What Do Utahns Think About Global Warming And Climate Change?, Scott Hotaling, Kendall Becker, Lendel K. Narine, Jessica Ulrich-Schad, Roslynn Mccann, Peter D. Howe

All Current Publications

In Utah, there is widespread consensus that global warming is happening, and the strength of this consensus has been steadily rising since 2010. Over the last 14 years, some public opinion metrics have risen dramatically while others have been largely stable. The degree of climate impacts in Utah will depend on residents’ perceptions of climate change and support for implementing policies to help the state adapt to warmer temperatures, more extreme weather events, and other associated changes. In this fact sheet, we integrate multiple data sources to summarize the status and trends of Utahns’ opinions on climate change.

Elevated Root-Zone P And Nutrient Concentration Do Not Increase Yield Or Cannabinoids In Medical Cannabis, Julie A. Hershkowitz, F. Mitchell Westmoreland, Bruce Bugbee

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

Elevating nutrient input is thought to increase yield and cannabinoid concentration of medical cannabis, but increased legalization has heightened awareness of the environmental impact of overfertilization. Elevated levels of phosphorus (P) are of particular concern. Here we report the effects of increasing P above levels adequate for other crops (15, 30, 45, 60, or 90 mg per L) and the interactive effects of elevated P with elevated nutrient solution concentration (electrical conductivity; 2 and 4 mS per cm). We used closed-system hydroponics to continuously quantify rootzone nutrient concentrations. The concentration of P in leaf tissue doubled and flower P concentration …

Your Healthiest Year Yet: Practical Tips For Mental And Physical Well-Being, Aaron Hunt

All Current Publications

As a new year begins, it’s important to prioritize our health. In a world that continues to evolve, maintaining mental and physical wellness is key to thriving in both personal and professional life. Small, intentional changes can lead to transformative results, improving not only how we feel but also how we connect, grow, and succeed. This guide presents actionable tips for fostering mental clarity, physical strength, and overall balance, all grounded in evidence-based practices. Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, reduce stress, or enhance your daily routines, these strategies will empower you to make this year your healthiest yet.

The Utah Statesman, February 17, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Amplifying Indigenous Wellbeing: ‘Imi Pono Survey Development And Validation, Brandon C. Ledward, Wendy Kekahio, Pālama Lee, Katherine Tibbetts, Carla Hostetter, Lisa Watkins-Victorino, Trudy Cherasaro, Steven Tedeschi, Carrie Germeroth

Journal of Indigenous Research

The growth of indigenous research methodologies and calls for data sovereignty are reshaping the discourse around evidence-based policymaking. This article summarizes the development and validation of the ‘Imi Pono Hawai‘i Wellbeing Survey, which examines wellbeing from indigenous, holistic, and strengths-based perspectives. The survey is anchored to a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) model of wellbeing created through a community-participatory process involving diverse stakeholders. Early results show Native Hawaiians to be major contributors to Hawai‘i’s wellbeing, consistently reporting higher rates than non-Hawaiians for civic engagement, family relationships, and spirituality, as well as connections to culture, ‘āina, and community. This project informs strategic …

Modeling Vulnerability Of Juvenile June Sucker To The Piscivore Community In Utah Lake, Austin Garner, Kevin Landom, Rae Fadlovich, Timothy E. Walsworth

Watershed Sciences Student Research

Freshwater fish have experienced the highest extinction among all North American vertebrates, with interactions with introduced species among the leading factors of freshwater fish declines. In Utah Lake, effective hatchery stocking efforts have allowed the spawning abundance of threatened June sucker (Chasmistes liorus) to increase substantially over the past decade. Yet, recruitment of wild-spawned individuals remains very limited. A recent survivorship study of June sucker found individuals < 300mm experienced exceptionally poor survival, indicating a recruitment bottleneck persists despite significant recovery efforts. Current recovery efforts of Utah Lake have broadly targeted habitat improvement; However, prior studies have shown that large predation pressures by nonnatives have achieved recruitment bottlenecks in closely related species, suggesting predation could be limiting recovery efforts. Therefore, failure to address these pressures, if present, would result in overall recovery failure. Furthermore, predator management has focused on targeting Invasive Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) for potential impacts on June sucker. However, the impacts of more abundant nonnative piscivores remain largely unspecified.

