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Engagement with mHealth Alcohol Interventions: User Perspectives on an App or Chatbot-Delivered Program to Reduce Drinking
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Research suggests participant engagement is a key mediator of mHealth alcohol interventions’ effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption among users. Understanding the features that promote engagement is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of mHealth-delivered alcohol interventions. The purpose of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to mHealth alcohol intervention utilization among hazardous-drinking participants who were randomized to use either an app (Step Away) or Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot-based intervention for reducing drinking (the Step Away chatbot). We conducted semi-structured interviews from December 2019 to January 2020 with 20 participants who used the app or chatbot for three months, identifying common facilitators and barriers to use. Participants of both interventions reported that tracking their drinking, receiving feedback about their drinking, feeling held accountable, notifications about high-risk drinking times, and reminders to track their drinking promoted continued engagement. Positivity, personalization, gaining insight into their drinking, and daily tips were stronger facilitator themes among bot users, indicating these may be strengths of the AI chatbot-based intervention when compared to a user-directed app. While tracking drinking was a theme among both groups, it was more salient among app users, potentially due to the option to quickly track drinks in the app that was not present with the conversational chatbot. Notification glitches, technology glitches, and difficulty with tracking drinking data were usage barriers for both groups. Lengthy setup processes were a stronger barrier for app users. Repetitiveness of the bot conversation, receipt of non-tailored daily tips, and inability to self-navigate to desired content were reported as barriers by bot users. To maximize engagement with AI interventions, future developers should include tracking to reinforce behavior change self-monitoring and be mindful of repetitive conversations, lengthy setup, and pathways that limit self-directed navigation.Ye
Formerly used defense sites on Unalaska Island, Alaska: Mapping a legacy of environmental pollution
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Link to open source version on publisher website. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.4902Unalaska Island, Alaska, served as a US military base during World War II. The military installed bases on Unalaska and nearby islands, many of which were built adjacent to Unangan communities. The military used toxic compounds in its operations and left a legacy of pollution that may pose health risks to residents and local wildlife. The goals of this study were to identify hotspots of contamination remaining at Unalaska formerly used defense (FUD) sites, evaluate the risk posed by arsenic, and examine “no US Department of Defense action indicated” (NDAI) status determinations for FUD sites near communities. We compiled soil chemistry data from remediation reports prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers at 18 FUD sites on and near Unalaska. Nine had past and/or active remediation projects and on-site sampling data. Eight sites did not have sampling data and were characterized as NDAI. One site was listed as closed. For the nine sites with sampling data, we compiled data for 22 contaminants of concern (COC) and compared concentrations to soil cleanup levels for human health (18 AAC 75.341). We mapped contaminant concentrations exceeding these levels to identify hotspots of contamination. We found that concentrations of some of the 22 COC exceeded Alaska cleanup levels despite remediation efforts, including diesel range organics, arsenic, and lead. The highest COC concentrations were at the FUD site adjacent to the City of Unalaska. A quantitative risk assessment for arsenic found that the risk of exposure through drinking water is low. We highlight concerns with NDAI designations and current remedial practices at remote FUD sites located adjacent to communities. Our data suggest the need for further remediation and monitoring efforts on Unalaska for certain contaminants and research to examine potential threats to human and animal health associated with these sites.Ye
2023 Alaska Seismicity Summary
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The Alaska Earthquake Center reported 45,546 seismic events in Alaska and neighboring regions in 2023. The largest earthquake was a magnitude 7.2 event that occurred on July 16 in the Alaska Peninsula region. It was a late aftershock of the 2020 M7.8 Simeonof Earthquake. Other strong earthquakes include the October 16 M6.4 and December 21 M6.1 earthquakes in the Andreanof Islands region of the Aleutian Islands. The largest earthquake in mainland Alaska, magnitude 5.4, occurred in the lower Cook Inlet region on March 19. We continued to monitor ongoing activity within the 2018 M7.1 Anchorage, 2018 M6.4 Kaktovik, 2018 M7.9 Offshore Kodiak, 2020 M7.8 Simeonof, and 2021 M8.2 Chignik aftershock sequences, the Purcell Mountains earthquake swarm, and the Wright Glacier cluster northeast of Juneau. All aftershock sequences continued to slow down compared to the previous years.1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Notable seismic events 3.1. October 16 M6.4 and December 21 M6.1 earthquakes in Andreanof Islands 3.2. March 19 M5.3 earthquake in southern Cook Inlet 3.3. Landslides 3.4. Volcanic events 4. Ongoing aftershock sequences and swarms 4.1. 2018 M7.1 Anchorage aftershock sequence 4.2. 2020 M7.8 Simeonof aftershock sequence 5. Glacial seismicity and Wright Glacier cluster 6. Acknowledgments 7. Reference
Alaska Earthquake Center Quarterly Technical Report October-December 2023
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This series of technical quarterly reports from the Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC) includes detailed summaries and updates on Alaska seismicity, the AEC seismic network and stations, field work, our social media presence, and lists publications and presentations by AEC staff. Multiple AEC staff members contribute to this report. It is issued in the following month after the completion of each quarter Q1: January-March, Q2: April-June, Q3: July-September, and Q4: October-December. The first report was published for January-March, 2021.1. Introduction 2. Seismicity 3. Field network 4. Data quality assurance 4.1 Seismic data 4.2 Environmental data 5. Real-time earthquake detection system 6. Computer systems 6.1 Computer resources 6.2 Waveform storage 6.3 Metadata 6.4 Software development 7. Fieldwork 8. Social media and outreach 8.1 Website 8.2 Twitter/X 8.3 Facebook 8.4 K-12 and community outreach 9. Publications and presentations 9.1 Publications 9.2 Public presentations 9.3 GI Geoscience lunch seminar talks 10. References Appendix A: Data availability for broadband stations from the AK network. Appendix B: Gaps for broadband stations from the AK network
