Northern Arizona University

Existing scales mainly focus on danger-based threats of death and bodily harm to assess exposure to traumatic events in war zone. However, major provocations and transgression of deeply held values and moral beliefs, as well as witnessing the suffering of others can be as traumatic as fear-inducing danger-based events. This raises the need for scales that assess both danger and nondanger-based events among soldiers operating in modern war zones. Norwegian military personnel deployed to Afghanistan between late 2001 and end of 2020 were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey with a final sample size of 6,205 (males: n = 5,693; 91.7%; mean age = 41.93 years). We applied data reduction techniques (e.g., exploratory factor analysis, EFA, and exploratory graph analysis, EGA, through a community detection algorithm) to develop a 12-item, three-factor model (personal threat, traumatic witnessing, and moral injury) of the Warzone Stressor Exposure Index (WarZEI). Confirmatory factor analysis showed support for the factor model, with evidence of concurrent, discriminant, and incremental validity. These results indicate the WarZEI is a reliable and valid measure for assessing exposure to warzone stressors that allows for heterogeneity and the multidimensional nature of exposure to warzone stressors.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tokens are digital assets that integrate AI capabilities by operating on decentralized networks using AI algorithms in order to automate tasks, make intelligent decisions, and swiftly adapt based on data. Given that AI tokens are energy intensive assets, in this paper, we explore how major AI tokens are connected to oil, natural gas, and biofuel under extreme market movements using daily data from June 2019 to March 2024. We find that AI tokens are net transmitters of shocks while the entire energy sector is the net receiver of shocks at the return level. However, both AI tokens and oil are net transmitters of shocks at the volatility level. We also show that total dynamic connectedness significantly increased during the start of COVID‐19 pandemic and the Russian‐Ukraine war. Our quantile‐based connectedness analysis further shows that return and volatility connectedness is considerably higher at low and high quantiles, indicating that shocks to AI tokens spread more intensely during extreme market movements. These results indicate that AI tokens are subject to contagion and thus offer inadequate portfolio diversification under major market movements.

In recent years, the focus on student safety and well-being has intensified within educational settings, driven by national crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and school shootings and rates of student mental health decline. School mental health professionals (SMHPs) such as school counselors and school social workers are resources that schools can use as a protective factor against these threats to student well-being. However, role-based stressors preventing SMHPs from being appropriately integrated into the current educational environment such as high caseloads, financial insecurity, and a divisive political environment have accumulated in parallel to these events. Unfortunately there has been little systematic research on understanding factors to prevent stress, such as coworker support. Thus, this study delves into the daily tasks and stressors experienced by SMHPs, aiming to elucidate their roles, investigate patterns of daily activities linked to higher stress, and explore the moderating effects of perceived coworker support on SMHP stress levels. The study involved 36 school counselors and social workers funded under Arizona's School Safety Program who completed brief ecological momentary assessments (EMA) twice a week, reflecting on their experiences over the preceding days, for a duration of up to four weeks (n = 285 daily logs). Findings using latent class analysis reveal three distinct profiles of SMHP activities with high activity days associated with higher levels of stress. Additionally, coworker support was not significantly different between different profiles of days. Future research should include tasks outside the responsibilities of SMHPs, such as administrative tasks, to account for the growing body of research indicating these as additional SMHP stressors, as well as explore systemic factors that may contribute to these results.

Context Rapid Reviews are secondary studies aiming to deliver evidence to experts in a more timely manner and with lower costs than traditional literature reviews. Previous studies have shown that experts and researchers are positive toward Rapid Reviews. However, little is known about how Rapid Reviews differ from traditional Systematic Reviews. Objective The goal of this paper is to compare a Rapid Review with a Systematic Review in terms of their methods (e.g., search strategy, study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction) and findings to understand how optimizing the traditional Systematic Review method impacts what we obtain with Rapid Review. Method To achieve this goal, we conducted a Systematic Review with the same research questions answered by a pre‐existing Rapid Review and compared those two studies. Also, we surveyed experts from industry and academia to evaluate the relevance of the findings obtained from both the secondary studies. Results The Rapid Review lasted 6 days, while the Systematic Review took 1 year and 2 months. The main bottlenecks we identified in the Systematic Review are (i) executing the search strategy and (ii) selecting the procedure. Together, they took 10 months. The researchers had to analyze the information from 11,383 papers for the Systematic Review compared with 1973 for the Rapid Review. Still, most ( 78%) of the papers included in the Systematic Review were returned by the Rapid Review search, and some papers that could be included were unduly excluded during the Rapid Review's selection procedure. Both secondary studies identified the same number of pieces of evidence (30), but the pieces of evidence are not the same. Conclusion The Rapid Review and Systematic Review results are inherently different and complementary. The time and cost to conduct a Systematic Review can be prohibitive in experts' contexts. Thus, at least in such situations, a Rapid Review may be an adequate choice. Moreover, a Rapid Review may be executed in the experts' context as a previous low‐cost step before deciding to invest in a high‐cost Systematic Review.