Here, we use a simulation approach based on empirical data to …

The Utah Statesman, February 10, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Atsubp-2.0: An Integrated Web Server For The Annotation Of Arabidopsis Proteome Subcellular Localization Using Deep Learning, Naveen Duhan, Rakesh Kaundal

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

The organization of subcellular components in a cell is critical for its function and studying cellular processes, protein–protein interactions, identifying potential drug targets, network analysis, and other systems biology mechanisms. Determining protein localization experimentally is time-consuming and expensive. Due to the need for meticulous experimentation, validation, and data analysis, computational methods provide a quick and accurate alternative. Arabidopsis thaliana, a beneficial model organism in plant biology, facilitates experimentation and applies to other plants. Predicting its proteins' subcellular localization can improve our understanding of cellular processes and have applications in crop improvement and biotechnology. We propose AtSubP-2.0, an extension of …

Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors: Ii. Materials, Wesley Crump, Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

This second of four fact sheets in this series explores materials needed to start seeds indoors—specifically, seeds, containers, soilless mix (potting soil), lights, water, fertilizer, a heat source, fans, labels, and a general growing space. Our focus is mainly starting vegetables. However, the principles discussed apply to starting herbs and other ornamental annuals and perennials. Online propagation protocols, books on plant propagation, and other Utah State University (USU) Extension resources discuss how to start other unique and less common plants.

It's Time To Re-Evaluate The Reporting Of Common Measures From Isokinetic Dynamometers: Isokinetic For Torque, Isotonic For Power, Brennan J. Thompson

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Isokinetic dynamometry is commonly used to provide an objective and reliable assessment of muscle function across a variety of clinical, athletic and research settings. Important muscle function variables that are commonly assessed are torque- and power-related measures. Isokinetic mode is overwhelmingly used to provide these variables, and has been so for decades; however, this mode may not be the best suited to examine power variables. The article aims to explore this issue through conceptual evaluation and empirical results using unpublished data. The implication is that due to the almost complete lack of unique information that power provides additional to torque …

Thriving Hives: Processing And Using Beeswax - Candles And Cosmetics, Brynn Meredith, Teresa Hunsaker, Andree' Walker Bravo

All Current Publications

Beeswax is a substance produced by bees for constructing honeycomb in a hive. When raw wax is harvested from the hive, it may be quite dirty and can have many different kinds of debris stuck in it. Because of this, it is important that you clean and process the wax before using it. This fact sheet will teach you how to process the wax that you harvest and provide some suggestions on how you can use it in your home.

The Utah Statesman, February 3, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Impacts Of Changing Temperatures On The Water Budget In The Great Salt Lake Basin, Grace Affram, Jihad Othman, Reza Morovati, Saddy Pineda Castellanos, Sajad Khoshnoodmotlagh, Diana Dunn, Braedon Dority, Katherine Osorio Diaz, Cody Ratterman, Wei Zhang

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

Quantifying the water budget in the Great Salt Lake (GSL) basin is a nontrivial task, especially under a changing climate that contributes to increasing temperatures and a shift towards more rainfall and less snowfall. This study examines the potential impacts of temperature thresholds on the water budget in the GSL, emphasizing the influence on snowmelt, evapotranspiration (ET), and runoff under varying climate warming scenarios. Current hydrological models such as the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model use a universal temperature threshold to partition snowfall and rainfall across different regions. Previous studies have argued that there is a wide range of thresholds …

Tremblings, February 2025, Western Aspen Alliance

Tremblings

Bridging Conservation Science With Native Meaning

James Calabaza, Indigenous Lands Director; Trees, Water & People

Last fall, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Western Aspen Alliance and other partners to carry out a 3-day workshop focused on quaking aspen genetics, fire ecology, and co-stewardship. Held at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (Gothic, Colorado), the workshop brought together academics, NGOs, federal agencies, and Tribal members to share diverse perspectives on aspen's significance and management futures.

Plasmids Encode And Can Mobilize Onion Pathogenicity In Pantoea Agglomerans, Gi Yoon Shin, Jo Ann Asselin, Amy Smith, Brenna Aegerter, Teresa Coutinho, Mei Zhao, Bhabesh Dutta, Jennie Mazzone, Ram Neupane, Beth Gugino, Christy Hoepting, Manzeal Khanal, Subas Malla, Claudia Nischwitz, Jaspreet Sidhu, Antoinette Machado Burke, Jane Davey, Mark Uchanski, Michael L. Derie, Lindsey J. Du Toit, Stephen Stresow-Cortez, Jean M. Bonasera, Paul Stodghill, Brian Kvitko