Optimized and Integrated Project Schedule Management Methodology for Ensuring Suitability, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Cost-Constrained Affordable Housing Program in Anchorage, Alaska
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A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Project ManagementThe housing deficit in Alaska is growing annually. The Municipality of Anchorage is in dire need of Affordable Housing. The housing sector has been the bedrock of most developed nations' economies. Housing construction indices are vital for measuring economic developments in emerging countries. Urban dwellers make up about 55% of the global population. This share is predicted to rise dramatically by 2030, adding 1.6 billion people to urban regions. Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly India, China, and Nigeria, will account for 90% of this rise. (U.N. 2020). The building sector wants to alleviate Alaska's affordable housing shortfall, but government regulations, an ailing economy, and a dysfunctional appraisal system impede the process. Land, weather, and construction materials limit affordable housing deliveries. This research investigates how project management might create affordable homes, focusing on scheduling, stakeholder management, budget, risk, and quality. To ensure the acceptability and viability of a cost-constrained affordable housing program in Anchorage, Alaska, this project will optimize and integrate project schedule management. It will address the following: • Create a strong scheduling plan to build 500 to 1000 dwelling units in 12 months • Develop an efficient schedule management approach and communication tools plan to assist contractors, vendors, city officials, and stakeholders in affordable housing developmen
Alaska Earthquake Center Quarterly Technical Report January-March 2023
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This series of technical quarterly reports from the Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC) includes detailed summaries and updates on Alaska seismicity, the AEC seismic network and stations, field work, our social media presence, and lists publications and presentations by AEC staff. Multiple AEC staff members contribute to this report. It is issued in the following month after the completion of each quarter Q1: January-March, Q2: April-June, Q3: July-September, and Q4: October-December. The first report was published for January-March, 2021.1. Introduction 2. Seismicity 3. Field network 4. Data Quality assurance 4.1 Seismic data 4.2 Environmental data 5. Real-time earthquake detection system 6. Computer systems 6.1 Computer resources 6.2 Waveform storage 6.3 Metadata 6.4 Software development 7. Fieldwork 8. Social media and outreach 8.1 Website 8.2 Twitter 8.3 Facebook Page 9. Publications and presentations 9.1 Publications 9.2 Public Presentations 9.3 Lunch Seminar Talks 10. References Appendix A: Data availability for broadband stations from the AK network. Appendix B: Gaps for broadband stations from the AK network
Development of an Acoustic Method to Collect Studded Tire Traffic Data
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Travel during winter months remains particularly problematic in the Pacific Northwest due to the regular occurrence of inclement weather in the form of snow and ice during freezing and sub-freezing conditions. For travelers and commuters alike, vehicle traction in the form of studded tires serves to provide an added level of driving confidence when weather conditions deteriorate. However, recurring studded tire usage causes damage to the roadway infrastructure in the form of surface wear and rutting over time. Left unattended, this damage contributes to challenging and potentially dangerous driving conditions in the form of standing water and the increased potential for hydroplaning. Currently, an efficient and automated method to collect site-specific studded tire traffic volumes is lacking. While studded tire usage can be locally estimated based on manual roadway traffic counts, parking lot counts, or household surveys, the lack of real-world traffic volumes prevents the fine-tuning of roadway deterioration models that measure performance and estimate infrastructure life. This project tested the use of off-the-shelf sound meters to determine if an acoustic method could be developed to measure studded tire volumes. Based on the results, a prediction model was developed to allow for data-driven solutions that will benefit local transportation officials, planners, and engineers responsible for managing highways and roadways
An Assessment of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists' Attitudes and Behaviors in Culinary Medicine and the role of the RDN
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A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER of SCIENCE in Dietetics and NutritionCulinary medicine (CM) is an emerging practice that combines evidence-based guidelines for health and disease management with practical food preparation techniques.1,2 Americans spend little time in the kitchen. Meanwhile, chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are increasingly common in the American population. CM can teach practical, buildable skills to help alleviate these conditions. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who are well-positioned to be leaders in CM interventions but current research suggests an overall lack of understanding in how RDNs engage in CM in their work. Most RDNs work in the clinical setting, which suggests that culinary skills interventions are not necessarily a priority or a feasible option in their jobs. The objective of this project was to understand the RDNs’ attitudes and behaviors in CM and their role in CM. An electronic survey was sent to 4,865 RDNs utilizing the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Research Request Application process. A total of 175 RDNs completed the survey. The results showed that overall RDNs have good exposure to culinary activities in the didactic setting but once they reach supervised practice, they receive almost no cooking education. This lack of exposure in supervised practice may explain why RDNs do not use CM to its full potential, because they have not been taught a practical application of it in the work setting. RDNs reported confidence in cooking but seem unsure if they have the education and training needed to provide CM to patients. This project provided more insight into RDN work activities and revealed the importance of continuing culinary education for RDNs
Blonde Indian: Audiobook
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Blonde Indian read by the author in audio files.In the spring, the bear returns to the forest, the glacier returns to its source, and the salmon returns to the fresh water where it was spawned. Drawing on the special relationship that the Native people of southeastern Alaska have always had with nature, Blonde Indian is a story about returning