Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public university in Hays, Kansas, United States. It is the fourth-largest of the six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents, with a total enrollment of approximately 15,100 students.
Understanding the prevalence and service needs of underserved populations affected by gender-based violence (GBV) is significant, given that their experiences are often underreported, and existing services frequently fall short of addressing their needs effectively. In this study, "underserved populations" is an overarching term referring to groups historically marginalized, underrepresented, and inadequately supported as victims of GBV. The types of services examined in the study include both direct forms, such as shelter and advocacy, and indirect approaches, including systemic interventions and policy reform and advocacy. The study involved 41 survey responses, including advocates, victim shelter staff, case managers for domestic violence victims, law enforcement, and legal professionals in a Midwestern state. The findings have shown significant service disparities, especially in rural areas, due to insufficient funding and support infrastructure. These disparities are exacerbated by factors such as isolated locations, conservative political climates, LGBTQIA+-hostile legislation, and victim-blaming attitudes. To effectively address these service disparities, it is important to improve the accessibility of services in rural areas to ensure victims in a service desert can access the support they need. Furthermore, advocating for comprehensive statewide policies is necessary to create a supportive environment for survivors.
ABSTRACT Intraspecific trait variation (ITV) is critical for plant adaptation, particularly under increasing drought. ITV arises from phenotypic plasticity and genetic differentiation, so identifying its sources improves understanding of population responses to drought. This study investigates how climate and genetics shape ITV and drought responses in Andropogon gerardii, a foundational Great Plains grass. To quantify climatic determinants of ITV, we conducted a common‐garden greenhouse experiment with 25 A. gerardii populations spanning wide temperature (4°C–21°C; Minnesota–Texas) and precipitation (350–1400 mm year−1; Colorado–North Carolina) gradients, measuring 17 functional traits. Populations were also genotyped to assess the genetic basis of ITV, and greenhouse–field trait comparisons were used to separate genetic and environmental effects. To test drought as a selective pressure, eight populations from a precipitation gradient (470–1350 mm year−1) were exposed to experimental drought (15% moisture vs. 30% control). We hypothesized that climate of origin, particularly precipitation, predicts ITV: dry‐origin populations would express conservative traits (higher water‐use efficiency, shorter stature), whereas wet‐origin populations would exhibit competitive traits (greater height, biomass). We further predicted that drought would reduce growth and delay flowering, with stronger effects in wet‐origin populations, and that trait variation would correspond with genetic differentiation. Precipitation was the strongest predictor of ITV. Principal component analyses revealed that wet‐origin populations displayed competitive traits, while arid populations showed conservative traits. Congruent genetic and trait PCAs confirmed a genetic basis for ITV, and consistent greenhouse–field patterns reinforced genetic control. Under drought, wet‐origin populations exhibited greater declines in height and photosynthesis, indicating drought as a key selective force. Overall, ITV in A. gerardii is primarily shaped by precipitation through genetically based trait responses, offering a predictive framework for grassland adaptation under future climate change.
Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm depicts a wonderful parallel between traditional farming practices and modern technological growing techniques (aeroponics) portrayed through a penpal relationship between two children. The book informs readers about agricultural practices and seasonal growth while also sending positive messages about diversity, independence, and women in science.