Studies across various pathogens highlight the importance of pathogen genetic differences in disease manifestation. In the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, sequence type (ST) associates with patient outcome. We performed a meta-analysis of four genomic studies and identified overlapping gene regions associated with virulence, suggesting the importance of these gene regions in cryptococcal disease in diverse clinical isolates. We explored the relationship between virulence and strain genetic differences using the cryptococcosis mouse model and a closely related library of ST93 clinical isolates. We identified four in vivo virulence phenotypes: hypervirulence, typical virulence with CNS disease, typical virulence with non-CNS disease, and latent disease. Hypervirulent isolates were clade specific and associated with an interferon gamma (IFNγ) dominated immune response. Using a genome wide association study (GWAS), we identified nine genes with polymorphisms associated with IFNγ production, including the inositol sensor ITR4. The itr4Δ mutant recapitulated the hypervirulence phenotype and ITR4 affects expression of two IFNγ associated genes. Finally, we showed that IFNγ production is associated with SNPs that downregulate ITR4 and with SNP accumulation in other IFNγ associated genes. These data highlight the complex role of pathogen genetics in virulence and identify genes associated with hypervirulence and IFNγ in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Introduction This study tests the hypothesis that self‐reported somatic symptoms are associated with biomarkers of stress, including elevated blood pressure and suppressed immune function, among Shuar adults living in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Methods Research was conducted in three Shuar communities in the Upano Valley of the Ecuadorian Amazon and included the collection of biomarkers and a structured morbidity interview. Participants self‐reported somatic symptoms such as headaches, body pain, fatigue, and other bodily symptoms. We examined whether the number of somatic symptoms reported was associated with measures of immune (Epstein–Barr virus [EBV] antibodies) and cardiovascular (blood pressure) functioning in 97 Shuar adults (37 women, 60 men; ages 18–65 years). Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationships among somatic symptoms and stress biomarkers, controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), active infection, level of education, and income. Results Controlling for relevant covariates, Shuar adults reporting the highest level of somatic symptoms (three symptoms) were more likely to exhibit elevated systolic ( β = 0.20, p = 0.04) and diastolic blood pressure ( β = 0.23, p = 0.03), in comparison to adults reporting no symptoms. Shuar adults reporting two symptoms, compared to no symptoms, were more likely to exhibit elevated EBV antibody concentrations ( β = 0.34, p = < 0.01). Conclusions These preliminary findings demonstrate that somatic symptoms reported by Shuar men and women are associated with physiological measures widely associated with chronic psychosocial stress. These findings complement the cross‐cultural literature in medical anthropology documenting the close connection between the expression of somatic symptoms and stressful life circumstances and highlight the important role that human biologists can play in exploring biocultural phenomena.

This paper examines the unprecedented legislative changes currently sweeping the abortion landscape in the United States, and how such changes do not simply criminalize abortion but also uphold patriarchal social norms that extend beyond the issue of reproductive rights. Through a qualitative analysis of total and hyper-restrictive abortion bans from 2018 to 2022, we find that these bans typically involve seemingly “compassionate” exceptions and that they avoid criminalizing abortion seekers. While such elements are often framed as rooted in a concern for the well-being of pregnant persons, our analysis reveals the ways that this language ultimately reinforces patriarchal gender roles.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast that is the causative agent of cryptococcal meningitis. While it is well known that the genotype of C. neoformans impacts patient outcomes, the reason for this association has not been well elucidated. In this study, we examined the relationship between two subpopulations in the sequence type 93 clade of C. neoformans : ST93A and ST93B. We found extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) among the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that differentiate ST93A from ST93B. We also found differences in the extent of linkage among SNPs within each subpopulation; LD was more extensive within ST93B than ST93A. SNPs associated with virulence were in long-range linkage disequilibrium with less frequency than recurrent SNPs not associated with virulence. We investigated the karyotype of ST93A and ST93B using contour-clamped gel electrophoresis and long-read sequencing and found that the extensive long-range linkage was not due to chromosomal rearrangements. Overall, we found that the two subpopulations in ST93 are driven by SNPs in LD. We additionally found that recurrent SNPs associated with virulence were less frequently evolutionarily linked and were two times more likely to be independent, congruent mutations rather than tied to phylogeny. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans is an important pathogen that is widely distributed and ubiquitous in the environment. The majority of the human population has a latent, controlled infection suggesting that C. neoformans is uniquely adapted to cause infection. In spite of this, the reason C. neoformans is a pathogen remains unknown; interestingly, most environmental isolates are avirulent but are genetically very similar to disease-causing virulent isolates. Recent evidence from genome-wide association studies shows that small mutations in key virulence-associated genes are associated with the virulence of specific isolates. The data presented here provide an evolutionary framework for those small mutations. The mutations that impact disease are not being collected over long-term evolution. The mutations may instead occur independently during infection. Identifying these genes that are more likely to be mutated during infection will be fundamental for understanding C. neoformans virulence.

