2021, Amanda Christensen, Kristilyn Wilkinson

All Current Publications

Check off each small step monthly and see the drastic impact of improved personal finances over the course of the year. These short, actionable tips and related resources will have you in the driver’s seat with your money.

Social Impacts Of Extended Ski Resort Operations On Forest Service Lands, Jordan Smith, Urian Guadarrama

All Current Publications

The purpose of this document is to catalog and describe how the USDA Forest Service has assessed the socioeconomic impacts associated with expanded ski resort operations on Forest Service lands in the past.

Pet Rabbit Projects: Getting Started, Melanie Stock, Jessie Hadfield, Jake Hadfield, Nicloe Reed

All Current Publications

Rabbits are becoming increasingly popular companion animals. Pet rabbits can thrive in rural and suburban environments and can happily live indoors or outside. They are relatively low maintenance compared to some of the more common family pets and are great for all ages of youth with proper supervision and education. It is important not to be fooled into thinking they are an easy pet, however. Rabbits are a long-term commitment that require daily care and continued effort. This fact sheet has tips to get started keeping rabbits as pets.

A Preliminary Examination Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (Act) Versus Exposure And Response Prevention (Erp) For Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder On An Optimal Dose Of Ssris: A Randomized Controlled Trial In Iran, Mehdi Zemestani, Mojgan Salavati, Asrin Seyedolshohadayi, Julie M. Petersen, Clarissa W. Ong, Michael P. Twohig, Ebrahim Ghaderi

Psychology Student Research

This study compared the effects of adding acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or exposure and response prevention (ERP) to adults diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) already on an optimal and stable dose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Forty adults on SSRIs who were diagnosed with OCD participated in a randomized controlled trial in Iran of 12 individual weekly sessions of either ACT+SSRI, ERP+SSRI, or continued SSRI only. The results showed significant reductions in OCD symptom severity in ACT+SSRI and ERP+SSRI conditions at posttreatment with significantly greater reductions in both conditions compared to SSRI-only at follow-up. Additionally, psychological inflexibility …

The Role Of Psychological Inflexibility And Perspective Taking In Anti-Racism And Anti-Sexism, Carter Davis, Jennifer Krafft, Elizabeth Tish Hicks, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Student Research

Racism and sexism are pervasive forms of discrimination that cause significant individual and societal burden.Understanding manipulable psychological processes that contribute to these modes of discrimination would aid in developing anti-prejudice interventions that target them. Psychological flexibility has been proposed as a potential tool in combating prejudice by modifying one’s relationship with unwanted or automatic prejudicial thoughts, in addition to the ability to take the perspective of marginalized groups. A survey assessing psychological inflexibility and perspective taking along with anti-racist/anti-sexist attitudes and behaviors was administered to a sample of 395 undergraduate students. Perspective taking predicted anti-racist/anti-sexist behaviors above and beyond their …

In-Person And Online-Delivered Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Hoarding Disorder: A Multiple Baseline Study, Clarissa W. Ong, Jennifer Krafft, Franchessca Panoussi, Juliana Petersen, Michael Levin, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Hoarding disorder (HD) is associated with distress and functional impairment not only for the individual but also for their family members and community. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) already has broad empirical support and may be helpful for treating HD. In this nonconcurrent multiple baseline study (N = 6), we examined the effect of ACT on HD symptom severity, functional impairment, quality of life, co-occurring symptoms, and other outcomes. Participants consistently reported decreases in HD severity, clutter, functional impairment due to clutter, and depression at posttreatment. Scores were maintained at follow-up for two of three participants. Changes in other …

Preliminary Findings On Processes Of Change And Moderators For Cognitive Defusion And Restructuring Delivered Through Mobile Apps, Michael E. Levin, Jennifer Krafft, Woolee An, Clarissa W. Ong, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

A process-based therapy approach emphasizes examining how and for whom specific therapeutic components linked to specific processes of change function. This preliminary study explored the processes of change for cognitive defusion and restructuring with daily ratings of self-criticism from a larger component trial as well as self-compassion as a moderator of these daily effects. A sample of 51 adults high in self-criticism (M age = 22.69, 78% female, 88% non-Hispanic White) were randomized to a cognitive defusion or restructuring mobile app for two weeks and completed daily assessments. Both conditions improved over time on daily frequency, defused noticing, challenging, …