Biology Faculty Publications

Pantoea agglomerans is one of four Pantoea species reported in the USA to cause bacterial rot of onion bulbs. However, not all P. agglomerans strains are pathogenic to onion. We characterized onion-associated strains of P. agglomerans to elucidate the genetic and genomic signatures of onion-pathogenic P. agglomerans. We collected > 300 P. agglomerans strains associated with symptomatic onion plants and bulbs from public culture collections, research laboratories, and a multi-year survey in 11 states in the USA. Combining the 87 genome assemblies with 100 high-quality, public P. agglomerans genome assemblies we identified two well-supported P. agglomerans phylogroups. Strains causing severe …

Act-Enhanced Peer Coaching For Online Act Self-Help: Feasibility And Acceptability With College Students, Korena S. Klimczak, Michael P. Twohig, Gretchen G. Peacock, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Student Research

Objective: This secondary analysis examined the feasibility and acceptability of a novel peer coaching model designed to improve adherence to an online self-help program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), called ACT Guide. Participants: All participants (N = 152) and peer coaches were undergraduate students attending the same university. Methods: Participants were instructed to use ACT Guide for 10 weeks and were randomly assigned to receive weekly peer coaching through either phone calls or text messaging. Results: We found our peer coaching model to be feasible for delivery via phone and text, however acceptability …

“It Was Oddly Cathartic And Just Good - Freeing”: An Adaptation Of A Cognitive Restructuring Task For Non-Binary People Experiencing Sexual Objectification, Lee R. Pradell, Joshua G. Parmenter, Renee V. Galliher, Elizabeth Grace Wong, Kevin Chi, Hanna Huenemann, Lindsey Rowley, Sadie South

Psychology Student Research

The present study uses action research and critical trans theory frameworks to adapt a cognitive restructuring task to assist non-binary people in minimizing internalization from sexual objectification experiences (SOEs). Nine non-binary participants completed process charts documenting their experiences with SOEs. Participants also completed interviews about their experience with the process chart. Findings explored the nine categories of the process chart and the process of completing the process charts, highlighting the power participants reclaimed by interrogating objectifying sentiments and managing their environments in the wake of SOEs. We discuss utilizing our study’s process chart to better support marginalized people through SOEs.

The Utah Statesman, January 27, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Quantifying Dust Nutrient Mobility Through An Alpine Watershed, Jeffrey R. Nielson, Janice Brahney

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Dust has the potential to play a significant role in the nutrient dynamics of alpine watersheds with important ecological implications. However, little is known about how dust nutrients circulate through the environment and which watershed characteristics facilitate dust impacts on water quality. This study explored the contribution of dust-deposited nutrients, focusing on a high-elevation Long Term Ecological Research site, where dust samples have been continuously collected since 2017. We incorporated observed dust nutrient compositions, including fractions of inorganic and organic nitrogen and phosphorus, into a popular hydrological model, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, and ran simulations for 2019–2021. By …

The Utah Statesman, January 20, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Stabilizing A Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage Fighter Aircraft In Multiple Trim Scenarios, Benjamin C. Moulton, Matthew W. Harris, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

This paper considers the problem of stabilizing a bio-inspired fighter aircraft at its Air Combat Maneuver Condition in steady level and coordinated-turning flight. The aircraft equations of motion are linearized, and an infinite-horizon linear quadratic regulator design is conducted. The open-loop system is unstable in the short period and Dutch roll modes. This is mitigated in the closed-loop system, which is analyzed in the time and frequency domains. Included in the simulation dynamics are first-order actuator models, actuator deflection limits, and actuator rate limits. These are particularly important for this bio-inspired aircraft because control actuation requires rotation of the empennage, …

A Comprehensive Parcel-Level Dataset On Farmland Assessment: Addressing Grid-Cell Data Bias Estimation, Wai Yan Siu, Man Li, Arthur J. Caplan

Applied Economics Faculty Publications

Grid-cell data are increasingly used in research due to the growing availability and accessibility of remote sensing products. However, grid-cell data often fails to represent the actual decision-making unit, leading to biased estimates in socio-economic analysis. To this end, this paper presents a comprehensive parcel-level dataset for Salt Lake County, Utah, spanning from 2008 to 2018. This dataset combines detailed spatial and temporal data on land ownership, land use, and preferential farmland tax assessments under the Greenbelt program. Compiled from multiple geospatial sources, the dataset includes nearly 200,000 parcel-year observations, providing valuable insights into landowner decision-making and the impact of …