Seismic imaging is one of the most powerful tools available for constraining the internal structure and composition of planetary bodies as well as enabling our understanding planetary evolution, geology, and distribution of natural resources. However, traditional seismic instrumentation can be heavy and voluminous, expensive, and/or difficult to rapidly deploy in large numbers. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) provides a promising new alternative given the ease of deployment, light weight and simplicity of fiber optic cables. However, the feasibility and best operational practices for using DAS for planetary exploration are not well‐known. We examine the use of DAS with surface deployed fiber for planetary near‐surface seismic exploration at two lunar geophysical analogue sites in San Francisco Volcanic Field. We compare DAS recordings to 3‐component seismometer recordings and geophone shot recordings and determine empirical response functions for the DAS system with respect to the 3‐component recordings. Shot sections of DAS and traditional seismic equipment compare well visually, with similar moveout of identifiable phases. DAS records first arrivals in good agreement with seismometers making them suitable for refraction work. Multichannel analysis of surface waves is performed on DAS records to estimate shallow shear velocities. The DAS has high spectral coherence with the horizontal components of ∼0.7 in the frequency band of the seismic shot energy. The empirical response functions are stable with amplitudes of ∼1.0–3.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ m per strain. Finally, the phase response is linear but not flat or zero. Our experiment demonstrates that there is potential for surface deployed DAS in planetary landscapes.

This study investigated the severity of mistletoe infection on junipers and the relationship between tree characteristics, physiographic factors and mistletoe infection. The study was conducted in two protected areas: Parvar and Miankouh Tash in Semnan Province, Iran. A dwarf mistletoe‐infested area of 400 ha was sampled by placing a 250 × 250 m grid over a map of each study area. A 20 × 20 m (400 m ² ) plot was placed at the intersection of grid lines. This resulted in a total of 110 forested plots: 45 plots in Parvar and 65 plots in Miankouh Tash. In each plot, all live junipers were measured for total height, crown area, collar diameter and crown diameter. Mistletoe severity was estimated using the 6‐class dwarf mistletoe rating system (DMR). Dead trees were also recorded and examined for evidence of past mistletoe infection. The Boruta algorithm was used for feature selection, and the selected features were utilised for predicting DMR using a random forest (RF) model. Over 40% of junipers in the sample plots were infected and 7.5% were dead. Mortality was greater in severely infested plots compared to uninfested and lightly infested plots. The results of univariate analysis demonstrated that the largest trees across plots were more severely infected. Infection severity was highest on steep terrains (slopes more than 60%) where the largest junipers were growing. Based on Boruta feature selection algorithm, collar diameter, tree height and crown area of junipers have been detected as the most important variables for the explanation of infection severity. Crown diameter, geographical aspect, density of juniper trees, altitude and juniper canopy cover were classified as tentative variables in this model. Slope percentage beside two variables related to stand characteristics including all woody species (basal area and tree density) were the rejected variables. The correlation coefficient ( r ) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the predictions by RF and the measured DMR were 0.83 and 0.53 respectively. These results indicate that the selected environmental variables can be used for spatial prediction of DMR in both study areas. Because increased mortality was observed for severely infected areas, more efficient management methods are needed to control the dwarf mistletoe populations in the Alborz Mountains.

This article reevaluates the evidence for the Carian and Chrysaorean leagues, arguing against the view that they were imperially driven political institutions. Rather than serving as mechanisms for ruler-subject relations, a role already filled by the polis, these leagues suggest a desire by inhabitants of Caria to maintain and renegotiate regional religious and ethnic commonality in the face of a broader cultural discourse that associated “Carian” with the barbarian.

Forest management activities that are intended to improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire generate low‐value woody biomass, which is often piled and open‐burned for disposal. This leads to greenhouse gas emissions, long‐lasting burn scars, air pollution, and increased risk of escaped prescribed fire. Converting low‐value biomass into biochar can be a promising avenue for advancing forest sustainability and carbon neutrality. Biochar can be produced either in a centralized facility or by using place‐based techniques that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and generate a high‐carbon product with diverse applications. This review explores the multifaceted roles of biochar produced from low‐value biomass during forest restoration activities in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. First, the ecological benefits are evaluated, including soil restoration, nutrient cycling, and vegetation enhancement, which are pivotal for restoring post‐disturbance forest health and enhancing resilience to future disturbance. Second, we evaluate the role of biochar in carbon sequestration and carbon neutrality objectives, which also foster sustainable soil practices and sustainable forest management. In addition, we highlight biochar markets, commercialization, and carbon credit interactions as emerging mechanisms to incentivize biomass utilization for biochar. The integration of biochar made from low‐value woody residues from forest restoration can enhance restoration strategies, engage stakeholders in sustainable land management practices, and mitigate environmental problems while enhancing the resilience of forest ecosystems to future disturbances. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging low‐value woody biomass for biochar production as a strategic resource for achieving comprehensive forest restoration goals and fostering sustainable development in forested landscapes.