Weight-Related Psychological Inflexibility As A Mediator Between Weight Self-Stigma And Health-Related Outcomes, Julie M. Petersen, Carrie Durward, Michael Levin

Psychology Student Research

Weight self-stigma, the internalization of negative societal stereotypes, is a problem amongst populations with high weight. Weight self-stigma is associated with psychological inflexibility and maladaptive health-related behaviors. In this study, we explore how weight-related psychological inflexibility may influence weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes in 79 adults with high weight. Participants were primarily white (92.4%) and female (82.3%), with an average age of 39.56 and average body mass index of 33.78. The present study uses baseline, self-report data from a larger trial. Results indicate that weight self-stigma was negatively correlated with maladaptive eating behaviors, weight, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility …

Confirmatory Factor Analysis And Measurement Invariance Of The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Body Image In A Clinical Eating Disorder Sample, Jennifer L. Barney, Tyson S. Barrett, Tera Lensegrav-Benson, Benita Quakenbush, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) may be particularly susceptible to body image related cognitive fusion(i.e., excessive entanglement with one’s body image related thoughts such that they unduly influence on behavior). The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Body Image (CFQ-BI) is the only existing measure of this construct, yet its psychometric properties have not been examined within a clinically diagnosed ED sample. The current study used confirmatory factor analysis and explored measurement invariance, construct validity, and incremental validity of the CFQ-BI when used with adolescent (n = 75) and adult (n= 100) females admitting to residential ED treatment. A modified version of the single-factor …

A Systematic Review And Psychometric Evaluation Of Self-Report Measures For Hoarding Disorder, Clarissa W. Ong, Jennifer Krafft, Michael E. Levin, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Background: Hoarding disorder (HD) affects approximately 2.5% of the general population, leads to significant distress and impairment, and is notoriously difficult to treat. The crux of developing effective treatments for HD is our ability to reliably and validly measure relevant constructs in HD to better understand its presentation and, subsequently, formulate appropriate interventions.

Methods: We identified measures specific to HD and evaluated their psychometric properties using rating criteria formulated by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) group.

Results: The 17 included measures were developed to assess adult and pediatric hoarding severity, functional impairment, and maladaptive …

Is Perfectionism Always Unhealthy? Examining The Moderating Effects Of Psychological Flexibility And Self-Compassion, Clarissa W. Ong, Eric B. Lee, Julie M. Petersen, Michael E. Levin, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Objectives: Perfectionism is generally associated with worse mental health outcomes, though evidence suggests elements of it might be helpful. In light of these findings, we examined whether psychological skills like psychological flexibility and self-compassion moderated the relationship between perfectionism and wellbeing (i.e., quality of life, symptom impairment, and psychological distress).

Methods: Undergraduate students (N= 677) completed self-report measures.

Results: A latent profile analysis identified three perfectionism groups (low, average, high) based on four perfectionism subscales: concern over mistakes, need for approval, rumination, and striving for excellence. Generally, we found that psychological flexibility and/or self-compassion buffered the impact of average and …

An Open Trial Of Group Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (Act) With An Adjunctive Mobile App For Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Gad), Jennifer Krafft, Clarissa W. Ong, Carter H. Davis, Julie M. Petersen, Michael E. Levin, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and debilitating condition. Effective treatments exist, but they are time-and resource-intensive. This study tested the initial efficacy and acceptability of a novel treatment protocol designed to increase efficiency: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) taught in groups and through an adjunctive mobile app. Participants were 21 individuals with GAD who received six weeks of 2-hour group ACT sessions as well as access to an adjunctive ACT mobile app. Significant improvements occurred in worry, anxiety, social functioning, and depression as well as relevant processes (psychological inflexibility, anxiety-related cognitive fusion). In-the-moment improvements were also observed in …

Sexual Orientation Intrusive Thoughts And Well-Being: The Mediating Role Of Psychological Inflexibility, Julie M. Petersen, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Sexual orientation intrusive thoughts are a debilitating form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study aimed to elucidate how psychological inflexibility and dysfunctional beliefs may impact the relationships of sexual orientation intrusive thoughts and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms with well-being. A total of 181 undergraduate students completed measures of sexual orientation intrusive thoughts, OC symptoms, psychological inflexibility, dysfunctional beliefs, and well-being. Results indicated positive correlations between psychological inflexibility, sexual orientation intrusive thoughts, dysfunctional beliefs, and OC symptoms, along with negative correlations between well-being and sexual orientation intrusive thoughts, OC symptoms, dysfunctional beliefs and psychological inflexibility. Psychological inflexibility acted as a …