Halogeton And Greasewood Poisoning In Cattle And Sheep In Utah, E. Jane Kelly, Stephen T. Lee, Ammon Brown, Daniel Cook

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) is a fast-growing annual plant while greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) is a perennial shrub of the Western States. Oxalates are the toxic principle in halogeton and greasewood. Most losses occur when hungry animals are allowed to graze in heavy stands of halogeton and greasewood. Halogeton and greasewood are always dangerous and become more toxic as the growing season progresses. Here we report on two clinical cases of halogeton and greasewood poisoning in cattle and sheep. Histologically, oxalate crystals were observed in the kidneys of the cow and sheep consistent with oxalate poisoning. Oxalate was …

Refurbishing Used Gps Transmitters Improves Performance For Subsequent Deployments On Greater Sage-Grouse, Melissa S. Chelak, Michel T. Kohl, Justin R. Small, Kurt T. Smith, Aaron C. Pratt, Jeffrey L. Beck, Codi R. Backen, M. Brandon Flack, Hailey P. Wayment, Jason A. Wood, Ryan Howell, Trevon D. Strange, Lucian R. Mcdonald, Kezia R. Manlove, Shandra N. Frey, Randy T. Larsen, Brian A. Maxfield, David K. Dahlgren, Terry A. Messmer, David C. Stoner

Wildland Resources Student Research

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) radio transmitters are increasingly used across taxa to monitor animal populations. However, GPS transmitters can be susceptible to malfunctions that may result in location errors or data loss causing potential inferential bias that can have important implications for monitored species. Research using GPS transmitters on greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) has increased, but few sage-grouse studies have evaluated GPS performance. Because sage-grouse management has been subject to intense legal and political scrutiny with consequential economic implications, reliable data acquisition is central to informed decision-making for the species. We evaluated differences in the performance of …

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Of A Single-Session Digital Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Intervention, Michael E. Levin, Miriam N. Mukasa, Emily M. Bowers, Korena S. Klimczak, Ty B. Aller

Psychology Faculty Publications

Adherence challenges are common among digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). Single-session DMHIs may help by providing a low-intensity intervention that takes less time to complete. This pilot randomized controlled trial sought to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a single-session DMHI based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in a non-clinical sample of college students. The trial was pre-registered (NCT06139718). A total of 61 students were recruited, which was below the target of 100 participants. The participants were randomized to the single-session ACT DMHI or to a waitlist condition, with assessments completed at 1-week and 1-month follow-ups. The vast …

Keeping Kids Safe At Meals: Preventing And Responding To Choking, Mia Dustin, Savannah Daines, Stacy Bevan, Palak Gupta, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Introducing solid foods is an exciting developmental milestone, but it can also raise concerns about choking for parents and caregivers. Choking occurs when an object, such as food or a toy, blocks a child’s airway and prevents air from moving in and out of the lungs. This fact sheet offers practical guidance on how to prevent food-related choking, recognize the signs of a choking emergency, and what to do if a child is choking.

Career: The Behavioral, Hormonal, And Neural Basis Of Coyote Monogamy, Sara M. Freeman

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

The Utah Statesman, January 13, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

"It's Definitely New And Different...It's Really Engaging": Understanding The Power Of Storytelling Towards Secure Password Creation, Rizu Paudel, Mahdi Nasrullah Al-Ameen

Computer Science Student Research

There is a dearth in existing literature to attain systematic understanding of leveraging digital storytelling in security designs. As we begin to address this gap, we focused on user authentication where the existing password composition policies and password meters often fail to help users around creating a strong and memorable password. To this end, we conducted a lab study with 19 participants, where we updated our initial designs in an iterative manner based on their feedback. We then conducted a between-subject online study with 104 participants over Amazon Mechanical Turk to evaluate our designs. We found that all of our …

Species Differences In The Biotransformation Of Aflatoxin B1: Primary Determinants Of Relative Carcinogenic Potency In Different Animal Species, David L. Eaton, David E. Williams, Roger A. Coulombe

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

It has been known since the early days of the discovery of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) that there were large species differences in susceptibility to AFB1. It was also evident early on that AFB1 itself was not toxic but required bioactivation to a reactive form. Over the past 60 years there have been thousands of studies to delineate the role of ~10 specific biotransformation pathways of AFB1, both phase I (oxidation, reduction) and phase II (hydrolysis, conjugation, secondary oxidations, and reductions of phase I metabolites). This review provides a historical context and substantive analysis of each of these pathways as contributors …