Coevolution between plants and their animal predators has led to diverse defensive adaptations. Multiple theories of defense propose that there are resource allocation costs associated with producing chemical defenses. One leading hypothesis, optimal defense theory (ODT), suggests that natural selection will result in the allocation of resources to defenses that optimize the cost‐to‐benefit ratio between defense and other functional processes. The population decline of the rare subalpine wetland species, Arizona willow (Salix arizonica), has been attributed to various biotic and abiotic factors, with browsing from wild and domestic ungulates as a significant concern for at least three decades. In a field experiment using natural populations, we compare the relationship between phytochemical defense and height in Arizona willows with and without long‐term protection from browsing via browse exclosures. Consistent with the predictions of ODT, individuals with physical protection from ungulate browsing for multiple years had significantly lower phenolic glycoside (PG) concentrations and increased plant height compared to unprotected individuals. A similar pattern was found across all individuals, whereby total PG concentration and height were negatively correlated. In a short‐term experiment in natural populations, changes in levels of defense were not observed when plants received protection for only one growing season. The contrasting pattern of defense plasticity in response to long‐term versus short‐term physical protection suggests a differential plastic response in this long‐lived species. Delayed reduction in PG concentration may serve as a benefit to avoid mismatches between environmental cues and responses. Our research sheds light on the intricate dynamics between plant‐defense strategies, environmental pressures, and evolutionary adaptations in shaping plant–browser interactions.

Scholarly podcasts offer one way to make research freely available to a broad public audience for the purposes of knowledge dissemination. Some researchers may find it difficult to engage in public knowledge sharing while aligning with their institution’s demands for positive impacts on the university’s standardized metrics and rankings. This interpretive single case study addresses the value of scholarly podcasts, measured and communicated through factors of impact and success. With qualitative and quantitative data, through Rogers’s diffusion of innovation theory, we aim to define and quantify the impacts of scholarly podcasting. For podcasting to become an institutionalized part of the research dissemination process, a fundamental shift must occur in how researchers and academia valuate public scholarship. Findings indicate that basic quantitative data—such as number of downloads and geographic reach, and the Podcast Success Index with supplementary data—may support scholarly podcasters to communicate the value of their work.

In water‐limited dryland ecosystems of the Western United States, climate change is intensifying the impacts of heat, drought, and wildfire. Disturbances often lead to increased abundance of invasive species, in part, because dryland restoration and rehabilitation are inhibited by limited moisture and infrequent plant recruitment events. Information on ecological resilience to disturbance (recovery potential) and resistance to invasive species can aid in addressing these challenges by informing long‐term restoration and conservation planning. Here, we quantified the impacts of projected future climate on ecological resilience and invasion resistance (R&R) in the sagebrush region using novel algorithms based on ecologically relevant and climate‐sensitive predictors of climate and ecological drought. We used a process‐based ecohydrological model to project these predictor variables and resulting R&R indicators for two future climate scenarios and 20 climate models. Results suggested widespread future R&R decreases (24%–34% of the 1.16 million km² study area) that are generally consistent among climate models. Variables related to rising temperatures were most strongly linked to decreases in R&R indicators. New continuous R&R indices quantified responses to climate change; particularly useful for areas without projected change in the R&R category but where R&R still may decrease, for example, some of the areas with a historically low R&R category. Additionally, we found that areas currently characterized as having high sagebrush ecological integrity had the largest areal percentage with expected declines in R&R in the future, suggesting continuing declines in sagebrush ecosystems. One limitation of these R&R projections was relatively novel future climatic conditions in particularly hot and dry areas that were underrepresented in the training data. Including more data from these areas in future updates could further improve the reliability of the projections. Overall, these projected future declines in R&R highlight a growing challenge for natural resource managers in the region, and the resulting spatially explicit datasets provide information that can improve long‐term risk assessments, prioritizations, and climate adaptation efforts.

Nigeria's 2024 National Policy on Health Workforce Migration confronts a fundamental challenge: rebuilding trust between healthcare workers and government. Using Mayer, Davis, and Schoorman's organizational trust framework, this analysis explores how trust shapes healthcare workers' migration decisions. Drawing from comparative African experiences and implementation evidence, this paper argues that without addressing core issues of trust through demonstrated policy implementation, sustained commitment to workforce welfare, and competitive compensation, even well‐designed retention policies will struggle to retain Nigeria's health workers.