Examining The Feasibility And Effectiveness Of Online Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Self-Help In A Quasi-Stepped Care Model: A Pilot Study, Clarissa W. Ong, Carina L. Terry, Michael Levin, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

The global burden of mental illness and limited resources make increasing the efficiency of available mental healthcare resources especially crucial. One way this can be done is a stepped care approach to treatment. To test the viability of using internet-based self-help in a stepped care model, we examined the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an online self-help acceptance and commitment (ACT) program prior to starting in-person therapy at a university community clinic (N = 51). Online program acceptability was at least moderate. There was clinically significant change in 75.9 to 79.3% and reliable change in 31.0 to 100% of …

Does The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire Measure More Than Frequency Of Negative Thoughts?, Jennifer Krafft, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Student Research

Cognitive fusion is a psychopathological process that appears to be relevant to a wide range of disorders. This process is frequently measured with the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ). However, the construct validity of similar measures has been criticized for substantial overlap with distress. It is possible the CFQ may excessively measure the presence of unwanted thoughts, rather than fusion per se. Therefore, this study examined the discriminant validity of the CFQ relative to a measure of automatic negative thoughts (the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire) in a college student sample (n = 389). While the two measures were highly correlated (ρ …

Fungal Planet Description Sheets: 1112–1181, P. W. Crous, D. A. Cowan, G. Maggs-Kölling, N. Yilmaz, E. Larsson, C. Angelini, T. E. Brandrud, J. D. W. Dearnaley, B. Dima, F. Dovana, Et Al.

Aspen Bibliography

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Austroboletus asper on soil, Cylindromonium alloxyli on leaves of Alloxylon pinnatum, Davidhawksworthia quintiniae on leaves of Quintinia sieberi, Exophiala prostantherae on leaves of Prostanthera sp., Lactifluus lactiglaucus on soil, Linteromyces quintiniae (incl. Linteromyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Quintinia sieberi, Lophotrichus medusoides from stem tissue of Citrus garrawayi, Mycena pulchra on soil, Neocalonectria tristaniopsidis (incl. Neocalonectria gen. nov.) and Xyladictyochaeta tristaniopsidis on leaves of Tristaniopsis collina, Parasarocladium tasmanniae on leaves of Tasmannia insipida, Phytophthora aquae-cooljarloo from pond water, Serendipita whamiae as …

A Meta-Analysis Of Environmental Tradeoffs Of Hydropower Dams In The Sekong, Sesan, And Srepok (3s) Rivers Of The Lower Mekong Basin, Sarah E. Null, Ali Farshid, Gregory Goodrum, Curtis A. Gray, Sapana Lohani, Christina N. Morrisett, Liana Prudencio, Ratha Sor

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

In Mekong riparian countries, hydropower development provides energy, but also threatens biodiversity, ecosystems, food security, and an unparalleled freshwater fishery. The Sekong, Sesan, and Srepok Rivers (3S Basin) are major tributaries to the Lower Mekong River (LMB), making up 10% of the Mekong watershed but supporting nearly 40% of the fish species of the LMB. Forty-five dams have been built, are under construction, or are planned in the 3S Basin. We completed a meta-analysis of aquatic and riparian environmental losses from current, planned, and proposed hydropower dams in the 3S and LMB using 46 papers and reports from the past …

Water Availability For Cannabis In Northern California: Intersections Of Climate, Policy, And Public Discourse, Betsy Morgan, Kaitlyn Spangler, Jacob Stuivenvolt-Allen, Christina N. Morrisett, Mark W. Brunson, Shih-Yu Simon Wang, Nancy Huntly

Biology Faculty Publications

Availability of water for irrigated crops is driven by climate and policy, as moderated by public priorities and opinions. We explore how climate and water policy interact to influence water availability for cannabis (Cannabis sativa), a newly regulated crop in California, as well as how public discourse frames these interactions. Grower access to surface water covaries with precipitation frequency and oscillates consistently in an energetic 11–17 year wet-dry cycle. Assessing contemporary cannabis water policies against historic streamflow data showed that legal surface water access was most reliable for cannabis growers with small water rights ( < 600 m³) and …